In the world of technology, being the best doesn’t always mean you’ll win. History contains examples where superior tech lost out to more accessible, affordable, or well-marketed alternatives. It’s a phenomenon often called the “Betamax effect,” where the better product gets left behind for reasons that have little to do with its technical merits.
Take the classic Betamax vs. VHS battle. Betamax had better video quality, but VHS offered longer recording times and a more aggressive licensing strategy. The result? VHS dominated the market, while Betamax faded into obscurity.
Another example is the QWERTY keyboard. It’s inefficient compared to the Dvorak layout, which was designed to reduce finger movement and increase typing speed. Yet, QWERTY became the standard—thanks to its early widespread adoption—making it nearly impossible for the technically superior Dvorak to break through.
Even modern examples show that better tech doesn’t always win. Blu-ray vs. HD DVD: both formats offered high-definition video, but Blu-ray came out on top, largely due to stronger backing from major studios and better marketing. The technology was similar, but Blu-ray had the momentum.
Then there’s Windows vs. Macintosh. Early Macs were often considered more user-friendly and innovative, but Windows’ business partnerships and affordability gave it a much larger slice of the market. Microsoft won, not because of better design but because of better distribution and pricing.
I think we’re seeing the same situation between decentralized social media protocols like Farcaster and centralized giants like X. While Farcaster offers innovative features like in-frame purchasing and censorship resistance, they often miss key opportunities to engage users in meaningful ways. In contrast, centralized platforms like X succeed by focusing on simplicity and delivering what users need at scale.
These cases highlight a simple truth: adoption is driven by more than just being technically superior. Things like network effects, pricing, market timing, and partnerships can make or break a product.
Sometimes, being better helps, but it’s not enough on its own. In the end, the market just doesn’t always care.
Ever feel disconnected from the artwork you're making? Where each project feels like an isolated task, as if you're just checking boxes, rather than contributing to something bigger?
By the end of 2023, I felt completely disconnected from my vision as an artist and the work I was expected to create as Second Realm.
Second Realm is an award-winning artist who revolutionized the use of CryptoPunks for artistic expression. His Unofficial Punks project sparked a decentralized art movement—the Alt Punks. He played a key role in the Trash Art movement, challenging IP, digital ownership, traditional curation, and art censorship.
I’m so proud of what I accomplished as Second Realm, but the disconnect made my work feel fragmented, leaving me frustrated. There was a clear gap between who Second Realm was and what I wanted to bring to life as an artist.
The answer for me was letting go of Second Realm. It wasn’t easy—I still struggle with it. Second Realm was more than just a persona; it was a construct, a safe space, something I’d held close since I was 12.
But the new direction I want doesn’t align with Second Realm anymore.
A deeper, more personal vision began to emerge. I couldn’t fully capture or release it as Second Realm. It felt like the very persona I had operated under since 2019 was holding me back.
There was a larger purpose trying to emerge, but at the time, I didn’t know what it would look like or how to bring it into focus. A year later, I have a much clearer vision of what's next for me as an artist.
Have you ever been caught in the endless loop of trying to make something perfect?
Whether it's tweaking a project, rewriting an email, or adjusting the smallest details, it’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of perfection.
Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, burnout, and missed opportunities. It's a trap that can keep us from moving forward and realizing our full potential.
Instead, ask yourself, What’s the 80% solution?
The 80% solution is about finding the sweet spot where things are good enough to work well without draining all your time and energy.
It’s not about settling for mediocrity but recognizing when something is solid enough to get the job done and move forward.
By embracing the 80%, you free yourself from the paralysis of constant refinement and open up space for more creativity and progress.
Next time you find yourself stuck, take a step back and think: What does 80% finished look like?
This mindset shift can be liberating, helping you focus on what really matters and keep moving without getting bogged down by perfection
I'm using art to improve my emotional vocabulary by connecting emotions with cues like colors, flowers, and sentiments.
I began this journey after taking the MSCEIT test, where I learned that I excel in emotional reasoning but found there was room to grow in understanding more complex emotions.
I aim to better recognize complex emotions by using this visual language more intentionally in my artwork.
This design and visual thinking exercise was inspired by Brené Brown’s "Atlas of the Heart." Based on her research, I developed a bespoke visual language with 13 color palettes representing 87 emotions with 11 unique attributes that visually define each emotion.
The first step was to develop the palettes as a visual reference. While only five of the 11 attributes are shown below, the remaining six are indicated in attribute number found at the bottom of each emotion panel.
With the palettes visualized, I've begun to explore the six remaining attributes in the absence of color and emotion first. By using redacted journal entries I can explore how the layout and spaces between words leave behind a unique emotional "frequency." Here are some studies I've shared:
More studies can be found on Rodeo: https://rodeo.club/@epr/posts
Customer reviews can make or break a business.
One great experience shared online by the right person can attract new customers, but a single negative review spreads even faster, tarnishing a brand’s reputation.
Artists face the same reality in today’s hyper-connected world.
Every interaction—whether it’s how you respond to a comment, handle a sale, or engage with fans—creates a lasting impression.
Negative moments often go viral, fueling bad press and spreading quickly.
But while positive experiences may not always go viral, they still matter. They leave people feeling good, and that lasting impact can build loyalty over time.
Just as businesses aim to satisfy every customer, artists should focus on creating meaningful and positive engagements with their audience.
In the digital age, word-of-mouth is powerful, and every touchpoint counts.
In the art world, success for an artist is often measured by fame, gallery shows, or sales. But for many artists, true success is much more personal—centered on creative fulfillment, audience impact, or building meaningful connections. The latest Cryptoart Question of the Week gave a range of thoughts on how artists define and experience success.
Success is Always Evolving
Success isn’t static for some artists—it grows and changes with them. As @thedude shared, “Like the seasons, it always changes. Personal growth is definitely one of them, and finding my unique voice is nestled within that.” He also highlighted the importance of building genuine connections through art, stating that his success lies in “building a community that has genuine connections that allow people to bond through my work.” [1]
He also touched on a key challenge many artists face: sustainability. “A huge part of finding success as an artist is sustainability—finding the balance between my artistic practice, personal life, and the amount of time I spend on here, making sure all of that remains fulfilling rather than a source of stress.” [2] His perspective emphasizes that long-term fulfillment is just as important as short-term accomplishments.
Impact Matters More Than Visibility
For other artists, like @garycartlidge, success is about their work's impact on people. “For me, it always has been impact on the audience. Second to that is personal pleasure—something I needed to say or release.” [3] This view highlights how deeply personal expression and audience reaction can be intertwined, often providing a more lasting sense of success than sales or likes.
However, he also pointed out how digital platforms and algorithms can interfere with this connection. He shared concerns about social media disrupting the visibility of art, making it harder for artists to reach their audiences. [4] For many, balancing visibility with impact remains a key issue in today’s digital world.
Learning as a Marker of Success
@bashobits offered a different take, where continuous learning is the ultimate measure of success. “Until now, I’ve decided to prioritize learning as my North Star in art. So as long as I’m learning from what I’m doing, I call that success.” [5] For him, feedback from others serves as “guardrails from becoming disconnected,” but it’s not the sole driver. [6] This approach allows him to grow creatively while staying grounded in his own exploration.
Completion as Fulfillment
For some, like @sgt-sl8termelon, success comes from finishing a creative idea. “I define success as being able to express a complete idea. Sales are nice, of course, but the fulfillment I’m aiming at is taking an idea about some new thing I want to express and a way of doing it and combining them in the most robust way I can think of.” [7] This perspective shifts the focus from external validation to the satisfaction of realizing a creative vision.
He also recalled a conversation where someone remarked, “It doesn’t matter—it’s a complete expression as a work of art.” [8] This reinforced his belief that success often lies in the process of creation, not necessarily in the outcome or reception.
Defining Success on Your Own Terms
What becomes clear from this discussion is that success in art is deeply personal. It’s not about chasing fame or sales but about fulfilling creative goals, making an impact, and fostering genuine connections. Whether it’s personal growth, balancing life and art, or prioritizing learning, each artist defines success in their own way. In the end, there’s no universal definition of success in art. It’s about finding meaning and satisfaction in a way that aligns with your goals and values, even as those goals evolve over time.
Notes:
Nonprofits thrive on the principle of giving abundantly, often offering resources, workshops, and valuable information for free to support their communities.
This generosity helps them build trust, loyalty, and a strong support network. Artists can take a page from this playbook.
Offer something valuable to your audience—exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, free downloads, or tips for aspiring artists.
Share your knowledge, host Q&As, or provide resources that help others.
Just as nonprofits build goodwill and a dedicated following by giving freely, artists can foster a loyal and engaged community by sharing generously.
Generosity isn’t just about giving away something for nothing; it’s about creating value and connection.
When you give abundantly, you invite others to be part of your journey, turning fans into dedicated supporters.
I go through an emotional rollercoaster whenever I record a podcast.
Most of what I say is spontaneous—off-the-cuff and in the moment. But as soon as the session ends, my inner critic kicks in, convinced I must’ve sounded like an idiot. It’s like this relentless loop where I second-guess every word, wondering if I understood my point clearly or stumbled too much.
The relief doesn’t come until I listen back to the recording, bracing myself for the cringeworthy moments I imagine. But surprisingly, it’s never as bad as I feared. In fact, I often sound better than I thought.
It’s a cycle: doubt followed by relief.
Because the reality of what I’ve said is far kinder than the voice in my head during those raw, unedited moments.
I’m learning that the inner critic doesn’t always reflect the truth. It’s a product of self-consciousness, of wanting to meet my own high standards in everything I say. But I’m also realizing that perfection isn’t the goal. It’s about trusting the process, embracing the spontaneity, and knowing that what feels messy at the moment can come together far better than I expect.
Local coffee shops aren’t just places to grab a cup of coffee—they’re community hubs.
They host events, support local causes, collaborate with nearby businesses, and create spaces where people feel connected.
Artists can take a page from their book by focusing on building a community, not just amassing followers.
Engage with your audience beyond your art.
Collaborate with other artists, participate in community projects, and support causes that align with your values.
Just like coffee shops thrive by being a part of the local fabric, artists can foster deeper connections by showing up for their community.
Building a community means creating spaces—online or offline—where people feel seen, valued, and connected to something bigger than just the art itself.
It’s about creating a sense of belonging that turns casual fans into loyal supporters.
I recently came across the phrase, “Slow is the fastest way to get where you want to go,” and it resonated deeply with me.
For someone who’s always thinking ahead and eager to chase the next big idea, it’s easy to believe that moving faster will get me there sooner. But, the reality has often been different.
In the past, I’ve pushed myself too hard and burned out, rushing toward a vision without grounding myself in the present moment.
Now, I’m learning that speed isn’t always the answer.
Slowing down doesn’t mean losing momentum—it means aligning my actions with my deeper vision and connecting with the process meaningfully and purposefully.
It’s about focusing on intentional steps rather than racing toward an undefined finish line.
For me, embracing a slower pace is about trust.
Trusting that meaningful progress comes not from force but from focus.
It’s about letting things unfold naturally, knowing that with each step, I’m getting closer to where I want to be—not rushed, but ready.