In the fast-paced world of crypto, where new projects and partnerships pop up daily, a recent tweet from Stepan Simkin, CEO of Squads Protocol, has sparked a conversation about the true spirit of the industry. Simkin, who's building stablecoin accounts for businesses and consumers, didn't mince words: "My main takeaway from reading all these tempo takes is that you all lost the plot. We got into crypto not to onboard stripe, we came here to build the next stripe. Enough with the threads, it’s time to build."

For those not caught up, "Tempo" refers to the newly launched blockchain by payments giant Stripe in partnership with venture firm Paradigm. Announced just days ago, Tempo is designed specifically for high-speed, low-cost stablecoin payments—think digital dollars moving at lightning speed without the usual banking headaches. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar, making them ideal for everyday transactions without the volatility of something like Bitcoin.

The buzz around Tempo has led to a flurry of "hot takes"—opinions and analyses—across X (formerly Twitter). Many in the crypto community are excited about Stripe entering the space, seeing it as a way to bring mainstream adoption. But Simkin argues that's missing the point. Crypto's origins are rooted in decentralization and disruption, not cozying up to traditional fintech players like Stripe. Instead of trying to "onboard" or integrate Stripe into the crypto ecosystem, builders should focus on creating superior alternatives that could render Stripe obsolete.

This sentiment echoes through the thread's replies. One user, CryptoEsquire, draws a parallel to Airbnb: "Exactly... airbnb didn't just build its platform to compete with hotels. It built a platform that hotels will need to use to compete." Another chimes in with "your fintech is my opportunity," highlighting how crypto can turn established players' strengths into vulnerabilities. A third reply quotes a post emphasizing how permissionless blockchains and stablecoins threaten Stripe's dominance, naming projects like Squads Protocol, Sphere Labs, and Crossmint as the ones poised to challenge it.

Why does this matter for meme token enthusiasts and blockchain practitioners? Meme tokens often thrive on community-driven innovation and viral adoption, but sustainable growth requires robust infrastructure—like seamless payments. Tempo's launch might seem like a win for accessibility, but Simkin's call to action reminds us that true progress comes from building decentralized tools that empower users, not relying on centralized giants. Projects in the meme space could take this as inspiration to integrate or develop their own payment layers, perhaps using Solana-based tools like Squads for multisig wallets or stablecoin management.

At its core, Simkin's message is a rally cry: stop debating and start coding. In a space flooded with threads and opinions, it's a refreshing reminder that crypto's power lies in creation. As the industry evolves, keeping that disruptive ethos alive could be key to outpacing traditional finance.

If you're diving into meme tokens or broader blockchain tech, keep an eye on how these dynamics play out. Tools like stablecoin accounts from Squads could be the building blocks for the next big thing in decentralized finance.