NFTs have been gaining attention in recent years
as tokens of asset value tied to digital data. In this article, we will explain
the meaning of NFTs, what they can do, how they work, and the terms that are
used now in an easy-to-understand way. We will also present business usage
examples, how to purchase, and points to note.
What are
NFTs?
NFTs are digital data with immutable value. First
I will explain the detailed meaning and history in simple terms.
Meaning of
NFT (Non-fungible Token)
NFT stands for "Non-Fungible Token".
Tokens are digital data created by blockchain technology, and virtual
currencies are well known.
Adding value to digital data has been difficult
until now because it can be easily duplicated. But, with the advent of
blockchain technology, which makes it difficult to falsify data, assigning a
unique value to digital data has become possible.
History of
NFTs
It started in 2017 with the birth of a game
called "CryptoKitties" on the blockchain platform Ethereum, where you
can buy, sell and breed digital cats. In the same year, the NFT industry
“crypto punks” was also born.
After that, in 2021, the work of digital artist
Beeple was sold for about 5 billion dollars and the first tweet of Jack Dorsey,
one of the founders of Twitter, was sold for about 20 million dollars. It is
accelerating.
What can
be done with NFT and its mechanism?
Because NFTs are assigned unique values, they can
be traded freely on the blockchain. We also created a system that returns
profits to creators on secondary sales. Here, we will explain what you can do
with NFT and how it works in an easy-to-understand way.
Create
something unique
A key feature of NFT is that it cannot be
replaced by others and is unique. For example, in the NFT digital industry,
each transaction is assigned an asset value, which includes identifying
information. For this reason, even if digital art looks the same, it is
considered a unique entity that cannot be exchanged.
Also, even if it is duplicated, identifying
information is not printed on the copy, so duplicates and originals can be
identified. Information and records remain on the blockchain, making it
difficult to manipulate.
Trade
freely on the blockchain
Because unique NFTs are assigned an asset value,
they can be traded freely on the blockchain. Like virtual currencies, NFTs can
also be freely transferred. Because information and records are published and
recorded on the blockchain, anyone can make verifiable and highly secure
transactions. Also, it can be said that it can be traded freely outside the
country and is characterized by existing structures.
You can
add various information and functions
NFT has the programmability to add various
information and functions. In the case of paintings, secondary sales usually do
not become income for the creator. But in the digital industry of NFTs, a
portion of the sale is paid to the manufacturer during the secondary sale. can
be included.
It is also possible to create a system where
profits are continually returned to creation. Creators have the advantage of
being able to protect the copyright of their creations without paying a margin
to a copyright management company and without receiving the full amount of revenue.
Genre:
Where NFT is used
NFTs are widely used in fields like industry,
games, and real estate. Let's take a look at the main genres where NFT is used.
Digital Art
As mentioned earlier, the use of NFTs in the
industrial sector is spreading. NFT technology allows the creation of digital
art that cannot be reproduced proprietary. As a new investment target, it is
attracting a lot of attention from investors.
the game
Games where NFT technology is actively used. If
you convert items and characters into NFT, create a market in Metaverse, and
buy and sell them, you can make a profit. Traded characters can also be used in
other games.
Music
Many music artists have already announced their
entry into NFT. Not only will a portion of the profits be returned to the
artist if the music is sold, but profits from secondary sales will also be
returned. This is a feature that you can directly deal with users.
Housing
NFTs have also started to be used in the real
estate industry. Real estate-related contracts are usually made on paper, but
doing so takes time when communicating remotely. But, by using NFTs that cannot
be duplicated, data can be exchanged anywhere and contract procedures can be
expected to be simplified. There is also the benefit of preventing contract
fraud.
eating and drinking
NFTs have spread to the food and beverage
industry. For example, restaurant sponsor slots are sold on NFT and customers
can advertise by placing their QR codes on store menus. Also, there are some
restaurants where NFTs are sold as memberships and can only be used by holders.
Usage
examples of NFT
Various businesses have already developed using
NFTs. Here are three examples of how NFTs are being used now.
Digital
Art x Electronic Certificate of Residence
In areas where the population is growing,
electronic resident cards have started to be sold in conjunction with the NFT
digital industry. As a result, based on NFT sales profits, it is now possible
to promote local projects and solve problems with our own financial resources.
NFT owners can participate in community chats dedicated to digital residents
and participate in regional revitalization.
Share
purchase of vacation home
A hotel that has started a service that allows
you to share and purchase a villa using NFT has become a hot topic. We sell
membership NFTs that allow you to use the hotel on a daily basis. NFT owners
have rights not only for temporary accommodation use but also for the duration
of the property. In addition, it is possible to buy and sell in secondary
distribution and gift to third parties.
Management and Trading of Distilled Liquor
Barrels
A company has also emerged that offers a service
that allows whiskey barrels to be converted into NFTs and managed and traded.
We sell NFT distilled liquor barrels in small lots so that even individuals
like collectors and drinkers can manage and trade. As a result, it is
interesting that you can enjoy the aging value of whiskey. After aging, you can
exchange NFTs for whiskey.
NFT: How
to purchase
If you really want to buy NFT, open a dedicated
account and wallet. We will explain how to purchase NFT in an
easy-to-understand manner.
1. Open a virtual currency
exchange account
Virtual currency is required to purchase NFTs.
First, open a virtual currency exchange account. Ethereum (ETH), a virtual
currency often used in NFTs, is managed by many virtual currency exchanges and
can be easily purchased through apps.
2. Create a cryptocurrency
wallet
Prepare a wallet to store virtual currency. Be
careful not to leak the secret recovery phrase that can be recovered if the
password is lost. Once the wallet is ready, insert the virtual currency.
3. Purchase on the NFT platform
Buy NFT on the NFT platform. Also to buy, you can
also sell on the NFT marketplace. You can select your favorite genres from
different marketplaces and abroad.
Notes:
When using NFT
NFTs are widely used in various fields and are
also used in business, but there are still problems in terms of legal
development. Finally, let's examine the points to be aware of when using NFTs.
Beware of
Fraud
There are scams selling fake works pretending to
be famous creators. Only copyright and ownership may not be reproduced by NFT.
Since data itself can be duplicated, duplicate content can be sold. In the NFT
marketplace, issues such as account fraud and content duplication are being
improved, but caution is required when using it.
Ownership
may not be recognized
Under the law, only tangible objects are subject
to ownership, and ownership of intangible objects such as data is not currently
recognized. It is also worth noting that digital ownership rights have not yet
been enshrined in law. Please understand that an NFT is a token issued on the
blockchain and not a contract outside of the blockchain.
NFT is
digital data with asset value
NFT is a digital token based on blockchain and is
characterized by its asset value as it cannot be replaced. It is being used in
various businesses including but not limited to art, games, and music. A system
has been developed that makes trading relatively easy, but some parts of the
law are still inadequate. So let's use it while understanding it.