Let's be blunt. Yet another Web3 conference, yet another set of promises to decentralize our futures and empower individuals. CoinFerenceX has been drawing attention for all the right reasons, too, due to its glitzy setting in Dubai. It dares to call itself the “first decentralized Web3 event.” Are the hackathons really equipping Web3 artists in Southeast Asia to succeed? Or are they just flashy, attention-grabbing displays in a crowded trade show floor?
Real ROI or Just Hype?
Prince Gupta, CoinFerenceX's Chairperson, emphasizes "real ROI, decentralization, and transparency." Great buzzwords. In what way is the return on investment tangible for an emerging artist from rural Vietnam? They just rusty nailed together their $500 ETH allocation to mint their first NFT, and they fantasize about showing it off at CoinFerenceX. Will they really engage with VCs, or will they be funneled into a cattle call of suits and jargon?
The free ticket provision is a laudable move, however, access does not necessarily translate into opportunity. It’s akin to providing free entry to a poker tournament where everyone else sits down with a huge pile of chips. The real question is: does CoinFerenceX actively cultivate an environment where Southeast Asian artists can thrive? Does it center their perspectives, their narratives, their culture. Or is it simply another space where Western-centric projects go to monopolize the discussion?
Decentralization: More Than Just a Word?
The decentralized governance model, where 10 Board Partners divide up a 10% revenue pool, sounds great in theory. Who are these Board Partners? Are they an accurate reflection of the unique and underserved communities that CoinFerenceX likes to purport to serve? Or is it simply another echo chamber of the same old, same old?
Decentralization is more than distributing power. It’s re-distributing access. It's about leveling the playing field. If the decision-making board is primarily composed of people from Western powers, they will miss key global perspectives. How can they understand the distinct challenges and opportunities that Southeast Asia’s Web3 artists face? It’s like allowing a panel of Michelin-star chefs to determine the outcome of a street food contest in Bangkok. Their tastes may be dazzled, but their spirits will be shortchanged.
We need to ask uncomfortable questions. In that regard, does CoinFerenceX have any particular initiatives or efforts in place to support artists from underrepresented backgrounds? What kinds of mentorship programs, grants or other resources exist through local Southeast Asian organizations to support this work? Or is the end goal just to lure all the major sponsors and create a lot of hype?
Empowering Artists or Extracting Value?
Here’s where the emotional lever of anger comes in. So are these hackathons actually meant to give artists more power and agency? Or do they just want to cash in on their creativity and innovation? Are artists getting their fair share of the profits from their work? Or are companies taking advantage of them to profit from the next shiny object?
It’s not just enough to take care of the platform, you have to take care of business. You have to give them resources, mentorship, and equitable pay. You have to build an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect so that artists don’t feel like they’re just being exploited.
Consider a talented up-and-coming artist from Indonesia, putting their all into creating a Web3 project. Now, imagine that same artist experiencing the trauma of having their idea coopted or their work devalued. This isn’t just a dystopian future; it’s a current very real concern from many artists in developing economies. CoinFerenceX must face these issues directly, starting with establishing clear policies for IP protection and fair remuneration.
CoinFerenceX, you have an opportunity to break a mold. You have the chance to lay the groundwork for an innovative, inclusive, and empowering Web3 ecosystem for artists across Southeast Asia. It takes more than goodwill. It takes more than pretty language to advance change. It takes real action, transparency and a commitment to truly prioritize the needs of the community.
| Feature | Empowering Artists | Extracting Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mentorship | Dedicated mentors from SEA, ongoing support | Limited access, focused on project completion only |
| IP Protection | Clear guidelines, legal support for artists | Vague policies, artist bears all risk |
| Compensation | Fair revenue share, upfront funding opportunities | Minimal reward, potential for project exploitation |
| Cultural Focus | Showcasing SEA culture, language inclusivity | Generic content, Western-centric perspectives |
Don't just be another booth. Be a catalyst for change. Don't just talk about decentralization. Live it.
Register for tickets at coinferencex.com/tickets?Maybe. In exchange, though, let’s see the true return on investment for Southeast Asia’s Web3 creatives. Prove to us that you’re more than a touchy-feely conference and that you are part of a movement that actually, genuinely empowers. The world is watching. And, most importantly, so are the artists who are relying on you.
Register for tickets at coinferencex.com/tickets? Maybe. But first, show us the real ROI for Southeast Asia's Web3 artists. Show us that you're not just another conference, but a movement that truly empowers. The world is watching. And, more importantly, so are the artists who are counting on you.
