Tokens aren't cryptocurrency.

In this episode of web3 with a16z, @eddy, @skominers, @hackr, @milesjennings, break down what they really are.

Tune in: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/podcast/token-guide-types-design-uses/

We move beyond conventional categories — like “governance tokens” or “utility tokens” or even “memecoins” — to present a full taxonomy of what tokens are, what they aren’t, and what they’re capable of becoming.

Questions we explore: 

What is a token? Is it a form of money? A piece of data? Something else? 

How many types of tokens are there — and who is in control of each? 

And how should we think about their actual economic, legal, and technical characteristics? 

We also dig into different token designs and their uses; where tokens derive value from; how they jibe with securities law; and much more.

Given the rich design space for tokens, I've long wanted an elegant taxonomy for categorizing them. @eddy, @milesjennings, and @skominers have finally done it... evaluating tokens across their technical, legal, and economic dimensions.

CTO @a16zcrypto, lover of https://github.com/a16z/awesome-farcaster

Trying to solve more problems than I cause @a16zcrypto

https://linktr.ee/milesjennings

@a16zcrypto • Harvard/HBS • 🧩 • QED

One thing I feel is semi-missing, actually perhaps answered (and I like the answer better anyway.)

A 501c3 charity makes a token whose sole purpose is charitable giving to 501c3’s. It has no inherent value.

Is it still a memecoin?

Or are we finally redefining and expanding what “meme” means to focus on memetic’s nature and definition?