Meet BitGod, Founder of Quadrillion Art/OXBT
About eight years ago, I got introduced to the world of cryptocurrencies by a knowledgeable figure on YouTube. This person shared insights about the crypto world, which got me interested. As I delved deeper into this digital realm, I realized it had significant potential. I saw opportunities to either contribute to it or be a part of it.
Like many others, I was fascinated by the crypto world. It all started when I heard about ‘Bitcoin’ during one of those YouTube sessions. This piqued my curiosity, leading me to explore further. This happened in 2015 when I was about to graduate from high school.
My journey in the crypto world has been quite an adventure. I’ve explored centralized and decentralized exchanges and various aspects of the industry. Recently, I’ve also ventured into NFT marketplaces, which have enriched my understanding of the crypto landscape and fueled my passion to keep contributing.
Fast forward about seven to eight months, I discovered ‘ordinals.’ This concept immediately caught my attention as it was uncharted territory in the crypto universe. Initially, my goal was to be a collector, supporting this new space in the best way I could.
As time went on, my perspective changed. I began to develop a thesis about the potential in the ordinal space. This evolving vision led me to consider becoming an active participant and builder. Today, our focus is on developing and advancing the ordinal concept, pushing the boundaries to see how far it can go.
What led you into building?
I started thinking about this when I’d been in the ordinal space for about two to three months. As time went on, I noticed that people were continually building projects and mentoring others. That’s when I realized there might be an opportunity to fill a gap in the market. I had some ideas about how to onboard more people into ordinals, so I began to develop a plan to address that gap.
This is where the whole idea took off. I decided to build a team that shared my vision. Over time, I’ve become increasingly passionate about certain aspects of ordinals, particularly art. We, on the OXBT side, along with what’s to come on the Quadrillion side, have focused on these passions. We’ve also made an effort to fill gaps in the ecosystem, and I believe we’ve made some progress in that regard.
So, in a nutshell, my involvement wasn’t originally about building; it was more about observing the ecosystem, identifying gaps, and figuring out how my team and I could help fill those gaps.
Challenges faced while building?
I believe we’ve encountered several challenges in this space. Building on top of Bitcoin has proven to be more difficult than many initially thought. Some people assumed it would be as straightforward as Ethereum, if not easier, but it turned out to be quite complex.
We’ve faced various issues, including costs and limitations. Bitcoin has limitations when it comes to what you can do at the Bitcoin level. When it comes to art, we’ve had to deal with compressing files to fit specific limits. It’s a nuanced and tricky process to build on Bitcoin.
While the experience is expected to improve, we’re still in the early stages. Building the necessary infrastructure and addressing these challenges will take time and resources. The path is right, but it requires more time, investment, and efforts from builders like the quadrillion team.
To summarize, the issues we’ve faced include Bitcoin’s inherent limitations, challenges related to compression, the current state of the ecosystem’s development, and the absence of risk capital, which is both a strength and a weakness in the Bitcoin ecosystem. These are some of the problems we’ve encountered.
Luck or Hard work?
Luck always has a role in our journey, but my belief is that we can actively shape our own luck. It’s about creating the right circumstances. What many people might not see is that, leading up to the OXBT mint, my past relationships were a significant factor in our success. These connections weren’t built with any project in mind; they were about building genuine relationships.
When the time came for me to embark on this project, I received support from these connections, not because I asked for it, but because they knew me and trusted in the relationships we had built.
In our OXBT team journey, luck played a part. There was a growing interest in BRC20 tokens, and our project, OXBT, managed to tap into that wave of interest. However, luck alone isn’t a guarantee for success. It’s the culmination of many factors. It started with the connections I had forged and continued with our careful planning, including the customized minting process we developed with Luminex. Various small details added up to our good fortune.
In the end, luck is ever-present, but it’s something we can influence. The key to making your luck is hard work. It’s about being consistently dedicated, whether it’s in your daily efforts, like hosting a podcast, securing great guests, or regularly sharing content. All these elements accumulate and contribute to what we perceive as luck. That’s the essence of my perspective.
Talent or Hard work?
In essence, I’d say that when it comes to the equation of hard work versus talent, I find myself leaning heavily on the side of hard work, both for myself and the entire team. While there might be some talent involved in what we do, I firmly believe that talent alone can only take you so far. It’s true that you’ll encounter talented individuals in any field, but consistent, day-to-day hard work over a prolonged period is what truly sets you apart.
I’ve witnessed too many people with incredible talent who lacked a strong work ethic. This holds true in various domains, whether it’s physical sports or mental pursuits, such as starting a company or a project. The misconception that things will simply fall into place without dedicated effort is a trap. The reality is that success is rooted in practice and relentless hard work.
People like me, our team, and many others in the world of ordinals, and across various ecosystems, are willing to put in the hours and outwork those who believe that talent alone should secure them rewards or the top spot in any competition. That’s my perspective. I firmly stand on the side of hard work, with the understanding that talent is abundant, but it’s the hard work that truly pays off. So, in my view, it’s the effort that counts the most.
Interested in Building? Must Have.
One of the first crucial aspects to consider is self-awareness. Understanding who you are and recognizing your strengths and weaknesses is fundamental. This self-awareness allows you to identify areas where you might need support and build a team that complements your skills. For instance, if you excel in marketing but struggle with operations, having someone skilled in operations on your team can be immensely beneficial. Self-awareness is the foundation upon which you can assemble a strong team.
The second key element is a deep understanding of the market you wish to enter. Jumping into a field you know little about, even if you’re passionate, can be challenging. Being well-versed in the industry, as I am in the general crypto and NFT space, provides insights into the market’s dynamics, future trends, and helps you formulate a vision. It’s challenging to succeed if you lack industry knowledge.
The third vital aspect is the willingness to fail. No one gets everything right on the first try or even the first few attempts. Embracing failure as a part of the learning process is essential. This willingness to fail is a valuable trait. If people approached life with the understanding that initial failures are part of the journey, they’d have a more positive outlook and the determination to continually improve.
So, these three components are essential: self-awareness, industry knowledge, and a willingness to embrace failure. Striking a balance between marketing yourself and being genuinely skilled in your craft is indeed critical. It’s not just about being good; it’s about ensuring others know about your skills while constantly striving to improve.
Advise to people reading:
Be Prepared: In the dynamic world of web 3, readiness is key. People can be ruthless, so it’s essential to stay prepared for challenges that may arise.
Craft a Flexible Plan: Develop a clear internal plan or thesis for your journey. While public roadmaps can be limiting, having an adaptable strategy that outlines what you want to achieve and the next steps is crucial. Flexibility is necessary since the web 3 space evolves rapidly and may require you to pivot your approach.
Keep Your Team Lean: Avoid overcomplicating things by having too many moving parts in your team. A lean team can adapt more efficiently when needed, making it easier to pivot if circumstances change.
Consistent Hard Work: Consistency matters. Show up every day, put in the effort, and work diligently. Over time, your dedication and perseverance will be recognized and appreciated.
