Arweave: The Permanent Web Blockchain for Data That Never Dies

When you upload a photo, video, or document online, it doesn’t last forever. Servers crash, companies shut down, and links break. But Arweave, a blockchain designed to store data permanently with a one-time payment. Also known as the permaweb, it lets anyone pay once and have their data stored for 200+ years—no subscriptions, no middlemen, no risk of deletion. Unlike cloud storage or even IPFS, Arweave doesn’t rely on ongoing fees or node incentives. It uses a novel consensus model called Proof of Access, where miners are rewarded not just for storing recent data, but for keeping old data accessible. This turns storage into a long-term investment, not a rental.

Arweave isn’t just about saving memes or blog posts. It’s being used by archives, museums, and even governments to preserve critical records. The Arweave token, the native currency used to pay for storage and reward miners. Also known as PERM, it’s the economic engine that keeps the network running. People buy tokens to pay for storage upfront, and miners earn them by proving they’re still holding old files. This creates a self-sustaining loop: the more data stored, the more value the network gains. Meanwhile, decentralized storage, a broader category that includes Arweave, IPFS, and Filecoin. Also known as web3 storage, it’s the foundation of a new internet where data isn’t owned by corporations. Arweave stands out because it doesn’t require constant monitoring or active participation to keep data alive. Once paid for, it’s guaranteed.

What you’ll find in this collection are real stories about how Arweave is being used—and misused. You’ll see how people are archiving NFT metadata, preserving open-source code, and even storing entire websites that can’t be taken down. But you’ll also find warnings: fake airdrops pretending to be Arweave-related, scams selling "free" storage, and projects that claim to be on Arweave but actually use centralized servers. This isn’t theory. These are real cases, real mistakes, and real lessons from people who’ve been burned. Whether you’re a developer, an archivist, or just someone who wants their data to survive the next tech crash, what’s here will help you cut through the noise and understand what Arweave can— and can’t—do for you.