Crypto. The term itself is enough to inspire visions of stampeding bulls, plummeting bears and perhaps a Shiba Inu or two. We’ve all heard the horn toots, the selfies with stacks of cash, and seen the scams and shams. But scratch beneath the surface of the get-rich-quick schemes and you'll find something far more potent: a burgeoning culture, a new digital aesthetic that, surprisingly, holds the key to building real community and driving positive social change. I’m not referring to irrational optimism and blind faith in “number go up” technology. I'm talking about harnessing the power of crypto's marketing to empower the underserved.
Crypto Needs a New Coat of Paint
Let’s not kid ourselves, the crypto industry has a PR nightmare on their hands. The never-ending emphasis on technological magic tricks and opaque financial vehicles makes the general public feel alienated, confused or even hostile. We have to leave the transportation speak behind and adopt a new style that puts people first. The core theme from recent analysis is that successful projects in the current crypto landscape prioritize marketing and user experience over pure technological innovation. And it’s not just doing the science well, it’s about creating that narrative and reaching out to a broader audience.
Think of memes, for example. Yet they seem so banal on their face. Their true power is as the universal internet language, conveying nuanced topics in an accessible and highly shareable format. Let’s spread the word via memes and other creative marketing techniques to make entry less intimidating. Then we can get a lot more people to participate in the crypto revolution! This isn’t dumbing it down, this is about making it accessible. Picture financial literacy campaigns rolled out through attention grabbing memes or NFTs that grant you access to exclusive educational material. The potential is huge if we shift from talking at people to talking with them.
From Lambos to Libraries? A Moral Imperative
Imagine if we could channel the same energy and creativity that drives crypto marketing into social good. Imagine if we stopped trying to hype up the next celebrity coin. Instead, let’s orient our efforts around supporting marginalized communities—equipping them with the digital tools and expertise necessary to prosper in the tech-driven world!
Included among these issues are the ways that crypto can be used to empower South Asian communities and other underbanked groups. Now, imagine using NFTs to grant access to primary education, difference-making healthcare, or life-changing micro-loans. Now, picture building decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) that empower these communities to have a seat at the table in the decisions that impact their daily lives. The important thing is to get past the speculative gold rush and start to develop some serious utility in the real world.
Here's the kicker. Apparently the current VC model is missing the mark. As the article points out, VCs are sometimes overly reliant on easily manipulated data like TVL, leading to poor investment decisions. Join us in taking the long view – away from immediate profit and toward lasting value for all stakeholders. We can no longer afford to invest in projects with little regard for their social impact. Let’s look for and lift up stories of crypto success that inspire awe and joy. These stories highlight what’s important beyond the bottom line—real progress that matters. We have a competitive advantage with surprise and curiosity when we draw attention to unexpected use cases of blockchain technology for social good.
Royalties for the Rest of Us
…recognition as one of the industry’s experts on NFT royalties. I think paired together they can move us towards a more fair and more equitable digital economy. Picture this: artists from developing countries receiving a share of each subsequent resale of their art. That way artists get paid what they deserve for their creative work well after the initial sale. This is not only about the short-term support for individual artists – it’s about creating long-term, sustainable creative ecosystems that can help strengthen and empower whole communities.
Yet, at the same time, we have to recognize the ethical implications associated with the deployment of marketing and promotion in a crypto and financial product space. Scams, fraud and exploitation are a major threat. It’s imperative that we push back on irresponsible marketing practices that mislead consumers and place a greater burden on our communities. We must not allow them to demonize the anger and outrage that is a natural response to their fruitless manipulative marketing tactics. We need to counter the anxiety and fear that fuels these scams by fostering transparency and providing financial education.
At the end of the day, the future of crypto will be determined by whether we’re able to unlock its potential for good. This should be the time to get past the hype. Instead, let’s focus on what will actually get us there — real communities, stronger people, a better — equal and more equitable — world. Let’s use the beauty of crypto to build a better world. Join us, and help us create a positive impact with every meme, every NFT, and every pixelated community we create! The real promise of crypto isn’t in the technology, but it’s in the communities that the technology can help foster. And we, the users, the builders, the dreamers, have the power to create a community that is one of adventure and innovation. Just like are we building a lambo dealership, or a library. The choice is ours.