Hello tech savvy Steemians! I'm very curious to get your opinions about cryptokitties.

Brilliant Engagement Strategy

Regardless how we feel about Ethereum and the platform, we have to admit that creation of Cryptokitties has the potential to draw otherwise disengaged non-crypto crowds to the blockchain table.

By creating a product that appeals to users on an emotional level rather than tech, an entirely new group of users flock to the blockchain to unwittingly test-out functionality, and essentially increase legitimacy and usability of the platform.

Because we as Steemit users have "skin in the game", it might be difficult to remain objective about this topic, especially since we know that Steemit can process transactions faster than our sibling Etherium. But like a friend who wins the lottery while we remain poor, it is important to be a good friend and be happy for them--and really, crypto and blockchain are our backyard anyway.

Good Investment or Fad?

In asking this question, there is no implication that a "fad" is actually a bad thing. Think Beanie Babies, Cabbage patch Kids and Pokemon--people went absolutely crazy for these fad-based products, and millions of dollars were made.

Fads come and go, but the people who profit from them likely still have their money. Some collectible fads hold extreme value in the meatspace: baseball cards, comic books, anything Star Trek, stamps, and old coins. In these situations, both the creator and the holder receive economic benefit, but many who hold low-demand objects with limited rarity often do not--and it is difficult to predict those items which will.

So if we are not able to predict the long-term value of cryptokitties, is this simply a short-term investment vehicle that must be watched carefully for market fluctuations? Is it solely a pump-and-dump opportunity?

One of Many and the CryptoGerbil

So do cryptokitties create a tipping point for more crypto collectibles? Seems we are already hearing about current and pending availability of cryptopuppies, and pick-your-own cryptoanimals. When an idea is successful, many derivative products and services appear out of the ether (pun intended) to compete in the market space. Rise of the cryptogerbils!

While the concept of cryptokittes is amusing, there does seem to be other practical application for digital collectibles in an entirely different market...video games. Imagine a huge non-proprietary "weapons" marketplace for open source games, that is market-driven rather than vendor sourced. In this scenario, artists and programmers are free to create desirable objects and sell them unencumbered from vendor restraints.

It is entirely possible that we will be seeing new and unusual products in this space within the next few months, and some of them are going to be fantastic.

Just for Hodl?

A few blogs out there suggest that the cryptokitty "game" (buying, breeding, trading) is just too boring. Do you find this to be the case? Is the only benefit to owning a cryptokitty simply another asset in an otherwise diversified crypto portfolio?

With so much knowledge, interest and passion for all things crypto and blockchain here on Steemit, it would be delightful to hear your opinion and projections about cryptokitties. Please jump in and share your thoughts!

Peace.
(All images courtesy of Pixabay except first image of my darling kittens)