During the week, I was graced with the presence of Troy and Dave, Founders of Ordinauts, the first sub 8k anime collection on Ordinals and it was a blast. I got them to share how the whole journey of ordinauts all started and it was lovely. Here is what they had to say below:
How did it all begin with Ordinauts?
In 2015, I began my journey into the world of Bitcoin, initially exploring various cryptocurrencies like XRP. However, in 2020, a friend of my best friend, an app developer with experience in securities fraud, introduced me to several tech projects. These ventures yielded impressive returns, and I found myself drawn to digital art on the blockchain and NBA Top Shot. Intrigued by these new possibilities, I decided to convert all my fiat currency into Ethereum to engage with this evolving landscape
The world of profile picture (PFP) projects soon caught my attention, and I acquired both Ape and Gutter Cat NFTs. My journey included collaborating with Dave to create lore for the Gutter Cat community and other projects. We even ventured into developing our own projects, continuously learning and trading while actively participating in the broader NFT community.
My involvement led to managing collaborations for the Gutter Cat Gang and other communities, earning whitelist access, and deepening my engagement within various Discords. This close interaction allowed me to stay updated on numerous projects and maintain a strong connection to the NFT ecosystem.
In January 2023, I enthusiastically joined the Ordinaut’s project as soon as I learned about it. Dave and I swiftly immersed ourselves in the Ordinals Discord, scoping out projects, and assisting early community members with whitelists and early acquisitions.
One of the projects we invested in was Ordinauts, which featured 69 assets in its first collection. Two weeks later, they launched a second collection on Ethereum. It served as an onboarding mechanism for people like us, unfamiliar with the intricacies of Ethereum and its various wallets.
As community members, we actively contributed to the growth of Ordinauts, and eventually, the founder recognized our dedication. We had already written lore for the project without being asked, and this became the foundational lore for Ordinauts. People began buying into the project because they thought our lore was official. This fortuitous turn of events led to us acquiring Ordinauts at an advantageous price.
Our reputation and recognition in the space were further solidified by our involvement in several different communities. We are older individuals with extensive experience and deep connections, making us known voices in the NFT ecosystem. Our commitment to building and maintaining a strong presence in the space has set us apart.
Despite the bear market, we continue to build and curate the Ordinauts community, which currently holds a sub-8,000 unique anime collection, the first of its kind on ordinals. Our focus is on community development and the provision of curated assets to members we believe will remain engaged. We have formed relationships with various projects and communities, creating a network that extends across the Ordinals ecosystem.
Our commitment to Ordinauts remains unwavering, as we work together to shape its future and provide a platform for creative expression, storytelling, and community engagement. Our collaborative approach and dedication to building and nurturing a strong community drive our vision for the NFT space. That sums up our journey. A little rough but blissful journey.
What are the qualities that makes up a builder?
When considering desired qualities for individuals in this space, one crucial aspect is communication. With the prevalence of scammers and untrustworthy actors, the ability to communicate effectively is essential. While there are some talented marketers in the space, who play certain characters exceptionally well, true communication goes beyond marketing tactics. What we truly seek is genuine communication, active listening, and understanding.
Community members may possess valuable insights and ideas, even if they lack the specific skills or resources required to execute them. Therefore, effective communication involves not only conveying your thoughts but also attentively listening to the community. Understanding the community’s needs and how they can contribute to shaping the project is crucial.
This approach to building differs significantly from traditional models, such as Hollywood, where a studio often has full control over a project. In the crypto and web 3 space, the emphasis is on involving the community in the project’s development. This decentralization and collaboration with the community is what sets this approach apart.
So, in summary, expected qualities for participants in this space include effective communication, active listening, a deep understanding of the community’s needs, and a vision to build from the ground up, supported by the community, instead of relying on traditional intermediaries. It’s about creating a true collaboration and leveraging the potential of web 3. These qualities are essential for both community members and builders alike.
How do you sustain your vision as a builder?
When we took over this project, we inherited a treasury with zero funds. This was because we did not initiate the project; we assumed control after its initial minting. As a result, we began building without any financial resources at our disposal. We relied solely on our own contributions, as there were no secondary sales on the Bitcoin blockchain. Everything we’ve invested in this project has come directly from our pockets. Our dedication to this endeavor is rooted in our belief in creating a powerful brand that we can leverage for larger initiatives and our strong attachment to the community. We genuinely care about the people involved, and we aim to collaboratively create something exceptional.
The driving force behind our involvement in this project is the community itself. We appreciate the individuals within it and desire to work together to achieve something remarkable, fostering an environment where we can all progress collectively. These are our motivations and intentions for this project.
Building this project from the ground up with no financial resources requires a few fundamental principles. First and foremost, having a clear and solid vision is essential. Builders should enter the space with a well-defined plan, understanding their goals and desired outcomes. This vision serves as a guiding light, ensuring that the project stays on course. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to get sidetracked by short-term gains and distractions.
Additionally, it’s crucial to remain flexible because the path to success is rarely linear. Be open to adapting and evolving, even if it means deviating from your original plan. Opportunities for collaboration and growth may present themselves in unexpected ways.
Working with reputable individuals and collaborators is another key aspect. The crypto space has its share of bad actors, and it can be challenging to discern intentions solely through online interactions. Building a network of trustworthy partners and contributors is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive working environment.
Lastly, understand that building a project from scratch can be challenging and may not yield immediate financial returns. Do not expect to secure external funding; instead, leverage your existing skills and those of your collaborators. Be transparent about compensation, even if it’s non-monetary, and avoid taking advantage of others.
Although we currently operate with limited resources, we remain focused on proving our project’s value and creating a vibrant community. We are dedicated to demonstrating our commitment to the holders and the broader NFT community by consistently delivering high-quality content and fostering a collaborative and creative space. We aim to attract like-minded individuals who wish to participate in our vision, and in the future, when we have established our worth, we may explore additional funding avenues to further our project’s growth.
“Never judge the future of a project by its current situation”, how true is this quote?
When assessing the future of a project, there’s a balance to strike. On one hand, the saying ‘Never judge a book by its cover’ holds some truth. There are situations where you can’t predict the outcome based solely on the current circumstances. However, another saying, ‘Never say never,’ also applies because there are scenarios where the present can indeed provide insights into the future.
One factor that can be indicative of a project’s future is the quality of its leadership. If those in charge of a project lack trustworthiness or a clear vision, it’s likely that the project’s future won’t be promising. In such cases, the community may lose faith, and even the most well-conceived projects can struggle or fail when led by subpar leaders.
In the same way that a poorly run company can plummet due to a bad CEO or a country can deteriorate under ineffective leadership, a project’s fate is closely tied to its leadership. So, while we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of a project overcoming difficulties, it ultimately comes down to the strength of the community, the quality of leadership, and the clarity of the project’s vision.
If a project has a solid foundation, strong leadership, and a clear direction, it has a better chance of navigating challenges and emerging stronger. On the other hand, without these essential elements, even the most promising projects may falter.
How to revolve crises rising during building.
When we look at projects, even the successful ones like Bored Apes, we find that they’ve had their fair share of crises. So, it’s important to understand that every project, no matter how promising, is bound to encounter crises.
The key to handling these crises effectively is to address them as they arise. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and you often have to assess each situation individually. Some issues might require a financial investment, similar to fixing a burst pipe in your home. You simply have to throw money at the problem to resolve it. However, other crises demand a different approach. You need to stay level-headed, analyze the situation carefully, and determine the best course of action. Having a strong community and reliable partners by your side can make overcoming these obstacles more manageable.
One remarkable aspect of this space is that it allows for pivoting and adapting. When a project faces challenges, it provides an opportunity to pivot and grow stronger. The community can play a pivotal role in this process. You can engage with them, seek their suggestions, and collectively find solutions. Whether you decide to pivot or not, the valuable input from the community can guide your decisions.
It’s essential to realize that the way you handle crises not only impacts the project but also reveals your character. These obstacles are opportunities to demonstrate resilience and strength of character. Building character and demonstrating fortitude during times of adversity is a valuable aspect of this journey. If a project doesn’t succeed, it’s important to remember that giving your all and showing unwavering commitment is a testament to your character. Even if it doesn’t go as planned, you can hold your head high, knowing you did your best.
ADVICE FOR BUILDERS
When it comes to your business or idea, there are certain key aspects to keep in mind. First and foremost, your idea needs to be more than just a project based on trends and vibes that churns out derivatives. Such projects may sell at a low cost, but they often lack substance. This advice pertains to a general principle.
When you have an idea, it’s essential to share it with someone whose opinion you trust, in this case, Dave. He will provide candid feedback, whether positive or negative. If he shows interest and wants to collaborate, it means you’ve presented something of exceptional quality. In essence, your idea must be so compelling that if something were to happen to you, Dave would be determined to find another partner to ensure its success.
Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid making everything about yourself. In various chatrooms, people often focus on self-promotion, pushing their own projects or minting. A better approach is to listen to what others need rather than what you want from them. It’s about engaging with the community in a supportive manner, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
Building a business or pursuing a project requires more than just having a good idea. It’s about having a partner who shares your enthusiasm and dedication. The bond you form must be strong, and it goes beyond a casual friendship. It’s about consistently offering value, much like a television show that keeps viewers engaged. This relationship is essential because you both need to work well together.
In the world of business mechanics, the specifics matter less than finding someone who loves your idea as much as you do, or perhaps even more fervently. It’s about creating a partnership built on shared values, clear communication, and mutual respect
