James Beck
Blog
Five Constants for ENS in 2026
Instead of attempting to sell a narrative about what ENS might become in 2026, this essay names a few constants that are already in motion.
I was thinking about the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle today
How the internet is changing how we attempt coherence in a web of increasing global interdependency, reflecting on the 1999 WTO protests and today's fragmented narratives.
What happens when the creative class makes their own currencies?
A creative exploration of the aspirational economy and how the /higher collective on Farcaster presents a vision of value in contemporary art through NFTs and tokens.
My favorite albums and tracks released in 2023
A curated list of late night albums, daytime selections, singles, and 4am rollers that defined my musical year in 2023.
Two new tracks; comparing Nina and Catalog
Testing out Nina Protocol and Catalog as platforms for releasing music NFTs, comparing their approaches to helping artists monetize their work onchain.
The Internet is our Default Reality Now: Taylor Lorenz's Extremely Online
Reflections on Taylor Lorenz's book and how the internet has radically upended how we understand and interact with the world.
Narcissism is not the same as self-love
Exploring the relationship between narcissism, creativity, and self-love in the context of artists and their work.
Last one to leave 49 Bogart
Reflections on 5.5 transformative years at ConsenSys and the early days of Ethereum at 49 Bogart in Bushwick.
30 oblique thoughts, principles, quotes, and questions for thriving in web3
A collection of creative prompts, philosophical questions, and practical advice for working in web3 and crypto.
How We Get To Negative Emissions With Web3
Exploring how Web3 technologies are being used to improve voluntary carbon markets, fund reforestation, and create green currencies backed by natural resources.
How Could Ethereum Extend Personhood To Trees?
Exploring how Ethereum and Web3 technologies could confer rights and financial agency to natural resources, starting with NYC street trees.
Can NFTs Crack Royalties And Give More Value To Artists?
How NFT standards like ERC-2981 are revolutionizing royalties for musicians and creating new models for compensating artists in the streaming era.