“The Metaverse allows us to make minorities the majority.”

We recently caught up with Web3 writer, @ettaverse podcaster, and women in NFTs Charmaine Short (@BitcoinMadame). We spoke about her favorite dynamic NFTs projects and web3 inclusivity. Here’s what she had to say👇  

What attracted you to the Blockchain and crypto when you first joined the field?

I believe the secret to success does not depend on being dealt a good hand in life, but in playing the cards, you do hold well. After seeing the value of my savings erode due to inflation and quantitative easing, I was excited in 2019 when I first discovered Bitcoin. I was struck by the various reasons why Bitcoin is better than fiat such as speed and transparency. But what really excited me was its limited supply. Only 21 million will ever exist! This will enable it to hold its value.

How do you see the future of the NFT?

In the future, NFTs will be used to prove ownership of physical assets such as real estate and vehicles with smart contracts built into the purchase deals. NFTs will also be used to prove the authenticity of designer goods such as jewelry, fashion clothing, and accessories. Rolex is already using NFTs for its physical watches. NFTs will also become widely used as vouchers to give priority access for restaurant bookings and movie theatres. In the sports and entertainment industries, NFTs will be used for event ticketing. Plus, fans will have the added utility of benefits such as exclusive physical merchandise and the ability to collect the autographs of their favorite stars.

What do you think about dynamic NFTs?

Dynamic NFTs bring an exciting unknown element to NFTs. APIs can make an NFT appear differently to different viewers depending on their location in the world and local time.

Another innovative example is the Arcana Tarot NFT, which was created by WOCA in collaboration by 22 women artists and was minted on Async Art. This artwork was programmed to operate as a working tarot deck and can provide a new 3 card tarot reading every 24 hours.

Another interesting NFT is EthBoy, created in collaboration by artists Trevor Jones and Alotta Money. This artwork changes appearance depending on a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the price of ETH, Bitcoin, and ETH gas fees.

How has web3 inclusivity changed over time?

The Metaverse allows us to make minorities the majority. Web3 projects should include representatives from a diverse cross-section of society including underrepresented groups. This will ensure online experiences are inclusive and the requirements of people from all ethnicities and those with disabilities are taken into account early in the design. Let's build an inclusive and accessible Web3, where everyone is welcome and empowered to explore, learn and build as part of a like-minded community.

Here is a white paper I wrote on the subject.

What do you think of women-based NFT projects?

Women-led projects and communities such as Women of Crypto Art (WOCA) @hellowoca on Twitter and World Of Women bring women together to support and promote each other. The NFT space is big enough for all these women-led groups.

WOCA's mission statement is simple. It invites any woman - as well as anyone who is supportive of women artists, to "be seen, be heard, and be welcome" in the NFT art world.

By amplifying each other's voices, to displaying work in purpose-made virtual exhibitions, each of the 1300+ members lend their voice, their actions, and their art toward making sure that the NFT community is a place where women's art is as valued and valuable as their male peers.

I was recently on 2 all-female panels at NFT London and saw countless other women represented on stage. Projects like these raise awareness and break down the perception that crypto and NFTs are predominantly male communities.

Interview by Elliott Lee