Stamp Collecting in the Age of NFTs
Crypto Stamp Collection
Stamp collectors are always on the lookout for something new and exciting to add to their collection. For my dad, a stamp collector, the latest addition to his collection was something unconventional—a Crypto Stamp. This NFT stamp was issued by the Austrian post office, adding a modern twist to traditional stamp collecting.
A New Twist to a Traditional Hobby
Stamp collecting is a serious hobby, with some stamps fetching millions of dollars at auctions, while others can be bought for a few cents at the local post office. The Crypto Stamps issued by the Austrian post office cost around 9.90 euros each and come with the promise of a physical “twin” stamp that lives on the blockchain.
The idea behind Crypto Stamps is to combine traditional collecting with the latest blockchain technology, creating a new use case for NFTs. Some stamp collectors believe that Crypto Stamps could be the key to the future of philately.
A Complicated Process
However, the process of activating the Crypto Stamp turned out to be much more complicated than expected. Despite printing out the instructions and attempting to follow the steps, it was challenging to turn the physical stamp into a blockchain-based NFT. The need for a MetaMask wallet and the complexities of the activation process made it nearly impossible to complete the activation of the NFT stamp.
Even with years of crypto journalism experience and knowledge of NFTs, the process was beyond challenging. The website’s lack of clear instructions and the assumption that users would already have a MetaMask wallet added to the difficulties.
The experience led to the realization that the NFT stamp did not bring the same joy and satisfaction as a traditional stamp did for a true philatelist. The complexity of the process and the lack of clear utility for the NFT stamp made it less appealing than physical stamps.
In the end, the NFT stamp failed to provide the same level of delight and enjoyment as a traditional stamp did, leaving collectors and enthusiasts longing for the genuine stamp-collecting experience.
Looking Ahead
While NFTs have found their place in various industries, the experience of attempting to collect a Crypto Stamp has highlighted the challenges and drawbacks of applying NFT technology to traditional hobbies. The complicated process and lack of tangible joy raise questions about the practicality and value of NFT stamps in the world of stamp collecting.
As the NFT market continues to evolve, the experience of attempting to collect a Crypto Stamp serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the genuine pleasure and simplicity of traditional stamp collecting. Despite the growing popularity of NFTs, it is apparent that some hobbies are best enjoyed in their true form, free of the complexities and challenges posed by digital technology.
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I have attended numerous conferences and events around the world, and my work has been featured in major publications such as CoinDesk.
