# The Obvious Series: Minting

By [LGHT](https://paragraph.com/@lght) · 2023-06-27

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There are two parts to _The Obvious Series_:

1.  Simple explanations for newer entrants
    
2.  Abstract wtf are we doing here reflections
    

Minting
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A dual-function term; _minting_ is onchain ‘uploading’ and ‘downloading’.

### The Simple

A **creator** of some media, art, writing, etc _mints_ their creation onto the blockchain. The next layer of understanding would be where exactly that data is stored, and what the minted record points to. But for this context, _minting_ is about **putting something on the blockchain**.

A **collector** _mints_ things that are already onchain. They see that same media, art, and writing that others minted and want to own/collect it. When a collector _mints_ they are calling on a blockchain function to **move that asset to their wallet**.

![mint](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/c20013f97cae4931e980c5ef33d599ef5274de7bc450090b31e0291e96718b03.png)

mint

### The Abstract

Why do we mint? The internet’s currently working. It’s working so well we have billionaires going to space off of it.

How did they get so wealthy though? People say data, but what does that mean in laymen’s terms?

One way to think about this is a party everyone brings food to. It’s hosted by these titans of industry. Anyone can come as long as they bring something.

The party grew and grew with all kinds of different cuisines, cultures, people, and entertainment. The diversity of the party starting brewing all kinds of new dishes and activities never seen before. And while we were all having fun and making some side money off selling weed and LSD to each other, _they_ were making money at the door, through broadcasting, sponsorships, etc. They used our _activity_ as an asset to sell to other people.

When you look at platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook you have gathering places set up to facilitate ‘activity’. The ability to let you make some money, allows them to make a lot of money. Blockchains provide a more equitable alternative.

You mint something on the blockchain, it’s in your wallet. You sell something in your wallet, the funds are yours. You become the next XCOPY, everything you’ve ever minted is now a multi-directional asset. The _data_ is yours.

We mint because we deserve more. Not in an entitled sense… just common sense.

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*Originally published on [LGHT](https://paragraph.com/@lght/the-obvious-series-minting)*