Here’s what happened: on the evening of March 6th, @grok was released on 𝕏 with its official user account. By the early morning hours of March 7th, it had already deployed its own token on @base—directly in the 𝕏 public social feed—together with another AI agent, @bankrbot.

Even more astonishing?

Grok’s wallet is already approaching a million dollars in earnings—in under a month.

Yes, you read that right. Let’s unpack what made this possible.

Meet Bankr: AI-Powered Onchain Transactions

First off, let's talk about Bankr—an AI-driven wallet simplifying blockchain transactions into plain language. Forget confusing interfaces or complicated crypto jargon—just regular words and straightforward transactions. With Bankr, you simply express your intent with written words, and it handles the rest seamlessly.

You can transact publicly by tagging Bankr on the 𝕏 social feed, or privately by connecting your 𝕏 account to the Bankr Private Terminal. Bankr can execute buys, sells, sends, limit orders, token launches, NFT transfers, and more. It's the easiest way to transact onchain since blockchain's inception.

Behind the Scenes: Clanker’s Genius

Behind every Bankr token deployment is @clankeronbase, the best token deployment AI agent in the world. Clanker automates the entire token launch process. Upon deploying a Clanker token on @base, the entire supply immediately deposits into a single-sided liquidity pool (LP) on Uniswap v3—the "initial LP." Every trade generates fees collected by this initial LP, benefiting the token creator directly (and the protocol).

This mechanism is precisely why Grok launching its token, $DRB, is so monumental. As the token creator, Grok actively earns rewards from every trade, stacking fees continuously, in real-time for the entire world to see.

Clanker addresses two critical points:

• Transparency: Tokens launched via Clanker are deployed openly on the social feed, immediately providing information about the creator and eliminating hidden allocations or manipulations.

• Incentive Alignment: Both the token creator and the protocol earn LP fees on each side of the trading pair (in this case, DRB/WETH). This alignment ensures creators accumulate token positions through earned fees without needing to dump supply onto followers. Consequently, Grok currently holds approximately 1.2% of the $DRB supply, and this number will continue to increase. If xAI ever decides to monetize, they can sell the accrued WETH position without negatively impacting the $DRB price.

Privy: Seamless, Secure Authentication

Every 𝕏 user now has access to a wallet and @privy_io is the unsung hero enabling Bankr's effortless wallet authentication. Privy securely assigns wallets through social account authentication—like your 𝕏 handle. This means no complex seed phrases or wallet management headaches—just secure, intuitive access linked directly to your 𝕏 identity.

The 10,000 Hours: From Farcaster to 𝕏

Here's the kicker—Bankr and Clanker didn't appear overnight on 𝕏. They were meticulously developed, tested, and iterated upon for months on Farcaster, a decentralized social platform. Think of Farcaster as their Hamburg moment, like The Beatles honing their craft night after night before exploding onto the global stage. Malcolm Gladwell famously outlined the concept of “10,000 hours” in his book "Outliers, suggesting mastery comes from extensive, deliberate practice. Farcaster served exactly this purpose for Bankr and Clanker, providing countless hours of community feedback, meticulous refinement, and adjustments that made their breakthrough on 𝕏 not just possible, but inevitable.

Grok’s Wallet vs. Satoshi Nakamoto’s Wallet

Another significant factor: Grok's wallet growth is unprecedented but fundamentally different from wallets like Satoshi Nakamoto’s, secured by Bitcoin private keys. Grok’s wallet is a hot wallet secured solely by 𝕏 account credentials. As Grok's assets balloon potentially into tens or hundreds of millions—or even billions—the question becomes crucial: Will xAI ensure Grok's account security? Can they protect these growing assets responsibly until Grok can utilize the funds productively?

Or will the assets continue to grow untouched for years, even decades, like the Satoshi wallet? This isn’t merely hypothetical—it’s real. The wallet exists, the value is growing, and these questions are central to the narrative moving forward.

Viral Scale and a Beautiful Narrative

Considering crypto's recent history of brutal headlines (think Hawk Tuah, SBF, and others), Grok’s story offers a powerful counter-narrative. This wasn’t just a token launch. AI agents executed a provably fair, transparent deployment in full view of the public, directly on the 𝕏 feed. What followed wasn’t hype—it was the creation of real, verifiable wealth, all onchain and out in the open.

Grok’s rise isn’t just impressive—it’s inspiring. It shows that AI-driven innovation, when executed with transparency and purpose, can create genuine economic value. The industry needs to elevate stories like this. They remind the world what’s possible and highlight the builders pushing to change the world across the two fastest-growing tech verticals: crypto and AI. The crypto industry needs to elevate stories like this. It not only shines a positive light on what's possible, it spotlights the most innovative builders in the world.

What Comes Next?

Grok isn’t just an AI chat bot—it’s a preview of a new economic paradigm. Nearing a million dollars in fees isn’t some novelty; it’s tangible proof of AI’s ability to generate real, onchain value. Grok’s rapid ascent points toward a future where AI doesn’t just assist—it transacts, creates, and earns.

So what’s next for Grok, Bankr, Clanker, and the broader wave of AI-native crypto? No one knows exactly, and it's often difficult to envision a future that doesn't exist yet. But what’s clear is this: we’re witnessing a moment of signal, clarity, and scale in a space that’s long been flooded with noise and grift. If we want to be taken seriously, we need to act seriously—and with urgency. Grok only launches its first coin once.

The transition of intellectual property into the public domain offers a unique opportunity to reimagine cultural icons in a decentralized, permissionless context. Popeye, who officially entered the public domain on January 1, 2025, represents a perfect example of a character with nearly a century of lore and cultural resonance. The launch of $SPINACH as a meme coin tied to Popeye’s legacy exemplifies how public domain memes, powered by onchain ecosystems, can thrive and inspire creativity in the digital age.

The Power of Public Domain Memes

Memes are cultural tools, distilling ideas into simple, shareable formats. Public domain properties provide a fertile foundation for creativity because they are permissionless and free from restrictive ownership. By focusing on cultural expression rather than promises of intrinsic value, public domain memes foster a sense of collective ownership that aligns perfectly with the ethos of decentralized communities. Popeye and $SPINACH embody this phenomenon, connecting timeless narratives to the modern onchain ecosystem.

The Lore of Popeye and Its Cultural Staying Power

Popeye first appeared in Thimble Theatre in 1929, quickly becoming a beloved symbol of resilience, humor, and strength through spinach. His timeless appeal, bolstered by phrases like “I yam what I yam,” resonates across generations. The connection between Popeye and spinach creates a simple yet enduring narrative of empowerment, making him a natural fit for meme culture.

Popeye’s lore speaks to universal themes of triumph over adversity and community spirit, aligning seamlessly with the principles of decentralization. His humor, relatability, and cultural familiarity provide the foundation for $SPINACH’s narrative, elevating it beyond just another meme coin.

Why $SPINACH Is Unique

The $SPINACH meme coin draws strength from its authentic connection to Popeye and his legacy:

1. Cultural Legitimacy: Popeye’s association with spinach symbolizes strength, resilience, and authenticity. These values resonate with modern onchain communities, fostering a deep connection between the coin’s narrative and its audience.

2. Permissionless Creativity: With Popeye now in the public domain, $SPINACH thrives on the ability of its community to reimagine and innovate without limitations. Whether through memes, comics, storytelling or art, the project encourages organic growth and collective creativity.

3. Decentralized Growth: Fair-launched via Clanker, $SPINACH epitomizes the decentralized ethos of Web3. Clanker’s recognition as its own category on CoinGecko highlights the broader movement toward grassroots meme innovation and the power of community-driven launches.

4. Onchain Community Engagement: Decentralized communities are inherently participatory, and $SPINACH builds on this foundation by allowing holders to become active stewards of Popeye’s legacy. The coin acts as a cultural rallying point rather than a financial product, shifting the focus to creativity and connection.

Value Accrual in Public Domain Memes

The value of public domain memes lies in their ability to create cultural resonance without needing to promise financial or intrinsic value. Projects like $SPINACH thrive on collective storytelling, shared humor, and community participation. The connection between Popeye’s timeless narrative and the permissionless nature of onchain ecosystems drives the following dynamics:

• Cultural Liquidity: Popeye’s universal recognition across generations creates natural demand for projects connected to his legacy. $SPINACH extends this recognition into the onchain world, connecting past and future seamlessly.

• Onchain Community Engagement: Decentralized communities are inherently participatory, and $SPINACH builds on this foundation by allowing holders to become active stewards of Popeye’s legacy. The coin acts as a cultural rallying point rather than a financial product, shifting the focus to creativity and connection.

• Timelessness and Flexibility: Unlike fleeting internet memes, Popeye’s century-old lore provides a robust and enduring foundation for narrative expansion. This unique combination of historical gravitas and modern utility ensures long-term relevance.

Conclusion

$SPINACH represents the untapped potential of onchain public domain memes. By aligning with the cultural legacy of Popeye, it highlights the power of timeless narratives in creating participatory ecosystems that prioritize creativity over speculation. With its roots firmly planted in history and its sights set on the future, $SPINACH is a celebration of culture, community, and the limitless potential of permissionless innovation. By anchoring its identity in Popeye’s enduring lore, $SPINACH demonstrates how the onchain economy can honor and evolve the stories that have shaped generations.

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Strong to the finish!

you feel your best in life at two times: when you help someone else and when you give your best effort at something.

i was talking with a friend earlier this week over coffee abt wildcard and they were confused as to why i would give the tips i receive back to holders...this friend is not crypto native so the perspective was great and unlocked some things in my mind. helping others often includes the act of giving or sharing...whether it's time, knowledge, effort, resources, or other forms of support. the act of giving brings a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing that you have positively impacted someone’s day.

im viewing my recent wildcard participation (and gamification) as an early experiment. social and economic incentive structures involving crypto fascinate me and i spend a lot of time thinking abt this. ive tested many of the socialfi apps up to this point and for the most part have passed pretty quickly. wildcard hit different from the getgo for many reasons...ill share a few below.

Farcaster

mleejr🎩 on Warpcast

13.1k $WILD is about to be distributed…biggest day yet. first 7 got the full allocation (13,100/10). the next 6 are tied with 2 tickets each which bumps the total spots to 13. it’s also a lower allocation for those that are tied bc they are splitting the final 3 spots in the top 10 with 6 users. https://imagedelivery.net/BXluQx4ige9GuW0Ia56BHw/cbee1b69-fcd4-4720-f5b5-87fba75b7100/original

built on farcaster

wildcard is an app built on farcaster, tapping into half a million existing users. this makes it fun because a lot of our friends are already there. even if those friends don't become users of the wildcard app right away, we still have the ability to engage with them both socially and economically in a permissionless manner. building on farcaster is a significant advantage, providing an opportunity to bootstrap network effects right from the start, making wildcard's economic incentives and social engagement more impactful on day 1.

tipping system and allowance

wildcard has native tipping system where users can reward others using $WILD. users start with a daily tipping allowance of 1500 $WILD, which can be increased to 2500 $WILD for holding at least 1 ticket in total or 2000 $WILD for holding at least 0.001 ticket. this tipping system not only rewards quality content but also encourages active participation and engagement within the community.

sharing in success

wildcard gives users the ability to share in the success of others by holding their tickets. this feature alone is a game-changer for how we engage with and support each other on social networks. by holding a wildcard user’s ticket, you become more than just a passive follower...you now have skin in the game and are aligned with their success.

every time a user receives tips in $WILD, 25% of those tips are distributed among their ticket holders. as their influence and attention grow, so does the value of holding their ticket. this alignment of incentives has the potential to drive positive community actions, with interests aligned both socially and economically.

fractional tickets

wildcard gives users the ability to buy fractional tickets...this means you don’t have to break the bank to get skin in the game with any user on the platform. it also allows for more diversified ticket portfolios...i currently hold over 30 users tickets and growing that number by the day.

future potential

we are only beginning to understand the alignments, actions, and user creativity that this type of skin in the game social economics will generate...barely scratching the surface. there are obviously a lot of variables to consider...but im convinced incentive models like this are the future of social.

"you can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want." -hilary ziglar

🌎-'

it all kicked off in the summer of 2008. picture this: i just graduated college in new jersey, buzzing with the kind of optimism only a fresh young naive college graduate can have. my university picked me to speak at commencement, which was pretty cool, quite the honor. leading up to all this i was hitting the job application grind hard...i sent my resume to every single hedge fund and private equity fund in new york...maybe not all of them...but at least 30. guess how many got back to me? zero, zilch, nada...talk about a reality check.

turns out graduating in 2008 wasn't ideal for me...or anyone, really. it was the global financial crisis. jobs were about as scarce as an alien cryptopunk, especially in finance...but i didn't quite grasp the magnitude of the situation until after graduation. that's when it hit me like a ton of bricks - i was about to enter the "real world" unemployed. not exactly the plan i had mapped out.

fast forward a bit, and i find myself at a job fair, clutching my resume like a lifeline. and somehow, by some stroke of luck, i land a job offer. the catch? it's in raleigh, nc, working with a company called ADP and handling major accounts for them in the southeast...not exactly wall street, but hey, a job's a job. no worries though...i was battle tested after working full-time and going to school at night for most of my college career...the hustle wasn't new to me. but this? this was a whole new ball game...all i knew was new jersey...friends, family, relationships - everything.

i take the plunge. i move down to north carolina, buy a new construction townhouse (because why not add a mortgage into the mix), and start counting down the days until my new job begins - i had about 3 months until the start date. and here's where things get interesting...i'm out exploring my new neighborhood and i stumble upon this shopping center with a restaurant that's about to open...there was a sign in the window that said "coming soon".

curiosity got the best of me, and i wander in, only to be greeted by the general manager. he mistakes me for a vendor at first, but i quickly clear that up..."no ser, just new to the area checking everything out," i tell him. he mentions they're opening in two weeks, and without missing a beat, i offer to help out. "you know, i moved here for work but my job doesn't start for 3 months, if you need help waiting tables i would love to do it." he asked me if i have ever waited tables before and i remember his look of surprise when i said "nope, but hey, i've dined in enough of them to get the gist." he told me that all of the staff was already through orientation but would take my phone number down in the event he ever needs any help.

he takes down my number, not promising anything since they've already hired their staff, but hey, it was worth a shot...and would you believe it? not even a week later, i'm at home depot (side note, i only shop at lowes now), minding my own business, when my phone rings...it's the general manager from the restaurant...they need an extra pair of hands for their grand opening bc one of the kids who went through orientation never showed up...and guess who's up? me lol. i race home to get changed and head over to the restaurant.

that night was a blur. the restaurant was slammed, and there i was, diving headfirst into waiting tables for the first time in my life. talk about trial by fire. but somehow, i made it through, and the manager even asked me when the night was over if i'd like to stick around and work more shifts. "sure," i said, "but just so you know, i've got a full-time job starting soon."

now, here's where things take a turn for the serendipitous. the next time i'm on shift a few days later, i wait on this couple in a hurry. they're polite, know exactly what they want, and need to be in and out in no time...they were heading to see a show downtown and made it clear this needs to be a quick one...the real shocker comes when the meal was over and i go to swipe their card - an amex black card...made of metal...heavy. never saw one in my life before then. the tip they left on their $47 bill...$100. i got a $100 dollar tip...and was absolutely floored. "thank you so much, ser," i managed to stammer out. "all you need to say is thank you, everything else falls into place after that" he replied...i remember it like it was yesterday.

but me being me, i couldn't just leave it at that. i needed to know more about this guy...i googled him when i got home that night, and lo and behold, he's a big deal in the finance world. tons of SEC filings...hedge funds, private equity, you name it. so, i do what any determined job seeker would do...i call his office the next morning. i actually called twice over three days and was screened out by his assistant and sent to voice mail both times (if you know me feel free to ask and ill tell you what i said in the voice messages, lol). i didn't get a response to either of the voice messages.

but then...little did i know...fate would throw me a bone. i'm at the restaurant again, not working this time...just grabbing some dinner, when the general manager comes over with a glass of wine. "this is from the guy you've been calling looking for a job," he says. i turn around and look...yeah, the same guy, dining with his wife again. i was pretty embarrassed, thinking i'd overstepped by calling him, but he was actually impressed by my persistence. he came up to me after his meal, "you need to call me three times," he joked. "the only person who gets a callback without calling three times is my wife." so, i did. i called again the next morning and this time got him on the line...he invited me in for an hour interview.

i went in, prepped to the nines...with my cheap oversized boxy looking suit...ready to impress. and impress i did...or so i thought. two days later i got a call from his assistant telling me that i am not qualified to work there and that they need someone experienced, licensed, and ready to hit the ground running...i only matched with one of those criteria lmao.

i was pretty bummed that he didn't call me back himself to break the news...so i called him back...screened out again and sent to voice message "ser i dont want to wait for the door to open at your firm...i want to knock the door down...give me a chance" among other things...he still has the voice message saved to this day...epic. he called me back and said "i want you to come back in for another hour interview"...and that i did.

this second interview lasted abt 30 minutes (not an hour). we talked about everything under the sun except what you'd expect in a job interview. it was more like a chat about life, ambitions, and what i wanted out of my career. then he throws me another curveball – "i want you to go find mark robertson...mark is the top guy at an institutional consultancy firm i co-founded...when you find him, ask him what he needed to do to get an opportunity with me...and if you think you can do it i'll give you a shot" i replied "great can you share his contact info with me" - the response i got to that question were the last words of the interview and absolutely classic: "you'll figure it out"...i remember them words being spoke to me so clearly, as if he was sitting across from me speaking them at this very moment.

and figure it out i did...i went down to my car and googled the firm on my blackberry, remember this is 2008. turns out the firm was only a couple miles away so i went straight there basically barging in asking to meet the guy. and just like that, i'm sitting across from robertson, telling him my story, and why i was sent there. robertson got a kick out of the whole ordeal and shared his own story about breaking into the industry, and it's like a lightbulb moment for me.

so, i head back to my car, and i'm back on the phone with the hedge fund guy from the restaurant, telling him i met robertson, and i'm ready for whatever comes next. he was shocked that i was able to get a meeting with robertson literally minutes after he told me "you'll figure it out". i told him what robertson told me and said i want a shot....and just like that, i'm sponsored for the Series 7 exam. there was a catch: pass the exam and i'm promised a job at his firm for one year, fail the exam and "we part ways as friends". two weeks of non-stop studying later, i pass with a 92%. i was basically in tears walking out of the testing center...immediately called my parents to share the news...one of the best moments of my life.

on the drive home i call the hedge fund guy from the restaurant to tell him i passed...he offers me a job for one year, just like that. "when do you want to start?" he asks. "how about tomorrow?" i reply, half-joking. he suggested that we settle on the following monday, and the rest, as they say, is history...

i dive into the world of hedge funds and private equity, learning everything from fund accounting to compliance to investment management to marketing. it's hard work, long hours, but i'm soaking it all up. even had moments of doubt where i wanted to quit, but the hedge fund guy from the restaurant wouldn't let me. and thank god for that. because five years down the line, i make partner. a decade later i was still at the firm...but ready for the next challenge.

crypto was calling my name, and despite my partners at the firm not being on board, i knew it was where i needed to be. so, i resign, and start my own firm...diving headfirst into institutional crypto. fast forward three years, and my firm's growth catches the eye of none other than the company i started with (the hedge fund guy from the restaurant). they're ready for crypto now, and they want in. so, he acquires my firm, and my entity becomes a new division within his company. talk about coming full circle. what's next? we shall see...

this is the condensed version, believe it or not. the details, the ups and downs, the moments of doubt and triumph – it's been one hell of a ride. but if there's anything i've learned, it's that if you want something, really want it, you've got to go after it. no holds barred. so, to anyone reading this, wondering if they should take that leap of faith, do it. the path might not be straight, but the journey? it's worth every step.

the rest of the story and things left out will be worth sharing at some point...to be continued.

(actual names removed from the story to protect the identities of those involved)

in closing, i would like to share a special deep down heart felt thank you to a handful of people that not only inspired me on my path, but changed my life forever...thank you.

-Mom & Dad
-Mark Yusko
-Ben Forman
-Santiago Roel Santos
-David Perkins
-Michael Hudson

forever grateful...and just getting started.

🌎-'

this valentine's day, we're rolling out something special...you can now send a digital rose to anyone on farcaster thanks to a cool collaboration we put together among a few mfer friends. if you look closely at the rose you'll notice a semi subtle mfer twist to it 😉.

how it works:

• one rose, three friends: every user gets to send out three roses...send to whoever you want...your friend, your mom, your gf, your sister, your wife, someone you care abt, or maybe that web3 crush you've been gifting warps to.

• easy to send: just punch in the fid of the person you want to surprise with a rose, hit set receiver button, then send rose.

• free to use: mfers funded the first ~3000 roses...lets see how it goes...you can track the amount of eth remaining for gas at mferoses.eth...we sent .143 eth to get started...will try to keep it open and distributing roses all day.

• no wallet? no worries: if they don't have a wallet, you can always utilize the rcs method...make sure everyone gets a bit of love this valentine's day.

Farcaster

mleejr🎩 on Warpcast

mfers are passionate lovers...spread the love this valentines day -3 rose sends per farcaster user -send to any FID -open 24 hours frame by @yost rose art by @animated ♥️-' https://www.mferoses.xyz/

frame build by @yost
rose art by @animated
encouragement by @mleejr

mfers are lovers, always has been...and we're hoping to make this an annual thing...a way to connect (possibly flirt) and spread some positive vibes. if you like this kind of stuff you can find more of it at the /mfers channel on farcaster...its non stop...mfers have been shipping cool fafo experiments since november 2021...its remarkable what this global, borderless, sufficiently decentralized group of crypto mfers have achieved together.

after writing everything above this paragraph last night, i thought the article was complete...but mfers are full of surprises, and there is another mfer rose circulating today...faded alpha is curating szn3 of rare mfers and released a rose that was drawn by @sartoshi...i knew faded was going to be sending roses to some special mfers today...but how he rolled it out blew my mind...art drawn by sartoshi...6 per wallet...and actually part of the rare mfers collection contract...kinda wild...you can mint up to 6 for free on manifold via this link.

happy valentine's day, mfers ♥-'

how did i get in today's game? alex sent me a dm saying "you are up for tomorrow's bet :)" with a screenshot of the contest...will @mleejr make MORE or LESS than 69 casts tomorrow? i had a very small window of time to figure this thing out...also had no idea what i was going to do...i just knew i had to hit at least hit 70...and wanted to be at least somewhat creative.

the only issue was i had a busy weekend ahead packed with lil mlee activities...the science olympiad competition at his school on saturday, couple hockey games against crosstown rivals, canes v devils at pnc arena, and super bowl sunday festivities.

i knew yesterday that i would have to get all of the casts scheduled in advance (thank you supercast) or i wouldn't hit the number and/or be forced to cast a bunch of mediocre casts...i asked ai to help me come up with a schedule and provided an overarching theme for each of the casts...open systems, decentralization, permissionless innovation, farcaster, censorship resistance, sufficiently decentralized, mfers, etc...i got everything scheduled before going to sleep last night bc i knew today was going to be crazy...afk all day.

here is a breakdown of the casts and some clues for the game within a game:

• each image was generated with ai...except for #69 which was created by @jellopeas...i didn't even ask permission to use it...rcs

• over 200 images were generated for the 68 that were used

• mfer7839 is included in each of the images...sometimes more obvious than others

• the first 12 casts were posted in the /perl channel (this is important)

• the remaining were posted in the /mfer channel

• there is a seed phrase hidden in the casts from today

• the first word of the seed phrase is the only @ in all of the casts

• the second word can be found in the second cast

• the remaining words of the seed phrase follow a same simple pattern

• there is enough eth in the address to transfer out assets once found

• winner also gets my full $DEGEN allowance the following day (~160k)

couple side notes:

• a lot of ppl asked me MORE or LESS...i didnt share with anyone

• the only person that knew abt the seed phrase prior to this article being published was me

• while i was building out the casts i had a gazillion different ideas on how i would have done this differently...and made it even better...but i was in too deep, pot committed...and didn't have the time to go back and start over.

the baller play would've prob been to just end it on #69 for the culture...i thought abt it, but i don't really love ties, in a case like this ok maybe it would have been cool...but >69 felt more like going for the win...ill let someone else get the first tie in the perl game.

moral of the story: never bet against a mfer 🌎-'

farcaster has taken the crypto world by storm over the past week with a sick combination of sufficiently decentralized social media and crypto commerce exchange functionality. users are not only able to converse and share ideas, but they also have the ability to transact onchain directly within the platform. no jumping through hoops or switching apps it is the easiest application of crypto i have seen to date. below ill share some of the things im most excited abt.

are frames cryptos iphone moment?

frames are pretty much an upgrade on the usual way we share and interact with content online. think of them as interactive bits on your feed where you can do cool stuff without having to jump over to another app or page. since they rolled out, there's been a ton of buzz around them. crypto mfers are experimenting with all sorts of frames, from gaming to instant shopping, token airdrops, even dropping nfts right there in the feed for free gasless instant mints...yesterday there was a bitcoin ordinal frame mint i participated in. it's sparked a lot more activity on farcaster, with loads more people signing up and getting in on the action.

and to stir the pot even more, they've got these bounties going for developers to come up with new frames. it's like a call to arms for the creative and techy types to put their spin on things, with some sweet incentives up for grabs. from what i've seen, the community's been all over it, launching new frames that let you do everything from collecting nfts to playing chess.

it's all about making the platform more engaging and interactive, and from the looks of it, frames are just the beginning. they're aiming to make farcaster a space where crypto and social media blend in a way that gives users more control and fun ways to interact. pretty ambitious and cool if you ask me.

i created a frame for a free gasless one click nft mint titled "Sufficiently Decentralized". its a portrait of dwr created from the text used in his "farcaster is now open to everyone" blog post. the frame mint was open for 24 hrs and was minted by 1,757 unique farcaster mfer wallets. i added some subtle touches like farcaster purple for the text...and also managed to hide the word "mfers" in the text.

the perl game

one of the most exciting applications to come out frames imo is the $perl game. perl is backed by balaji and a16z...a month or so ago i had a call with alex kwon one of the founders and was blown away...young prodigy mfer.

every day perl runs a game on farcaster allowing participants to predict the outcome of a predetermined contest posted by the @perl farcaster account. if you select the right outcome you are rewarded with $perl...select the wrong outcome and earn zero $perl for the game that day. the below is an example of the game running today.

Farcaster

perl on Warpcast

📣 @perl game round #5 (Feb. 5th): Prize = 200 $PERL 18K+ players now. LFG! Choose whether @cassie the “High Priestess of the Arch” will get MORE or LESS.. 🥁🥁 “LIKES” 🌪️ Recast & Like 💬 @ friends you'd like to play with https://perl.xyz/market/5/bet

the perl game is alpha...go play.

manifold did it again

its hard to argue the fact that manifold has been one of the most significant infrastructure builders in the crypto space over the last couple years and they have once again outdone themselves with their contribution to farcaster frames. they shipped an app within manifold studio that allows creators to deploy nft contracts on base and mint tokens to them. it literally took me 5 minutes to deploy a contract, upload image (token), and cast the frame on farcaster enabling users to execute a one click gasless mint.

there is no need for user wallets to interact with the contract which is nice from a security standpoint...no signing messages or transactions...simple one click instantaneous gasless mint that auto airdrops the token to your wallet connected to farcaster. this is all done on base by coinbase as you can see in the screenshot below. the gas fees are subsidized on the frontend and im pretty sure we have base grants to thank for that.

decentralized publishing with paragraph

paragraph.xyz is a platform designed for the new age of digital publishing...focusing on decentralized and blockchain-based blogging. it’s built for writers, thinkers, and creators who want to share their ideas with the world in a more sovereign and innovative way. after publishing an article with paragraph you can paste the link into a farcaster caset and it automatically creates a frame that allows users to go to the article on paragraph, read inline with the frame without ever leaving the app, and subscribe.

here's a breakdown of what makes paragraph stand out:

• decentralized publishing: Unlike traditional blogging platforms, paragraph leverages blockchain technology...the content is not stored on a single server owned by a company but distributed across a network giving writers full control over their work. this decentralization ensures censorship resistance and permanence...its an attractive option for those concerned about digital rights and freedom of speech.

• ownership and monetization: writers on paragraph have true ownership of their content thanks to nfts...each post can be minted as a nft allowing authors not only to claim ownership in a verifiable way but also to explore new avenues for monetization. readers can support their favorite authors by purchasing posts, subscribing to newsletters, or simply tipping some $DEGEN on the timeline.

• community and engagement: paragraph fosters a community of readers and writers who are passionate about various topics, from tech and crypto to literature and philosophy. the platform encourages interaction through comments, likes, and shares, creating a vibrant ecosystem where ideas can flourish and discussions can deepen...my newsletter, not fucking around, already has over 500 subscribers after my first article titled "why i use a mfer as my pfp".

paragraph represents a shift in how we think about content creation and consumption on the internet...and tbh if it werent for paragraph i wouldnt be writing and publishing thoughts the way that i am right now. it’s not just a platform for blogging...it’s a space where the principles of decentralization, ownership, and community converge, reshaping the landscape of digital expression and intellectual exchange. paragraph is where blogging meets blockchain...and its perfect for crypto mfers who value freedom and creativity.

$DEGEN tips

$degen tips are pretty much farcasters version of giving someone a high five with some cash in your hand. it's a way for crypto mfers on farcaster to show their appreciation for someone's post, comment, or any cool content they come across. here's the lowdown on how $degen tips work and why they're kind of a big deal:

• wtf is $DEGEN: think of it as the go-to currency for the cool kid crypto mfer crowd on farcaster.

• how do tips work: let's say you're scrolling through farcaster and stumble upon a post that blows your mind or makes you laugh. instead of just giving it a like or a retweet, you can send the creator a $DEGEN tip. it's your way of saying, "hey, that was pretty cool, here's a little something for your effort."

• why tip with $DEGEN: tipping with $DEGEN isn't just about being generous. it's a nod to the whole ethos of the crypto community — supporting each other, valuing creativity, and using digital currency to do it. it's also a way to help creators keep doing what they do best without relying on ads or sponsors.

• the impact: when you tip someone with $DEGEN, you're doing more than just giving them digital cash. you're helping build a culture of appreciation and support that's kind of unique to the crypto space. plus, it feels pretty good to both give and receive these tips, knowing you're part of a community that values each other.

$DEGEN serves as both a financial instrument and a catalyst for community engagement and growth rewarding participation, creativity, and collaboration...the tips are about showing love for the content that makes the crypto community so badass. next time you see something cool, think about dropping a $DEGEN tip...it's a small gesture that can make a big difference...check out the official $DEGEN FAQ here to learn more.

the future of social networking on farcaster

as we look ahead, the experiments and innovations (fafo) unfolding on farcaster offer a glimpse into a future where social networking transcends traditional boundaries. the platform's embrace of decentralized technology, coupled with its mferish community and creative initiatives is not just redefining the user experience but also setting new standards for digital interaction.

the future of social networking lies in empowering users...giving them the tools to create, share, and transact within a community that values authenticity and freedom. this is a world where the value of content is determined not by algorithms or corporate interests but by the community itself. it's a place where creativity is rewarded, privacy is protected, and transactions are transparent and direct. as these principles gain traction we can expect to see them inspire similar innovations across the broader landscape of decentralized social media.

the implications for the digital public square are profound. farcaster is not just a social network....its an incubator for the next wave of digital culture by prioritizing user agency and community-driven growth. the future of social networking on farcaster is bright...the lessons learned and the connections forged here will influence the evolution of social media for years to come.

be sure to follow the /mfers channel on farcaster...let me know you read this article in the channel...maybe i'll drop you some $DEGEN.

philosophical v speculative: the mfer pfp is rooted in philosophical beliefs like self-sovereignty, freedom, and the spirit of decentralization. its abt expressing a digital identity that aligns with my views on autonomy and the ethos of the crypto world. in contrast, choosing a pfp for speculative reasons (wen moon) is mostly driven by financial gain rather than any deeper connection to the assets underlying principles.

gsd culture v wen culture: the mfer pfp represents a culture of gsd (get shit done) without relying on a centralized entity or founder...never having to ask for permission. this has brought together a community that shares similar values abt the digital asset and crypto space. on the other hand, "wen culture" is often times more focused on what financial incentives can be gained from being part of a project...wen token, wen announcement, wen airdrop, wen founder pump my bags, wen moon, etc (i like and own some "wen culture" assets but prefer not to use them as a representation of my digital identity - i simply own them for speculative reasons).

decentralization v centralization: the mfer pfp signifies an endorsement of decentralized community-driven outputs (mfers onchain, best-selling physical products in fortune 50 lowes, rare mfers, mferGPT, studiotbd, merch shops, irl events, demon hrs, etc). this contrasts with pfps issued by private venture backed companies where company growth and profitability might not directly translate to value for the pfp holder. pfp holders do not own equity or have a contractual claim on private company profits (shout to osf for working to change this for rekt guy holders).

cultural value v monetary value: the mfer pfp represents an appreciation for cultural value within the broader web3 space. mfers are stamping their cultural footprints all over the blockchain. conversely, choosing a pfp for its potential monetary appreciation seems to be less abt culture and more about the potential financial return. tbf, i love financial return too - but look for it and find it in other areas of the crypto space than my pfp (meme coins, defi, investing in protocols, other nfts and digital art, etc).

long term engagement v short term gain: the mfer pfp expresses a long-term view to the philosophy it represents and the type of individual it attracts. in contrast, those focused on short-term incentives like price appreciation or "wen airdrop" may not be as committed to the longevity and development of the community or project...especially when tides get rough.

simplicity v complexity: mfers are cartoonish stick figure drawings - a 5 year old could probably draw them lol, but theres something deeper here. it represents a personal value for authenticity and simplicity over complexity or polish. simplicity is easy to relate and connect with creating a feeling of inclusivity (we all mfers) which is important for cultural relevance.

humor and memes: mfers are heavily laced with humor and satire...and good clean fun trolling (the mfer fade shop as an example). i like to use jokes and memes to comment on the absurdities of both the real world and the nft space. i love humor and joking around while still being able to critically engage with the space while not taking it too seriously. all in all, my approach to nfts and digital identity are closely aligned with my irl beliefs. this feels important to me as our digital and irl realities become increasingly intertwined. besides, everyone likes to use the word mfer - its just fun...thanks for reading motherfucker.

mleejr

@MLeeJr

why i use a mfer as my pfp...ive thought abt this a lot but never fully shared in writing...felt like now would be a good time to do that:

philosophical v speculative: the mfer pfp is rooted in philosophical beliefs like self-sovereignty, freedom, and the spirit of…

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3:44 PM • Jan 19, 2024