NFTs Cost Money But Are These Digital Tokens Worth It?
What makes something valuable? The concept of value is a topic that has intrigued people for centuries. It's remarkable how different people have varying criteria for what they deem valuable or disposable. For instance, why do Picasso's seemingly random lines fetch millions of dollars, while our own doodles on a piece of paper are not worth much? Why do diamonds hold more value than the rocks in our own backyard? And why are non-fungible tokens (NFTs) causing such a stir and fetching exorbitant amounts of money?
Determining the value of an object is a complex process that involves several factors, including its utility, aesthetic appeal, rarity, and emotional significance. All of these elements must be present to some extent for the object to be considered valuable. It's a fascinating subject that combines both analytical and emotional facets of human behavior, making it an engaging and worthwhile topic to explore.
VALUE THROUGH UTILITY
Like stocks and bonds, paintings can appreciate in value and obviously, any Picasso piece would cost piles of cash. Just imagine having Le Rêve pinned on your wall. This doesn’t only add value to your whole house and your probably boring walls, but to some, it also translates to your value as a person for owning such a priceless piece.
Owning diamonds almost does the same but unlike paintings, only a few types of diamonds appreciate in value over time. Diamonds, however, have been an image of purity and love. That’s why many women love receiving anything that has a diamond on it.
NFT’s benefits, on the other hand, vary whether you are a creator, a collector, or the marketplace where they’re sold. Let’s take a look at the benefits they offer to each!
Creators:
- Ideal for creators who wish to monetize their creations in a new and exciting way.
- Gaining online recognition opening several opportunities for them as creators.
- Access to the global market.
- Creators have the freedom to choose which pieces will be displayed and how much they’ll be sold for.
- Creators procure royalties from the marketplace they choose to sell their creations.
Collectors:
- The collector will enjoy exclusive ownership.
- Art is more accessible than ever. It doesn’t matter where you live.
- Don’t have to worry about shipping costs.
- NFTs change their value over time.
- New ways to show support or connect with their chosen creator.
- The blockchain on which the NFT was created secures transactions as well as the authenticity of the piece.
NFT Marketplaces:
- Marketplaces get a percentage from each transaction.
- The industry of NFTs has a tremendous progress rate. Just in the first half of 2021, NFT transactions elevated by 328%.
- The marketplace gets to focus on the certain niche and audience that it desires.
VALUE SEEN ON ITS AESTHETIC
Paintings don’t just add color and visual emotion to spaces, they also represent an individual’s taste. One painting may entice a volume of people but might look ugly and worthless to some.
Moving on, known as the most coveted jewel on Earth, the beguiling elegance of diamonds are indisputably timeless. Wearing a diamond ring doesn’t only lift someone’s whole outfit but also says a lot about their beliefs and personality.
Just like paintings, NFTs attract certain tastes. Of course, people purchase NFTs as a form of investment so it doesn’t really matter if it looks “pretty” as long as it generates money, but I think you’d agree that first impressions do matter. And just like diamonds, owners get to have their own image in the community because like rare diamonds, there are high-value NFTs out there.
VALUE BASED ON RARITY
I know you’ve seen multiple paintings used to explain why NFTs are rare simply because it’s the easiest way for people to digest these unfamiliar digital tokens. You can see Vincent’s Starry Night printed almost everywhere: mugs, journals, posters. Several artists also create their own versions of Starry Night but it’s not the same painting made by a guy who cut his ears off years ago.
Diamonds are rare too because no two diamonds can ever be the same. It has complex characteristics that cannot be duplicated. Like the owner, each diamond is endowed with its own unique character and personality.
NFTs are just like these dazzling beauties. Not a single NFT can ever be the same as another one and it also says a lot about the person who bought them. People love limited editions and NFTs offer exclusivity of ownership.
VALUE DEPENDING ON EMOTIONS
Paintings give us feelings parallel to life— feelings expressed through paint and a brush. Art enthusiasts attend an exhibit and choose to purchase the painting that speaks to them the most. Even if it’s just strokes in different colors, the feeling that is translated to the viewer is what gives it value.
Diamonds, on the other hand, aren’t that subjective. Used for centuries as engagement rings and wedding bands, these love-bearing crystals make people special, loved, and valued.
NFTs run its fingers through human emotions as well! It’s just like a painting. NFT is the newest format of art and honestly, FOMO is one of the biggest reason why people who never even took interest collecting traditional art back then spend hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars for the bragging rights of these tokens.
CONCLUSION
Are NFTs worth the hype? It's a question that has plagued the minds of collectors, artists and investors alike. After analyzing the article "NFTs Cost Money but are these Digital Tokens Worth it?", it can be concluded that the value of NFTs depends on one's perception and willingness to invest in them.
Let's be real, who wouldn't want to own and sell digital assets in a unique way? NFTs offer a new and exciting opportunity to do just that. However, the high cost of some NFTs has sparked a debate over their actual value. Are they really worth the investment or just overhyped?
Regardless of where you stand on the NFT debate, it's undeniable that they've gained significant attention and have the potential to revolutionize the art and entertainment industries. So, whether you're a risk-taker or a careful investor, it's important to do your own research and assess your personal goals and risk tolerance before buying an NFT.
In conclusion, the value of NFTs is subjective and varies from person to person, just like the appeal of a good meme. But hey, it's an exciting and rapidly evolving space that's worth keeping an eye on as it continues to develop. Maybe one day, we'll all be rich meme lords - the possibilities are endless!