OK, not gonna lie. I was not particularly interested in today's episode of the podcast once I learned what the subject was going to be. However, after reading the (presumably condensed version in this) essay, I'm tentatively looking forward to it. I had expected you'd characterize NFTs (which I think are just kinda dumb) as the "nerd" thing, with the "jocks" not getting it - a banal take which I figured would be pretty boring and not particularly insightful. The fact that you're going the other direction - pointing to the culture around NFTs as an evolution of "jock" culture? That seems more interesting. (and yeah, I'm also selfishly interested in hearing a take in which "my" group is identified with the position I find more persuasive, I'm human...)
Rich people have always spent fortunes on collectable art. They could say it was so they could enjoy the beautiful art, but honestly to most of us a high-quality reproduction is just as beautiful as an original piece. The real reason for spending millions on a Picasso is for the social status that it conveys. The NFT strips away the pretense that the "art" is anything but a status display. I assume the "ape" meme is a whimsical reference to the primitive simian behavior of seeking social status through possession of coveted objects.
OK, not gonna lie. I was not particularly interested in today's episode of the podcast once I learned what the subject was going to be. However, after reading the (presumably condensed version in this) essay, I'm tentatively looking forward to it. I had expected you'd characterize NFTs (which I think are just kinda dumb) as the "nerd" thing, with the "jocks" not getting it - a banal take which I figured would be pretty boring and not particularly insightful. The fact that you're going the other direction - pointing to the culture around NFTs as an evolution of "jock" culture? That seems more interesting. (and yeah, I'm also selfishly interested in hearing a take in which "my" group is identified with the position I find more persuasive, I'm human...)
GOT YA WITH THE REVERSE!
Got us all! :D
Rich people have always spent fortunes on collectable art. They could say it was so they could enjoy the beautiful art, but honestly to most of us a high-quality reproduction is just as beautiful as an original piece. The real reason for spending millions on a Picasso is for the social status that it conveys. The NFT strips away the pretense that the "art" is anything but a status display. I assume the "ape" meme is a whimsical reference to the primitive simian behavior of seeking social status through possession of coveted objects.