In a video released on August 30, 2023, Charles Hoskinson, the Co-Founder and CEO of Input Output Global (IOG), took the opportunity to clarify his stance on Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) within the Cardano ecosystem. The video serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding Hoskinson’s personal policy on NFTs, a topic that has garnered significant attention.
Hoskinson began the video by drawing attention to a painting from the Apes Society displayed in his office. He clarified that the painting was not a purchased item nor a form of paid endorsement. Instead, it was a gift he received while attending the Rare Evo event. He found the hand-painted picture “pretty cool” and decided to display it in his office.
The CEO emphasized that he maintains a strict policy of not holding or endorsing any NFT projects on Cardano. He explained that if he ever mentions these projects or displays art from them, it is solely because these items were given to him as gifts. Hoskinson expressed that he would find it regrettable to discard such gifts, opting instead to display them if he has the appropriate space.
Hoskinson went on to clarify that he neither seeks nor accepts compensation from any specific NFT project. He stated that people have attempted to gift him NFTs on numerous occasions, but he has never provided a public address for receiving such tokens. This policy, he said, is in place to prevent any misunderstandings or assumptions about his involvement or favoritism towards any NFT projects within the Cardano ecosystem.
Acknowledging the strong and sometimes tribal communities that form around NFT projects, Hoskinson assured his audience that he harbors no favoritism towards any particular project. He encouraged all NFT initiatives to join Cardano’s working groups to discuss their specific needs and challenges as companies within the ecosystem.
He also touched upon the role of NFTs within IOG subsidiaries, stating that while there are dedicated personnel who utilize NFTs as part of their business models, he is not involved in the day-to-day decision-making processes of those operations. He said his focus remains on the broader technological challenges that NFTs present rather than the intricacies of individual projects.
In wrapping up the video, Hoskinson reiterated his enjoyment in engaging with various NFT communities, particularly during Cardano conferences. However, he stressed that any art or projects featured in his office or mentioned in his talks are not endorsements. They are simply tokens of appreciation that he has chosen to display.
