Thread by @sillytuna

1. Covid Alien #cryptopunk #nft sale - (more info - my Clubhouse tomorrow 10pm BST - NFT Rants)

My journey started in 2013 when I came to a realisation about Bitcoin - it could be used to send digital items! I even designed how to do it using a protocol similar to Counterparty.

2. When Ethereum first came out, I wrote a smart contract that could put all the Magic the Gathering cards on-chain, including all their data and a URL image link. I calculated it would cost $20k to do! Not money I had at the time, however.

3. At the same time, Tyler Smith at @FreeMyVunk was thinking along similar lines, presenting at DevCon 1 in London. I decided to form my own startup to explore it further, Ownage, with @joincolony’s @jackdurose and the Neopets founder amongst others.

4. We struggled along like many startups at the time. We (I) made mistakes and constantly fought a very immature tech stack, as well as ecosystem wide issues such as the infamous DAO failure. The term NFT wasn’t used yet though we repeatedly referred to non-fungibles internally.

5. After a major change in strategy we moved to become part of a US Publisher, Fig.co (now Republic). Sadly that didn’t work out for us despite good progress and I felt annoyed with myself for not making the best out of what I’d foreseen. Startups are tough!

6. Jump forwards to 2021 and the NFT boom. I could have sat back in semi-retirement but as a creative I like to do things. I jumped back into NFTs, though I still own Baus from @neondistrictRPG, once the most expensive NFT ever and soon to be usable :)

7. With the beeple sale imminent, I was sure #cryptopunks were going to explode further so I braved a crazy NFT purchase again - the Covid Alien. I knew I’d have options but was also prepared to hold for years. I’m a believer in #cryptopunks as avatars and VIPs, as should you be

8. As I told the previous owner, I may sell it next week or in 10 years but what I really want to do is something newsworthy. A few wonderful (and very profitable) opportunities came up but an auction at @Sothebys was the most appealing. Covid Alien to the masses; do it my way!

9. Christies announced their sale after I’d made this decision so I did briefly reconsider. However, I feel that @larvalabs are doing very well and deserve everything they’re getting, but Covid Alien is still, for me, the ultimate NFT of 2021. I want the world to see it.

10. As well as a charitable donation, as part of the sale I'll give something to the Cryptopunk and Meebit community. I’ll be reserving a portion of the proceeds to support suitable projects/artists. I’ll liaise with the Cryptopunks Discord/Twitter for that.

11. Owning the Covid Alien has been a wild ride. I ask that the buyer respects the alien, cryptopunks, and most of all the Cryptopunks community. It’s been an honour.

Special thanks to @robertalice_21 @garrettedvf @jackdurose and @Sothebys and for helping make this happen.