After intaking lots of crypto-knowledge and alcohol during the first two days, it was time to sit down for the final day. Most of my highlights from day two deal with crypto-politics/freedom, but I’ll mention a few projects and trends down below as well.
Lyn Ulbricht started the day with the “Free Ross” campaign and backstory. For crypto-newbies, Ross Ulbricht is a big reason why BTC first took off. He created Silk Road which accepted BTC for payment. Our psychopathic government gave him a double-life sentence, far more than actual drug-dealers on the site got. #FREEROSS
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Craig Sellars talked about BlockV, which is doing interesting things when it comes to rewards/advertising/non-fungible tokens(NFTs). They have vAtoms, which are unique, and built on the BlockV protocol. I installed the app and was able to grab a “Coke” and a “picture of Dave” vAtoms upon returning to my domicile. The app is easy to install and great for Crypto-Beginners. You just need an e-mail or phone number. After that, you can “pick” up vAtoms on the included map (if nearby). You can also drop the vAtoms on the map or share them with friends in your contacts.
Most of the vAtoms seem to be clustered in big cities (like NYC), but I found mine while traveling through Newport, RI. This could be huge if enough people/companies get involved. Think of it like Pokemon Go, except the Pokemon are vAtoms which are NFTs and can be exchanged for prizes, gifts, and discounts. (full disclosure: I’ve never actually played Pokemon Go)
Ben Swann gave an inspiring speech about creating an independent news platform called Isegoria. It’s in its initial stages but I believe he’s supported by the DASH community so he’s already off to a good start. He said that the current media doesn’t have a “left/right bias” but a bias towards a “shaped narrative.” He went on to say that it’s “liberty/freedom vs. oppression.” If you haven’t looked into his work, check it out. I wish him well on his project. Crypto isn’t just about HODLing for massive gains. We be spreadin’ some knowledge on the no-coiners too.
Nick Spanos could have given the most entertaining and energizing speech of the conference. He basically spent the whole time talking about freedom and those who want to take his freedom. Here are some quotes for your enjoyment.
“Why should anyone buy our shitcoin?”
“Finally, I have a weapon against my owners.”
“They can’t do shit to us.”
“We gotta piss on those people.”
That’s why this guy is a legend.
Jeremy Gardner didn’t give the type of speech I was expecting, but it was one of the highlights of Day 2. Instead of taking about technical stuff or his companies, he talked about creating a culture and narrative around Crypto that would make it cool, interesting, and mainstream. For those who don’t know, Jeremy lived in the original “Crypto Castle” with Vitalik and other big players in the space in San Fran.
He has a new “Crypto Castle-Miami” and talked about how important culture is when it comes to making Blockchain go mainstream. He talked about how the house creates a narrative vs. the narrative created by the jealous haters. This is a critical, but often overlooked thing about Crypto. Without the social cachet, interest, and excitement, crypto won’t see the sort of adoption we all want it to see.
“We’re too far ahead of the world we live in today.” -J.G.
The last speaker was Jeff Berwick, a.k.a., the Dollar Vigilante. Rivaling Nick Spano’s speech, it was full of interesting tid-bits, quotes, and a little review on the history of crypto-prices for the newbies. I loved how he talked about the “mindless zombies” out in the world. He seems to think Crypto is due for a big bull run somewhere in the future.
He said if 1% of institutional money comes in, it’ll go parabolic (BTC). He also mentioned that as fiat currencies collapse, it’ll go parabolic(nice visual for the HODLers). We already see fiat imploding in some places like Venezuela, and now they’re using BCH and DASH. He sees the dollar collapsing, so at the very least, having crypto is a good idea as a hedge/insurance policy against this happening. He was a great speaker to close the conference with and I hope to make it to Anarchapulco someday (maybe 2020).
During the closing remarks, an odd thing happened. Jeremy Gardner was banned from ever giving a speech again. During his keynote, he showed a short video of the Crypto-Castle and his friends on a yacht drinking, dancing, and partying. I’m not sure how this got him banned but it did. Was it that fact that the girls were in swimsuits? I have no clue but whoever complained really needs to go back to the convent or psych. ward that they came from. If more than a handful of the 1,500 attendees complained, I’d be shocked. #Don’tMakeTheUglyGirlsAngry(video can be seen down below…)
Overall, I thought the conference went great. Good parties, delicious catering, great swag, and great speakers. One big trend I noticed is that many people there thought Security Tokens would be huge in 2019 and beyond. It also seemed like voting on the Blockchain (Voatz/Votem/etc) is actually going to happen sooner rather than later. There have already been some trial runs and some tests with non-binding referendums so that looks promising and a great way to cut down on voter fraud, especially in Banana Republics. See you at BTC-Miami 2020.
And remember to HODL for:
Jesse James’ custom rides, and Jesse James’ custom 1911’s with custom engraved slides.
