According to Odaily, the NFT project CyberKongz has announced that its Rune Project No. 2 and the pre-Rune series NFTs, Prometheans, are now under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license. This means that all intellectual property rights associated with these projects have been relinquished, granting the community full freedom to use, modify, and build upon them.

The team emphasized that this decision does not affect the ownership or rights of holders of the Untitled series NFTs. All rights associated with the Untitled series will remain with their respective owners.

Solana (SOL) hit another record: Today, it has over 75 million monthly active addresses. The surge speaks to growing popularity of the network, especially in areas like developer and user activity within the decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi, and NFT sectors.

With such an increase in Solana’s activities, the platform stretches even further away from others as it remains one of the most scalable and efficient blockchains available.

Despite this positive momentum, recent market activity has seen significant volatility for SOL. On September 18, Solana experienced $121,000 in short liquidations and nearly $3.20 million in long liquidations, with Binance seeing the majority of the long positions liquidated. This heavy liquidation of long positions signals that traders might be cautious about the near-term price movements of Solana.

Price Forecast Shows Potential

While short-term volatility is a concern, Solana’s price forecast points to a brighter future. Currently, SOL is trading 14.59% below its estimated value for next month, indicating short-term bearish pressure. However, the price is predicted to grow by 2.59% over the next three months, with even stronger growth expected further down the road.

In six months, Solana’s price could surge by 115%, with a 52% increase projected over the next year. This indicates that though the short-term future is not so promising, Solana is a big investment prospect in the long-run.

At the time of writing, SOL is trading at $141.21 up 10.1% and 4.1% in the daily and weekly timeframes, data from Coingecko shows.

Surge In User Activity

One of the key factors why Solana has strong potential is that it has an increasingly growing user base. Active addresses on the network increased exponentially, from mid-2023, and stood at 75.2 million in absolute terms so far.

That reflects that Solana is scaling well and can process large volumes of transactions while the fees are low; more developers and users flocked to the platform, and Solana’s ecosystem continues to grow.

This user growth isn’t just a short-term phenomenon. The launch of new features and updates in the coming months could further accelerate adoption, particularly in the DeFi and NFT spaces where scalability is a key factor.

A Network For The Future?

The growth in active addresses as well as the bright price forecast should put Solana on stable ground. Although liquidations and sideways movement in near-term might raise some concerns among the investors, the long run looks promising.

For now, investors may need to be cautious about short-term volatility, but Solana’s long-term prospects remain solid. Those looking to invest for the future may find Solana’s current price a good entry point before the predicted growth takes hold.

Featured image from Protos, chart from TradingView

Source: NewsBTC.com

The post Solana Active Addresses Hit 75 Million As SOL Breaches $140 appeared first on Crypto Breaking News.

According to PANews, the NFT Pump platform Mint.Rich has seen substantial activity in its first week of operation. On-chain data reveals that over 1,400 Meme NFT projects have been launched on the platform. Among these, the MintPac project, which is based on the ERC404 protocol standard, has experienced a remarkable increase in value, surging more than 200 times. This makes MintPac one of the most successful Meme NFT projects on the Mint.Rich platform.

The non-fungible token market has yet to heal after a brutal meltdown that resulted in many NFTs losing their floor price values in the past several months. Bitcoin ordinals, which used to be a hot topic several months ago, are a perfect example, having flipped more than 90% in trading sales volume in the past three months. In this article, we shall assess what went wrong with these Bitcoin-based non-fungible token collections.

Bitcoin NFTs Are Down 90% In The Past 90 Days

Data compiled by Tiexo.com, an on-chain multi-chain non-fungible token explorer and analytic hub, indicates that Bitcoin-based NFTs have drastically fallen in trading sales volume. In the past three months, Bitcoin-based NFTs, which include Runes, Ordinals, and BRC-20 NFTs, have recorded a trading sales volume of $189 million, representing a 90% plunge from Q2 2024.

During this time, Magic Eden, a cross-chain NFT marketplace, has been the most-traded NFT marketplace with 2,083 BTC, taking 92% of the total market share. Unisat, Ordinals wallets, Ordinals markets and Gamma have distantly followed Magic Eden, with 206 BTC, 19.25 BTC, 1.62 BTC and 1.42 BTC. Below, we have listed five top-selling Bitcoin-based NFT collections:

1. NodeMonkes NFT Collection

In the past three months, NodeMonkes, a non-fungible token collection featuring a limited set of 10,000 NFTs, has been the top-selling NFT collection on the Bitcoin network. During this period, the NodeMonkes NFT collection has amassed a trading sales volume of $25 million, down 54% from Q2 2024. The NodeMonkes NFT collection has a floor price of $5,059.

2. Runestone NFT Collection

Runestone, a non-fungible token collection featuring a limited set of 112,400 NFTs created using Runes, a new protocol launched by Ordinals founder Casey Rodarmor for issuing fungible tokens, is the second most selling in the past three months. During this time, the Runestones NFT collection has raised a trading sales volume of $21 million, representing an 87% plunge from Q2 2024. The Runestones NFT collection has a floor price of $389.

3. Bitcoin Puppets NFT Collection

Bitcoin Puppets, a collection of 10,001 unique profile pictures hand-drawn in MS Paint by a 12-year-old kid, has been the third most-selling NFT collection in the Bitcoin NFT market in the past three months. During this time, the Bitcoin Puppets NFT collection has amassed a trading sales volume of $16 million, down 74% from the previous Q2,2024. The Bitcoin Puppets NFT collection has a floor price of $9,073.

4. Quantum Cats NFT Collection

Quantum Cats, a non-fungible token collection from the Taproot wizard featuring a limited set of 3333 Ordinals, has been the fourth most traded NFT collection on the Bitcoin NFT market in the past three months. During this time, Quantum Cats NFT collection has recorded a trading sales volume of $12.2 million. The Quantum Cats NFT collection has a floor price of $14,058.

5. Ordinal Maxi Biz NFT Collection

Ordinal Maxi Biz, an ordinals collection from ZK Shark and Tafuro featuring a limited edition of 5,141 unique, hand-drawn NFTs inscribed on the Bitcoin network, each featuring distinctive eye colour traits based on the specific block they were created, is the fifth most-selling NFT collection in the Q3, 2024. Ordinals Maxi Biz has garnered a trading sales volume of $6.04 million in the past three months, down 72% from Q2, 2024.

What Went Wrong?

Bitcoin Ordinals have experienced a rapid decline in the past several months, moving from one of the hottest topics to subjects of wary speculation. Bitcoin Ordinal began dropping after the market hype that fueled its resurgence in November 2023 was outshined by the recent meme coins crazy. This recent downturn in the NFT space is not an isolated event but part of broader turmoil in the digital asset market.

Related NFT News:

Magic Eden And Mocaverse Join Hands To Launch An NFT Launchpad

SEC Fines Flyfish Club $750K For Selling Unregistered Securities In The NFT Market

DeGods NFT Creator De Labs Launches A New Crypto Token $DeGods – Here’s More Details

The creator of the Azuki NFT collection, Chiru Labs, is expanding its digital footprint and enhancing its anime-focused entertainment offerings by launching Anime.com.

Anime.com Testnet Phase and Future Plans

Chiru Labs, the creator of the Azuki NFT collection, has acquired the domain Anime.com. This move aligns with Chiru Labs' strategy to deepen its involvement in the anime industry, aiming to elevate the anime experience for its audience. The launch of Anime.com is part of a broader strategy to expand the Azuki Entertainment Division beyond just NFT sales.

The Azuki team announced on September 13 that Anime.com had been launched as a non-fungible token domain. The testnet is currently live, enabling users to mint digital stickers as NFTs. 

While specific details about the platform's future remain limited, the Azuki team has outlined plans to evolve Anime.com further, potentially integrating it with the Azuki ecosystem and introducing digital assets like Animecoin.

Creating an Open Anime Universe

Led by the pseudonymous Zagabond, the Azuki team is working towards establishing an open anime universe, drawing inspiration from both traditional and modern animation techniques. Azuki's approach echoes the success of projects like Doodles, aiming to build a unique digital space for anime enthusiasts. 

This announcement follows the recent addition of Hollywood veterans Mark Goffman and Jessica Turner to the team. Their expertise is expected to guide a multi-year roadmap for Azuki, focusing on expanding reach through user-generated content (UGC).

Short-Form Content and User Engagement

Azuki has already ventured into short-form content by releasing its first mini-short cartoon film, "Mizuki," featuring characters from its Elemental #9195 NFT collection. The project aims to attract a new audience by telling compelling stories and showcasing moments from the Azuki universe. 

As Zagabond noted, 

"Web3 native IPs have shown the ability to build strong communities through short-form content. This is ideal for social media, but we’re ready to elevate our storytelling even more."

User Participation and Minting Process

Anime.com is currently inviting users to join the waitlist and collect limited-edition stickers. The process involves visiting Anime.com, entering an email address, and minting up to three stickers as NFTs. With around 40 stickers available, each varies in rarity. Importantly, the minting process is free of cryptocurrency transactions and gas fees, simplifying user participation.

By emphasizing community engagement and innovative storytelling, Azuki is creating more opportunities for both creators and fans. This approach could lead to new collaborations and partnerships within the anime industry, offering fans novel ways to interact with their favorite characters and narratives.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. 

According to Cointelegraph, Infinex's latest non-fungible token (NFT) collection has achieved over $40 million in sales within the first four days, despite a sluggish performance in the broader NFT market. Infinex, a non-custodial platform that provides access to onchain protocols and decentralized applications (DApps), announced the success of its new Patron NFT collection. Kain Warwick, the working group lead at Infinex Core, expressed optimism about the collection's potential to attract more investor interest, noting that the initial phase saw participation from major foundations, venture capital firms, and angel investors. Warwick emphasized the importance of the upcoming phases as the sale expands to a broader community. Over 74% of the Patron NFTs have already been sold, with six days remaining in the sale. The $40 million achievement comes amid a significant downturn in the wider NFT market, where some of the most popular blue-chip NFTs have seen valuations drop by over 74% from their peaks. Infinex also reported surpassing $150 million in total value locked (TVL) on July 25, driven by its ongoing 'launch season,' which added $100 million in TVL within the first 10 days. The Patron NFTs are available in three tiers, priced at $5,000, $3,000, and $1,250, with the lowest tier being locked for 12 months from the distribution date. Early participants in the NFT sale include Framework Ventures, Wintermute, Wormhole Foundation, and Variantm, along with notable crypto figures such as Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch Network. Infinex aims to replace centralized cryptocurrency platforms as the primary point of contact for new crypto users. Despite the success of the Patron NFT sale, the broader NFT market continues to face challenges. CryptoPunks, the largest Ethereum-native NFT collection, is currently trading at a floor price of 29 ETH, significantly down from its peak valuation of 113 ETH in October 2021. Similarly, the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), the second-largest NFT collection, has seen its floor price drop by over 90% from its peak valuation, currently trading at 11.8 ETH.

MyNeighborAlice (ALICE) is a blockchain-based game that has garnered attention for its play-to-earn (P2E) mechanics and its vibrant, decentralized metaverse. Players can buy and trade virtual land, create in-game assets, and participate in a fun, community-driven economy. Despite the hype around the project, the question remains: is ALICE poised for growth, or will it maintain a neutral trajectory in the coming years?
Steady but Slow Adoption
While MyNeighborAlice has attracted a loyal player base, its overall adoption has been slower than expected. One of the reasons for this is the competitive nature of the blockchain gaming space. With popular projects like Axie Infinity and The Sandbox taking center stage, ALICE has struggled to stand out as a major player.
However, the game’s unique concept of combining NFTs, land ownership, and farming in a friendly, non-combat environment does provide some differentiation. It appeals to a more casual audience compared to other blockchain games, which could help it carve out a niche. Yet, this niche appeal may limit its broader growth potential.
NFT Integration and Virtual Land Market
One of the key features of MyNeighborAlice is its integration of NFTs, which allow players to buy, sell, and trade virtual land and assets. The NFT market has been volatile, and this has impacted the overall value of in-game assets. The fluctuating demand for NFTs can make it challenging to predict ALICE’s growth potential.
The virtual land economy within the game is another aspect that could drive future growth. As more players join the ecosystem, land scarcity could increase demand, leading to potential price appreciation. However, given the current competition in the virtual land market, it’s uncertain whether MyNeighborAlice can capture a large enough share to significantly boost its ecosystem.
Token Utility and Governance
ALICE, the native token of the platform, plays a central role in the game’s economy. It’s used for purchasing in-game assets, staking, and participating in governance decisions. The token’s utility gives it some inherent value, but its price has seen considerable volatility, reflecting the uncertain growth trajectory of the project.
Staking ALICE provides an incentive for holders to lock up their tokens and earn rewards, but with the current state of the market, these rewards may not be enough to drive significant demand. The project’s governance model is also still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen how active the community will be in shaping the platform’s future direction.
Roadmap and Future Development
One factor that could influence MyNeighborAlice’s future is its development roadmap. The team behind the project has outlined plans for expanding gameplay, introducing new features, and growing the community. However, the timeline for these updates has been somewhat slow, which may be a cause for concern among investors looking for quicker returns.
If the development team can successfully roll out new features that enhance the user experience and attract more players, there is potential for growth. But for now, the project’s roadmap progress is cautious, keeping its outlook relatively neutral.
Can ALICE Find Its Breakout Moment?
While MyNeighborAlice has potential, it is currently in a crowded and competitive space. Blockchain gaming is evolving rapidly, and for ALICE to truly stand out, it will need to ramp up its development efforts and differentiate itself from larger platforms. Until then, the project remains a stable but not overly exciting investment option.
Conclusion
For investors considering MyNeighborAlice, the outlook is neutral. The project has potential, especially if its roadmap and community development efforts succeed, but there are significant hurdles to overcome in terms of adoption and market competition. The growth of the platform’s player base and the virtual land economy will be key factors to watch.
Do you think MyNeighborAlice can achieve significant growth, or will it remain a niche project? Share your thoughts and strategies below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on blockchain gaming.
#MyNeighborAlice #ALICE #NFT #BlockchainGaming #Binance

Technology is changing the world faster than we could have ever imagined. And for most […]

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is once again in the spotlight, but this time, it’s for his surprising embrace of cryptocurrency. During a recent outing in New York, Trump made headlines by paying for his tab using Bitcoin (BTC). This move not only showcased his growing interest in the digital world but also highlighted his increasing connection with the crypto space.

Trump’s Bitcoin Payment Turns Heads

While at a bar in New York, Trump used Bitcoin to complete his payment, a decision that caught the attention of everyone around. Assisted by his team, he completed the transaction using a QR code, marking another significant moment for the former president in the crypto world. As the payment was finalized, those nearby erupted in applause, acknowledging the unusual yet symbolic gesture.

Once skeptical of cryptocurrencies, Trump’s latest actions signal a shift in his stance toward digital assets, a development that has the crypto community buzzing with excitement.

Trump to Speak at Bitcoin Conference: Two Coins Surge

Following the Bitcoin payment, rumors began swirling about Trump’s upcoming appearance at a major Bitcoin conference in Nashville. There, Trump is expected to speak on his vision to turn the United States into the “crypto capital of the world.” This bold declaration has already sparked enthusiasm among crypto investors, with some coins experiencing a significant price surge in response.

A Growing Interest in the Crypto World

According to The Bit Journal, Trump’s involvement in the crypto space has been steadily increasing. Recently, his campaign raised an estimated $3 million from crypto-related donors, further cementing his connection to the digital economy. His growing interest is also evident in his embrace of NFTs, including a controversial collection featuring his mugshot, which has generated significant buzz among his supporters.

NFTs and Crypto Donations Power Trump’s Campaign

Not only is Trump making waves with Bitcoin payments, but he’s also gaining traction with his NFT ventures. Trump launched several collections that have garnered attention, both within the crypto community and among his loyal base. These digital assets have added a unique element to his campaign, allowing him to differentiate himself from other presidential candidates.

Additionally, Trump’s acceptance of cryptocurrency donations has set him apart from his rivals, making him the first presidential candidate to accept such contributions. This strategy indicates that digital currencies may play an even larger role in his future campaign efforts.

Changing Attitude Towards Bitcoin and Crypto

Though Trump was once hesitant to embrace cryptocurrencies, his attitude seems to be evolving. His newfound interest in the crypto space could serve as a preview of his future policies, particularly if he wins another term. Trump’s ambition to turn the U.S. into the global center for cryptocurrencies has his supporters excited, but only time will tell if he can make it a reality.

The Bit Journal will continue to follow Trump’s crypto journey as it unfolds, and how it may impact the broader cryptocurrency market.

The restaurant in New York, FlyFish Club, has agreed to pay a fine of $750,000 to settle with the SEC and its accusations regarding the sale of NFT. For the Securities and Exchange Commission of the USA, the NFTs were sold following an unregistered offering of crypto-securities. 

New York: the restaurant FlyFish Club and the 750,000$ fine from the SEC for the sale of its NFTs

Last Monday, the Securities and Exchange Commission of the USA had accused the New York restaurant, FlyFish Club, of conducting an unregistered offering of crypto-securities in the form of NFTs.

In practice, it seems that through the sale of FlyFish NFT, the company raised about 14.8 million dollars from investors, to finance the construction and launch of a private restaurant for members.  

Specifically, the sale of the 1600 FlyFish NFT was carried out between August 2021 and May 2022. 

The ordinance highlighted that during this period, the Club promoted NFTs as investments and led investors to expect profits in return. In practice, for the SEC, FlyFish told investors that they could potentially make a profit if the club succeeded.

On one hand, the owners of the FlyFish NFT could have then resold them on the secondary market at higher prices, on the other hand, rented them to others interested in accessing the club as a “passive income strategy”.

With this marketing move, the SEC emphasizes that 42% of investors purchased more than one NFT in the offering, even though only one NFT was needed to become a member of the club. 

New York: the SEC and the fine to the restaurant for selling its FlyFish NFT 

After the accusation, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, FlyFish agreed to cease operations and pay the fine of $750,000. 

Not only that, the restaurant company has also agreed to destroy all Flyfish NFTs it has under its control in the next 10 days and to not accept future royalties from NFT sales. 

But the issue of the SEC and NFTs does not seem to end here. Last August, the one to be notified of being under investigation by the SEC was the NFT marketplace of OpenSea.

Even if not explicitly stated, it seems that the issue also appears to be related here to the possible accusations of offering unregistered security to the public. 

NFTs become “unregistered security” only if they are sold with the promise of making profits for those who buy them, derived solely from the activity of those who sell them. 

In any case, the co-founder and CEO of OpenSea, Devin Finzer, said he was shocked by the accusations made by the SEC against creators and artists. Not only that, just as it happens with crypto companies, also for NFTs, Finzer says he is ready to react and fight. 

The artists sue the SEC

While the SEC fires accusations in the NFT sector, as it has always done in the crypto sector, last July two artists sued it. 

In practice, Brian Frye e Jonathan Mann have accused the SEC for the confusion that exists regarding NFTs. In fact, the two artists have asked for clarifications on the laws about securities and Non-Fungible Tokens.

Specifically, their lawyers asked if crypto artists are required to “register” their NFT art before selling it to the public. Another question then concerns the publication of information on the risks of purchasing their art. 

Not only, the lawyers then made a comparison between the sale of NFT Art on the secondary market and Taylor Swift concert tickets, which are often sold on the secondary market. 

In this sense, just like Taylor Swift sells tickets on the secondary market and releases statements to promote her events, the two artists should also be free to do the same with their NFT. 

Fluence DAO, the pioneering decentralized serverless computing platform, has launched its highly anticipated FLT staking service. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the project, empowering FLT token holders with new opportunities to participate in the network and earn rewards. To participate in the staking program, FLT holders can purchase special Fluence NFTs and stake their tokens through the user-friendly staking app. This staking service offers several benefits to token holders, including: Passive income: Stakers can earn rewards in the form of FLT tokens for contributing to the network's security and stability. Increased network stability: Staking helps secure the Fluence network by increasing the number of nodes participating in consensus. * Support for the ecosystem: By staking their tokens, FLT holders demonstrate their belief in the project and its mission to revolutionize cloud computing. The launch of the FLT staking service is a testament to Fluence DAO's commitment to community engagement and rewarding its token holders. As the project continues to grow and innovate, the staking service is expected to play a crucial role in attracting new users, strengthening the network, and fostering a thriving ecosystem.

When it comes to prolific NFT collectors, VonMises is in the upper echelon. His catchphrase unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity is the backbone of his conviction that NFTs are true game changers and havent even scratched the surface yet. 

Coming from a traditional finance background with strong experience in an array of collectibles, VonMises name originates from Austrian-American economist Ludwig von Mises, who wrote extensively on the societal contributions of classical liberalism.

This concept of viewing the world resonates strongly with VonMises, the NFT collector, and was a big reason the American was lured into researching and ultimately buying Bitcoin back in 2011. 

Having collected his first NFT, Gods Unchained, in October 2019, it wasnt long after he stumbled upon CryptoPunks, an encounter that would ultimately change everything. He purchased 60 Punks in the first month after discovering them, including his first-ever, CryptoPunk #6039. 

As his curiosity grew for NFTs, VonMises would not only catch Punks before they truly blew up, but he managed to mint 350 Chromie Squiggles and was early to many high-profile Art Blocks drops such as Fidenzas, Ringers and Gazers.

He also possessed five Autoglyphs at one point, with one of them (#392) selling for a whopping 375 ETH ($1.38 million) in October 2021. He currently has two Autoglyphs left. 

Autoglyph #392 by Larva Labs sold for 375 ETH ($1.38 million in October 2021).

Gods Unchained got me interested in understanding the concept of NFTs and the trading aspect of it. As a card got into the meta of the game and became powerful, its price would change; it was almost like a baseball card where a rookie player starts doing really well. His card starts going up in value as people speculate on how he will do. Gods Unchained was just a training ground for when I discovered CryptoPunks. Thats when everything clicked, and things really changed, VonMises says. 

When I looked at CryptoPunks for the first time, I completely knew that I was looking at something different, interesting and special in a lot of ways. I felt like my whole life had prepared me for that moment in the sense that here was something that was combining things that I was extremely passionate about.

Having spent time in traditional finance, being very active in trading of all kinds of securities, having been involved in crypto since 2011 and having been collecting stuff my whole life, CryptoPunks really solidified all of those things into one, and I remember thinking, Okay, this is for me.

The birth of his daughter and Punk collection

VonMises remembers the early days of getting involved with Punks vividly; hed quit his job, COVID-19 had hit, and he and his wife had just had a baby. Despite his belief and aggressive action in scooping up a lot of Punks by anyones standards, VonMises compares his conviction to good friend Danny, aka Seedphrase the owner of the only seven-trait CryptoPunk in the collection. 

I just had a baby, and I remember saying to my wife, I know this might be a little bit crazy, but Im starting to put some real money into this, and I want to make sure that Im not being too reckless, given that I dont have a job currently, and we just had a baby. I said, I think this is one of the best collectibles Ive ever seen.

My wife said to me, I dont know enough about any of this stuff, but I know that youve been incredibly good at this stuff, and if this is what you think you should be buying, then you should be buying it. Hearing that from her was quite liberating, as you can imagine.

I was not able to be as aggressive as someone like Danny. Danny, at the time, was single with different responsibilities, and hed also made a lot in crypto. He had a lot bigger balls. While I was very aggressive by almost anyones standards, I was not as aggressive as Danny was, unfortunately, but it was still a good trade.

CryptoPunk #6039 by Larva Labs owned by VonMises

VonMises legacy and mouth-watering collection 

VonMises has quite the collection, a portfolio of mouth-watering pieces that would have any NFT enthusiast salivating. He still possesses 17 of his treasured CryptoPunks and 110 Chromie Squiggles and has exposure to artists such as XCOPY, Beeple, Tyler Hobbs and DEAFBEEF. 

Im someone who strongly believes in the crypto ethos. Im someone who is building a collection of historically significant and culturally relevant NFTs. Im a blockchain historian in a sense. Im mindful of my legacy in this space.

His collection today also includes pieces from Gazers, Twin Flame, Bored Ape Yacht Club and more.

VonMises takes his collection very seriously and has intentions to continue to build out his legacy as a historic collector whose timing, conviction and passion for NFTs are researched and written about well into the future. 

I think about my daughter and how she is not going to view a CryptoPunk as a quote-unquote digital asset or a digital piece of art. Its just going to be art or an asset because shes going to grow up in a world where theres not going to need to be a differentiation, VonMises says. 

I hope down the line that somebody who might be doing work or research on early blockchain assets comes across my collection and recognizes that I was all over the place, owned quite a bit of stuff and was in the right place at the right time. I hope I can leave a mark on the space like that.

I take the collection seriously and a lot of stuff Ive been buying with the intention of probably never selling it. Theres obviously stuff that I buy to sell as well, but a lot of the collection is not meant to be sold and probably wont be sold in my lifetime. Its hard to predict the future, but my intention is to build a collection that hits on a lot of the major collections in this early period.

Fidenza #917 by Tyler Hobbs owned by VonMises.

Fidenza #798 by Tyler Hobbs owned by VonMises.

Fidenza #198 by Tyler Hobbs owned by VonMises.

Unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity The NFT game changer 

As a self-described blockchain historian, VonMises catchphrase Unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity articulates what he believes is a game-changing value proposition of NFTs. 

Boasting a wealth of experience in the collectibles market, including baseball cards and coins, VonMises highlights how NFTs solve many of the issues physical art and collectibles face, such as durability, fakes and forgeries, and reliance on experts that are often tricked. 

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Having been involved in baseball cards and coins and a lot of other collectibles that are reliant on insurance, vagarity and expert opinions, things can be altered and things can be forged and faked. With NFTs, you just dont have to worry about that. Its not something that people really appreciate right now but will come to appreciate significantly more down the line, he says. 

I like to say in 100 years time, a 15-year-old with a laptop will be able to look at a CryptoPunk and with 100% authority be able to say this is an actual CryptoPunk, and thats just very different than how every other collectible market works right now. Its expert opinions; theres sometimes contradictions; sometimes opinions change, and sometimes, the people that are faking it are doing such a good job that they know how to fool the experts. 

I believe in the game changing technology that is blockchain and more relevant to the topic of this thread, NFTs. Anyone who follows me has heard me speak about unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity and why they are so important.

— VonMises (@VonMises14) October 21, 2022

Already thinking far into the future, the valuable proposition of unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity only increases in importance, says VonMises. 

I think a thing that people really fail to understand is perfect provenance becomes more valuable with the passage of time, meaning in an industry thats very nascent like NFTs, having perfect provenance that goes back three or four years is probably no big deal because, with any collectible, you should be able to have provenance for three or four years.

Where it really becomes super valuable is when youre 50 or 100 years in the future. Because within a timeframe like that, who knows whos messed around with stuff. For example, there are Warhols and master paintings that are hanging in peoples homes and hanging in museums that are fake every year. There are stories that come out regularly. 

People are not going to wake up one day and decide that unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity are not extremely desirable traits, especially in the collectibles and art markets. So, NFTs are not going away.

Nostalgia and NFTs are up and to the right as each decade passes by 

Acknowledging NFTs are still in their very early beginnings, VonMises believes nostalgia similar to unquestionable provenance will increase as the years and decades go on. He cites his own story of buying many of his first Punks right after his daughter was born and how theres already an attachment to that moment in time. 

Every decade that goes by, the value of unquestionable provenance goes way up. Speaking of nostalgia, as Ive stated, I started buying my first CryptoPunks right after the birth of my daughter, so there were many nights where I would have to get up at three or four oclock in the morning to take care of something for her or help my wife. I remember checking them and looking at the CryptoPunks market and thinking about certain Punks. Theres plenty of Punks that I bought at extremely odd hours for exactly that reason. It was one of the reasons I bought 60 Punks in those first 30 days. I was constantly checking the marketplace for the ones that I wanted, VonMises says. 

When we talk about nostalgia, people typically long for things from their youth or for times from their life when things were easier. People collect baseball cards because when they were kids, they collected baseball cards or Pokemon cards, or whatever. Then they become adults and they pay a lot of money for this stuff.

I think that the digital asset landscape right now is most likely too young to really have nostalgia. But its certainly a factor down the line. 20 years from now, the person who was 20 right now and couldnt afford a CryptoPunk or Bored Ape or couldnt afford a lot of the NFTs that they wanted might very well be the people that are chasing these assets and bidding them up. 

The 17 CryptoPunks VonMises owns.

Thesis as a collector and tapping into TradFi background 

Drawing upon his deep understanding of markets in general, VonMises talks about his thesis as a collector, acknowledging he puts much of his traditional finance lens over crypto and NFT markets. 

Despite his emotional connection to many of his NFTs, he still likes to sell into strength when the opportunities arise. 

Theres an old saying in traditional finance that applies tenfold to crypto and NFTs, and that is Sell when you can not when you have to. Thats a rule that I live by, he says. 

I was selling when I could. I was selling into strength. I sold quite a bit in 2021. I sold quite a bit in 2022. Ive really paired back what Ive sold now because weve gotten to a point where I think things are a little bit too cheap and enough people have exited the space that we probably are very close to a bottom, if not at the bottom already.

Right now, Im willing to potentially nibble on a few things and fill in a few holes that Ive been meaning to fill in. I want to be buying when everybody hates it and I want to be selling when everybody loves it. I dont have a problem selling the strength, and while Im attached to quite a few of the things in my collection, Ive demonstrated that when the market warrants it, Im able to sell with no problem.

Chromie Squiggle #1770 by Snowfro owned by VonMises.

Chromie Squiggle #372 by Snowfro owned by VonMises.

Chromie Squiggle #357 by Snowfo owned by VonMises.

VonMises highlights that the psychological aspects of markets can be brutal and really rattle a lot of participants, leading to buying and selling at the wrong times. 

The market, especially in the crypto space, is prone to very large drawdowns and very large swings. I dont think this is a flaw; this is how markets work. Markets, in general, are meant to inflict a lot of pain and cause people to question their motives, says VonMises. 

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When I was in traditional finance, I used to say to the person who sat next to me that theyre shaking the tree, meaning the markets are meant to make it hard for you. They want people to sell at the lows and buy at the highs. The market psychology that gets used works. It causes people to do that if you dont have a really strong thesis and belief as to why you own something markets are meant to shake you out of those positions. 

Rapid Fire Q&A

Favorite 1-of-1 art piece you own? 

Probably a recent 1-of-1 Beeple I picked up. I also want to mention Flyswatter by Dangiuz. If you go to my X (Twitter) profile, its the banner piece. Flyswatter is probably my favorite 1-of-1 because its very reminiscent of the vibe of summer of 2021. I was sitting at my desk in front of my computer, and theres this crazy world happening around me, and Im a little bit scared. My gun is on the desk, but Im in a very interesting spot. 

Flyswatter by Dangiuz owned by VonMises.

Who are your top three favorite digital artists? 

XCOPY, Beeple and Tyler Hobbs.

If you could only name one, what would be your absolute favorite NFT owned across all of your combined wallets? 

Im probably going to be a cop-out here. Ill say my profile CryptoPunk #1111 because its me. Its my digital representation. When I am in this world, Im VonMises. 

VonMises PFP CryptoPunk #1111.

Who elses collection outside of your own do you admire? 

Punk6529, I think that hes done a lot with his personal collection. Cozomo de Medici obviously has a very impressive collection. I like the fact that both of those guys play in multiple spaces. Theyre not just a generative art collector or a 1-of-1 collector; theyre very broad in both spaces. I feel like Ive also had an influence with both of them; we collect a lot of the same things.

Are there any up-and-coming artists who you would encourage readers to pay attention to? 

Kind of the same ilk as Matt Kane would be someone named James Bloom. I think hes doing a lot of very interesting things. Hes kind of combining dynamic and generative art. 

I think all his projects are very interesting, and they pull in data from the blockchain. That data changes the art in a dynamic way. Its not just an artist that is using the provenance of blockchain. Hes actually using data from the blockchain to help change the way the art is viewed. 

Who would be your top three favorite followers on X for NFTs? 

1 DC Investor. Im a huge fan of DC Investor. DC is someone who sees the world very similar to how I see it. He has a strong understanding of markets and has a similar long-term vision.

2 Punk6529. Simply a must-follow, of course. 

3 Cozomo de Medici. I would probably say Cozomo because he gives so much good information and good calls.

What would be your advice to someone just discovering NFTs now who has a lot of curiosity and wants to get their feet wet? 

Do a lot of research. I think that the biggest mistake that people make is theyre, like, Oh well, I really like CryptoPunks, but I cant afford it, so Im going to buy these other five projects that are not CryptoPunks. You could get into Art Blocks; you could get into a lot of things, but the market in the high end, the true collectibles, are really where you want to focus on. Id rather see somebody save up, wait, and then get a Punk, opposed to going out and spending the same amount of money over a six-month period and have very little to show for it.

I always would recommend that if you want to get involved in generative art, I would say you want to look at a Fidenza or Ringer. Or a Chromie Squiggle if you really want to get in at a little bit lower entry point, but I dont like just buying anything because its Art Blocks because you cant afford the better stuff. This can be a mistake. If you cant afford the better stuff, you should probably wait.

What is some advice for someone whos trying to survive crypto for the long run? 

Do not under any circumstances ever use leverage in any way, shape or form. If you cannot handle an 80% drop in what you buy, dont buy it because 80% drops in the space happen regularly. You cant buy something in crypto and say, Oh, I didnt think it could go down 80% because you just ignored it, but you did know it was possible because it happens all the time. 

Links

X: @VonMises14

deca.art: /VonMises

oncyber Art Blocks: /vmabvault

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Ultimate Guide: How to Buy Ethereum (ETH) and Secure Your Investment

Introduction: Understanding Ethereum and Why It’s Important

Ethereum is not merely a cryptocurrency, but a comprehensive platform designed for decentralized applications, or dApps, and smart contracts. These smart contracts are essentially self-executing agreements where the terms are written directly into the code, ensuring that the transaction automatically completes once the required conditions are met. This innovative aspect has earned Ethereum a central place in the blockchain ecosystem. Unlike Bitcoin, which is mostly seen as a store of value or digital currency, Ethereum's utility goes much further. It has enabled significant advancements in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and many other cutting-edge blockchain applications.

Since its creation in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum has developed into the platform of choice for developers who wish to build decentralized applications. These dApps run on the Ethereum blockchain without the need for intermediaries, offering a transparent, secure, and efficient way of conducting business and financial activities. Ethereum's blockchain powers numerous platforms, such as decentralized exchanges (DEXs), NFT marketplaces, and more, making it essential for anyone interested in blockchain technology.

The popularity of Ethereum as an investment is growing due to its expanding ecosystem and practical use cases. Whether you're looking to make a long-term investment or use Ethereum within the broader blockchain ecosystem, owning ETH gives you access to a world of possibilities. From decentralized finance platforms to the latest in digital art and gaming through NFTs, Ethereum plays a critical role in these groundbreaking sectors.

Step-by-Step Process to Buy Ethereum (ETH)

1. Setting Up Your Exchange Account

To begin your journey into buying Ethereum, selecting the right platform is key. Binance is widely recommended due to its reputation for low fees, high liquidity, and strong security features. It is user-friendly for beginners, yet packed with advanced tools for experienced traders. Binance also offers additional features like staking, margin trading, and futures contracts, providing a robust platform for a variety of user needs. However, if Binance is not available in your country, other exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini offer similar services with varying degrees of ease and options.

Setting up an account is straightforward but involves a few necessary steps to ensure the security and functionality of your trading experience. First, you need to visit Binance’s official website or download its mobile application. After providing your email address, mobile number, and creating a secure password, you'll be prompted to verify your identity through the KYC (Know Your Customer) process. This process involves submitting identification documents, such as a government-issued ID, proof of residence, and, in some cases, a photo to confirm your identity.

The identity verification process, though mandatory and sometimes time-consuming, is essential for securing your account and complying with global financial regulations. Exchanges like Binance take these steps to ensure the safety and legality of their operations. Once completed, you’ll have full access to the platform’s features, including buying Ethereum.

Account security is paramount, and Binance provides several features designed to protect your assets. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection, requiring you to verify each login or transaction using a secondary method, such as an app like Google Authenticator, in addition to your password. Binance also offers an anti-phishing code, a personalized code that appears in every email from Binance, helping you distinguish legitimate communications from phishing attempts. Additionally, the withdrawal whitelist ensures only pre-approved wallet addresses can receive funds, reducing the risk of unauthorized withdrawals.

2. Choosing a Payment Method

Once your account is verified, the next step is choosing the most suitable method to purchase Ethereum. Binance offers a variety of payment options to cater to users with different preferences and needs.

Using a debit or credit card is one of the quickest and easiest ways to buy Ethereum. After navigating to the "Buy Crypto" page on Binance, you select Ethereum as the cryptocurrency you wish to purchase and choose your local currency. After inputting your card details, Binance will securely save them for future use if you wish. Credit card purchases are fast and convenient, but they tend to have higher fees compared to other methods. This method is ideal if you're seeking speed and simplicity.

If minimizing fees is a priority, consider using a bank transfer. Bank transfers typically have lower fees, making them a cost-effective choice, especially for larger transactions. However, bank transfers take longer to process compared to credit card payments. After linking your bank account by verifying a small deposit sent by Binance, you can complete the purchase. This option is ideal for users making large or recurring purchases.

For users familiar with mobile payment systems, Binance supports Google Pay and Apple Pay. These methods offer a seamless and secure payment experience, especially for those already using these platforms. Payments sync directly with your Google or Apple account, providing a fast and convenient way to buy Ethereum.

An increasingly popular option is peer-to-peer (P2P) trading, where you buy Ethereum directly from other users. Binance’s P2P platform allows for flexibility in payment methods, such as local bank transfers or digital wallets. This method often provides better exchange rates and is especially useful in regions where traditional banking systems are limited. P2P trading is ideal if you're looking for more control over the transaction and payment method.

In some regions, Binance partners with third-party services like Simplex or Banxa. These services enable users to buy Ethereum using additional payment methods, such as local digital wallets or regional banking systems. While third-party services offer flexibility, they tend to have higher fees, often ranging from 2% to 6% per transaction. If traditional options aren't available, third-party providers offer an alternative, albeit at a higher cost.

3. Understanding Fees and Payment Details

Fees are a critical factor when buying Ethereum, as they can vary depending on the payment method you choose. Debit and credit card transactions typically come with higher fees, ranging from 2% to 5% of the total purchase amount. While this method provides immediate access to your Ethereum, it's essential to balance speed against cost, especially for frequent buyers.

Bank transfers generally have much lower fees, usually between 0.1% and 1%. Although the transaction can take longer to process, the cost savings make it a smart choice for larger investments.

For those using P2P trading, no direct fees are typically involved, but you need to be mindful of the exchange rates set by the buyer or seller, as they may differ from market rates. While Binance does not charge for P2P trading, some payment methods might have their own fees, which is something to consider.

Third-party payment providers like Simplex or Banxa often come with the highest fees, which can range from 2% to 6%. While they offer more payment flexibility, the extra cost can add up, particularly for larger purchases.

4. Securing and Storing Your Ethereum

Once you've successfully purchased Ethereum, the next critical step is deciding how to store and secure your assets. Binance offers the option to keep your Ethereum in its Spot Wallet, which is the easiest and most convenient method if you plan to trade frequently or use it in the near future. However, this method comes with certain risks, as leaving large amounts of cryptocurrency on exchanges exposes you to potential hacks or security breaches, even with Binance’s strong security features.

For users seeking more control, transferring your Ethereum to a software wallet provides greater security. Software wallets like Trust Wallet or MetaMask allow you to store your private keys on your personal device, which reduces your exposure to exchange hacks. These wallets are especially useful for interacting with decentralized applications and participating in the DeFi ecosystem.

For those looking for the highest level of security, hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor are the best choice. These devices store your private keys offline, making them immune to online threats. Hardware wallets are ideal for long-term investors who plan to hold Ethereum for extended periods and don’t need immediate access to their assets.

To transfer Ethereum to a hardware wallet, you’ll need to set up the wallet by generating a new address. Once your hardware wallet is set up, transfer your Ethereum from Binance using the wallet's public address. This process ensures that your Ethereum is stored offline and secure from potential online attacks.

5. Using Ethereum: DeFi, NFTs, and Beyond

Once you own Ethereum, you're not limited to holding it as an investment. Ethereum opens the door to a wide range of applications, particularly in the DeFi space. Decentralized finance, or DeFi, allows users to participate in lending, borrowing, trading, and staking without relying on traditional banks or intermediaries.

For example, Aave is a popular decentralized platform where you can lend your Ethereum to earn interest or borrow against your holdings. Uniswap, another key player in the DeFi space, provides a decentralized exchange where you can trade Ethereum-based tokens without a centralized intermediary. Compound offers similar services, enabling users to earn interest or borrow assets by using Ethereum as collateral.

Beyond DeFi, Ethereum is the primary blockchain for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which represent unique digital assets such as artwork, collectibles, and even virtual real estate. If you’re interested in NFTs, platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, and SuperRare offer marketplaces where you can buy, sell, and trade NFTs.

Another significant use case for Ethereum is staking. With the transition to Ethereum 2.0, Ethereum holders can stake their assets to help secure the network and earn rewards in return. Staking provides a way to earn passive income while supporting the network’s growth and decentralization. Binance offers easy-to-use staking services, allowing you to stake your Ethereum without needing to run your own validator node.

Conclusion: Your Journey into the World of Ethereum

Buying Ethereum is just the beginning of your journey into the world of blockchain technology and decentralized finance. Whether you're purchasing Ethereum as a long-term investment or planning to explore its vast ecosystem, understanding how to buy, store, and use Ethereum is essential. With this guide, you’re now equipped to navigate the complexities of the Ethereum ecosystem, making informed decisions every step of the way.

Remember, the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and it’s crucial to research thoroughly and understand the risks before making any financial commitments. By staying informed and using the tools at your disposal, you can confidently engage with the Ethereum network and seize the opportunities it offers.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments carry inherent risks, including price volatility and loss of capital. Always consider consulting with a financial advisor before investing.