Reflections about cryptoart in a virtual learning community

This text is a message I sent in the CRYPTOARTISTS group (Telegram – on 7/23/2019) in a conversation with other cryptoartists.

A while ago, I did a research on the fees on some of the various platforms of tokenization and commercialization of digital collectibles and I was a little HAPPY and somewhat INTRIGUED. What I viewed: 0% (Portion), 0% (Rare Bits), 2.5% (OpenSea), 4% (PepeDapp), 15% (MakersPlace), 18% (R.A.R.E ART). In blockchain times, the existence of intermediaries charging 18%, 20% of the artist on digital art platforms may be an IMPORTANT FACT for us to think and discuss. We know that these digital intermediaries have a lower expense for providing the service, as computers do most of the work. In my view, without a more detailed market analysis (who has this analysis, please contribute to the discussion), perhaps a fair price would be at most 10%. Of course, we also have to evaluate how well the platform really helps the artist get visibility and sell his works. If the platform really supports the artist well, perhaps (perhaps) a larger commission will be justified. It is an argument to think about. Well, these are some of my thoughts that I would like to share with the group. I respect each artist’s freedom and decision to choose what is best for them. I am not judging anyone and I do not want to be the owner of the truth, I just want to generate REFLECTIONS and LEARNING.

In this new world that is emerging, I believe we should ask some QUESTIONS. What is the real role of these platforms for artists? What are the valuable exchange coins these platforms can give to artists? On the other hand, what are the valuable exchange coins artists can give to these platforms? I see that the art tokenization platforms and of commercialization of digital collectibles mainly give TWO COINS to artists: 1) the infrastructure to tokenize their arts; 2) visibility.

I believe WE DO NOT HAVE TO HATE INTERMEDIARIES. Hate is horrible and doesn’t do much to improve the world. I believe that the new art platforms have to create a NEW PHILOSOPHY and a NEW WAY OF DEALING WITH ARTISTS in relation to the treatment that was given before the blockchain emerged. Not to be arrogant but just realistic: THE WORLD HAS CHANGED and now the new artists have the VOICE, the POWER TO DECIDE and the ALTERNATIVES not to depend on an intermediary to create, disclose and sell their work.

Thinking of a path with more ARTISTIC AUTONOMY and WORKING TOGETHER, the infrastructure to tokenize their arts for free the artist already has. We have some platforms that make this possible. I will mention two based on the Ethereum blockchain. An example is the ALF platform. An initiative by independent cryptoartists and programmers that makes it possible to create tokens for free (paying only for gas). Another option is the platform I am currently using: Codex. A platform that allows the creation of a digital gallery for the artist and the creation of tokens for free (only pay the gas). In addition, Codex contributes to giving the platform artists visibility by spreading their ideas and work. If Codex continues this way, in my opinion, it will be a platform worthy of respect and I will for sure contribute (with several currencies) to its growth. If in the middle of the way, the Codex changes its philosophy, I will thank all the help that the platform has provided me and I will tread new paths that I consider more fair and collaborative. Regarding the ALF platform, it is a platform that I also APPRECIATE. I want to help her and I want to use her for the tokenization of some of my arts, because I believe that collaborative group work, mutual help, autonomy and fair division of tasks are important principles that have to be valued and encouraged in this new artistic conformation that is emerging. In addition to these two platforms mentioned, I see that platforms like Creary, PUBLIQ and Steemit also contribute greatly to the autonomy and visibility of artists.

Finally, it is a FACT, in relation to digital art and physical art (also), that we already have (for free) the infrastructure for the tokenization of our arts. Now, I realize that our main focus should be to solve the problem of SELECTIVE VISIBILITY. What we always saw in the area of art and culture was: more visibility for those who already have a lot of visibility; an exaggerated visibility for the famous artist compared to the artists without fame. THERE IS SELECTIVITY AND CENTRALIZATION IN THE POWER OF VISIBILITY. In this way, an uneven system was created that does not favor and encourage the emergence of new creative artists who could also have art as their work. One of the discussions and actions that took place recently in the GAC group (a group of independent cryptoartists) focused on creating a SYSTEM OF DEMOCRATIC VISIBILITY for artists through jointly coordinated actions. With the internet, blockchain, working together, intelligence, creativity and vibrating on the principle of mutual aid, we artists have the possibility to create OUR OWN COMMUNICATION CHANNELS in various formats and languages and not be so dependent on traditional media to achieve visibility. Our mind is so beautiful, rich, abundant, creative, valuable… Our mind can take us to amazing places!

Original article posted by Nino Arteiro on 09/24/2019 in: https://slog.media/s/DFRTSTUQ7w1wX2sNW4AeihBFRrT7TvApkFTPzg8XxpoU