I’m sorry to say I told you so, but … I told you so. The CloneX debacle as an example points to a larger problem. More importantly, it exposes the undue reliance on the fragility of slapping a “Web3” sticker on whatever centralized ecosystem you’ve created. We're talking about supposed digital ownership, held hostage by Cloudflare's terms of service. The irony is as heavy as a sneakerhead convention.

Centralized Cloudflare, Decentralized NFTs? Really?

Let's break it down. Nike/RTFKT’s CloneX NFTs were meant to embody the cutting edge of digital identity. Then all their images mysteriously disappeared from OpenSea and Blur. Poof. Gone. In its place was a warning about breaching Cloudflare’s terms of service. Now that centralized behemoth Cloudflare single-handedly pulled the plug on what was supposed to be your digital asset.

Think about that for a minute. You might “own” an NFT, but you don’t actually have the power to decide where its image is stored. It’s like owning a house where someone else owns the front door. How can you truly own something if it relies on a centralized entity that can censor or restrict access at will? This isn’t about decentralization, it’s about decentralization theater.

Inherent Fragility Exposed for All

This CloneX debacle is just yet another example of corporate Web3’s emperor’s new clothes. These companies are dipping their toes in, trying to capitalize on the hype without truly embracing the foundational principles of decentralization, permissionlessness, and ownership. They want the same profit as before without the necessary paradigm shift.

Instead, they put their home on top of somebody else’s property and are surprised when they are kicked off.

Who suffers the most? The little guys, the indies, the small makers and shakers who are the ones actually making this the authentic Web3. These events negatively impact those communities that are least able to afford to adapt through these new concentrated traps.

Arweave: A Real Solution or Just a Band-Aid?

Moving the entirety of the CloneX collection onto Arweave, a decentralized storage solution. Alright, that’s some good progress there. Using Arweave, a permanent and immutable data storage option, promises to keep these NFTs retrievable forever and ever.

As tempting as it is to get excited about Arweave, let’s not pretend that it’s a silver bullet. It has its limitations. We know it’s not a perfect system — we’re still developing it, still innovating. But it's a start. It’s an acknowledgement that connecting decentralized assets with centralized infrastructure is a disaster waiting to happen.

The Clock is Ticking Down

RTFKT plans to shutter its Web3 operations by January 2025. What does that signal about Nike’s intentions and long-term commitment to the space? Are they just experimenting? Or are they just pulling the plug when it gets too complicated or not enough return? It doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

This isn't just about Nike or RTFKT. It's about the entire NFT market. It's a wake-up call. We require the creation of a sustainable, transparent, and decentralized infrastructure. Going forward, we must support solutions that promote innovation, creators and protect user activity, not ones that double down on the status quo of centralized enforcement.

Decentralization or Bust!

This is not solely a technical challenge, but a political one. Centralized control is inherently anti-innovation and anti-freedom. It stifles creativity and empowers gatekeepers. We need to actively build and support truly decentralized NFT infrastructure. We need to be skeptical of the motives of the big corporations rushing into the Web3 space.

Don't let them co-opt the revolution. But don’t let them fool you into believing that decentralization is just some new marketing buzzword. Demand true decentralization. Build it yourself. Support those who are building it.

The CloneX disaster was not the death knell for Web3, but it might be walking the dog on centralized Web3. Now, it’s up to us to make it so. The time for action is now.

So, what can you do?

  • Demand Transparency: Ask NFT projects where their data is stored and how they are ensuring its long-term accessibility.
  • Support Decentralized Solutions: Explore and support projects that are building decentralized storage and infrastructure.
  • Build!: If you're a developer, get involved in building decentralized alternatives.
  • Question Everything: Don't blindly trust big brands entering the Web3 space. Do your research and ask tough questions.

The CloneX fiasco isn't the end of Web3, but it could be the end of centralized Web3. It's up to us to make it so. The time for action is now.