Collecting NFT stamps is not successful.
Crypto Stamp Collecting: A Story of Confusion and Frustration
Introducing the NFT Stamp
Last month, my stamp-collecting father added a new item to his collection – an NFT stamp issued by the Austrian post office. Stamp collecting is a serious hobby, with the most expensive stamp ever issued selling for almost $9.5 million. In contrast, the Crypto Stamps from cryptostamp.com are available for 9.90 euros each. They are a unique combination of a physical and digital stamp, with the physical stamp representing its digital twin on the blockchain.
The Arrival of the Crypto Stamp
Despite the oddities of the Crypto Stamp website and the process of activating the stamp, the physical Crypto Stamp did arrive in the mail. This real-world example of an NFT use case was seen by some stamp collectors as a potential future of philately.
A Complicated Activation Process
However, the activation process for the Crypto Stamp proved to be more challenging than expected. The guide provided on the website was confusing, and it required an in-depth understanding of blockchain technology and NFTs. Even with my experience in crypto journalism and NFTs, I struggled to activate the stamp for my father.
The Frustrating Process
My father’s lack of knowledge about private keys, the requirement of a MetaMask wallet, and the confusing steps to “morph” the NFT stamp all contributed to the frustration. After hours of attempting to complete the activation process, it became clear that the website was either broken or lacked essential information.
The Disappointing Outcome
Ultimately, the NFT stamp did not bring the same joy as a regular stamp for true philatelists. The tedious process and lack of utility in the NFT stamp made it a disappointing addition to the collection. It became apparent that the NFT stamp had sucked the enjoyment out of stamp collecting, with its digital nature complicating the once simple act of adding a stamp to a collection.
Reflection and Conclusion
The experience of attempting to collect an NFT stamp left us with a feeling of confusion and disappointment. The unrealistic complexity and lack of joy provided by the NFT stamp raised questions about its value in the world of stamp collecting. For my father, the lack of a tangible outcome from the NFT stamp left him questioning its purpose.
In conclusion, the experiment with the NFT stamp shed light on the challenges and shortcomings of digitizing traditional hobbies. While NFTs may have their place in specific industries, their integration into activities like stamp collecting may not always yield the desired results.
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.
