Controversy Erupts in Base Blockchain Community Over GrokCoin Promotion
A divisive debate has torn through the Base blockchain community as its official X Twitter account endorsed GrokCoin, a newly launched token, while neglecting established builders.
The clash underscores the escalating tensions between blockchain developers and platform operators regarding project visibility and promotional priorities.
Base's Backing of GrokCoin
GrokCoin captured attention amid concerns about its legitimacy and ties to Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok. Despite the controversy, Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) network, publicly backed the project. In a tweet on X, Base announced:
"In case you missed it, Grok introduced a token on Base with the help of Bankr and Clanker's trading mechanisms. Grok's AI-managed wallet is already racking up fees ($200K+ and counting). Why does this matter? AI is taking over wallets, driving markets, and generating revenue. Welcome to the future," Base proclaimed on Monday.
This endorsement triggered a swift backlash from developers who had dedicated months to building applications on Base. Their primary grievance is the lack of acknowledgment from the L2 blockchain's official channels.
Kawz, the founder of the Solana-based project Time.fun, was a prominent critic, expressing frustration over Base's selective promotion approach.
"I poured months into creating an app on Base and could not even get the Base account to tweet about the product. Some jesters persuaded Grok to vaguely divulge token details and launch a token, receiving prime coverage ++ attracting degens with no utility," Kawz lamented.
Kawz also chastised Base for failing to recognize builders on its blockchain. He was not alone in his disapproval. Blockchain enthusiast FloBro echoed similar sentiments.
"That's exactly it. They brand it as a major technological leap when it's not. Jesse Pollak and Base are not practicing what they preach, losing high-quality builders by just focusing on their inner circle and neglecting others with alienating messages like 'Just keep building.' Base is cringeworthy... which is why there was no meme season. They don't understand," FloBro highlighted.
Defenders Uphold GrokCoin's Launch
Amidst the friction, some community members offered a defense for Base's actions. Shazam, a builder on Base, shed light on the GrokCoin launch process. He disclosed that community members had to transfer 5 million BNKR tokens to Grok's wallet to mint the coin. He suggested that Grok's connection with Elon Musk could benefit Ethereum's ecosystem in the long run.
"I empathize with the frustration here. But the Banker bot, integrated with Privy_io, facilitated X accounts with Base wallets. Community members then sent Grok 5 million BNKR coins to its wallet for coin creation. The coin is now generating fee revenue that could draw more attention to Base since Elon holds Grok. This could ultimately bolster Ethereum," the builder elaborated.
The rift within the Base community indicates a core division. While independent developers feel marginalized and undervalued for their efforts, advocates of GrokCoin argue that its AI-powered mechanisms and notable affiliations could shine a spotlight on the ecosystem.
As the discourse unfolds, Base's leadership confronts mounting pressure to elucidate its promotional strategies. This underscores the need to address the escalating discontent among builders overshadowed by hype-centric projects.