NFTs Should Replace Tips
Getting paid in dollars instead of likes and hearts.
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I pissed my wife off when we first started dating. We went to a nice restaurant. Being the gentleman I am, I paid for both meals. On the way out, she asked me how much I tipped.
Nothing.
Her face got red like a communist flag. She explained how servers make about $2 an hour and mostly rely on tips. I just shrugged my shoulders. Being a broke college student, that wasn’t my fault or my problem. If I didn’t have to pay more, I sure as hell wasn’t going to.
Tips are a ridiculous thing to rely on. You’re hoping a stranger will give you money out of the kindness of their heart.
And then you realize most of the media we consume relies entirely on tips too. From YouTube channels, publications, basically any content creator. It’s goofy.
Sure, there are other ways to make money with an audience. But you’re mostly limited to selling merch, pay-walling content, or taking on corporate sponsors.
Tipping doesn’t work. But there might be a better option.
Why Tips Don’t Work Online
Have you ever tipped your internet service provider? What about a software subscription service you use? Of course not.
Tips rely on two things.
The exchange happens in person. It’s just hard to not tip someone if you have to look them in the eye.
There is a social expectation of a tip. No one randomly decides to tip their nurse (although you probably should).
Neither of these applies to the Internet. And they never will.
That's why it’s important for creators to adopt a different business model.
NFTs For All
Creators of every kind should be using NFTs. They fix the broken incentive structure of digital content.
Tips will only ever be a pathetic form of charity.
But NFTs turn supporters into investors. You’re not just buying an NFT. You’re trying to make money yourself. Being an early investor to a great creator can make you rich.
Imagine being Mr. Beast’s first super fan? You could’ve invested in his content directly. And seriously cashed out when he got famous.
NFTs Will Change Media Forever
Media business models are broken. The only way to make money with media is by selling shit nobody needs or shilling corporate crap.
Let’s imagine a better future. One where creators can get paid a fair value for their hard work. And we don’t have to worry about not getting full access. Or having to keep an eye out for sneaky product placements.
This isn’t the future we want. But the one we need.
If you’re interested in reading more, check out this article.
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