In the fast-paced world of crypto, where meme tokens can skyrocket or crash overnight, building and launching products isn't about perfection—it's about speed and learning. That's the core message from Edgar Pavlovsky, founder of Dark Research AI, in a recent thread on X that caught our attention here at Meme Insider.
Pavlovsky, who's behind the Solana-based meme token $DARK and their AI tool Scout, shared some raw insights from a chat on the Crypto Trenches podcast. He quoted himself admitting, "Look, Scout sucks right now. I'm not happy with it, it can be a lot better." Bold words, right? But he follows up by questioning why anyone would be happy with a subpar product. The key takeaway? Don't fear shipping something imperfect.
The Problem with Slow Shipping in Tech
Pavlovsky points out a common pitfall for founders in tech, especially in blockchain: shipping too slowly. Everyone's terrified of releasing a "bad" product, worried it'll tank their reputation or the token's value. But in the meme token ecosystem, where community hype and rapid evolution drive success, waiting for perfection can mean missing the boat entirely.
Instead, he advocates for a straightforward approach: Ship a bad product, figure out why it sucks through user feedback, then iterate to make it better. This cycle—ship, learn, improve, win—is what separates thriving projects from those that fade away. For $DARK holders and Scout users, this mindset signals ongoing development and responsiveness, which is gold in the volatile meme space.
Inside the Video Clip: Brand, Distribution, and Product
The thread includes a clip from the podcast where Pavlovsky dives deeper. He describes himself as "95% brand and distribution, 5% product." What does that mean? In simple terms, first-time founders obsess over building the perfect product, while experienced ones prioritize getting it in front of people (distribution) and building a strong brand to attract feedback.
For Dark Research AI, Scout—an AI tool designed to help with crypto trading and analysis on Solana—is now at a point where distribution is solid, but the product itself is lagging. Pavlovsky sees this as an opportunity: With a built-in audience yelling about what's wrong, you can fix it effectively. He even notes that the cost of building products is dropping to near zero thanks to AI and tools, but grabbing attention is getting exponentially harder.
This resonates big time in meme tokens. Projects like $DARK, which launched on platforms like pump.fun (or similar like Moonshot), thrive on community engagement. By tokenizing their AI lab, Dark Research AI turns holders into stakeholders who provide that crucial feedback loop.
Community Reactions and What It Means for $DARK
The thread sparked some reactions. One user praised Pavlovsky for admitting flaws, saying, "It’s rare to see a builder admit flaws... That’s why $DARK and Scout will win." Another was more critical, calling out slow delivery. And a third simply noted they're watching closely.
For meme token enthusiasts, this transparency is refreshing. $DARK has seen impressive growth, surging from a modest market cap to tens of millions, as reported in various crypto analyses like this one on Substack. It's not just a meme—it's backed by real AI development, making it a hybrid that's appealing to both degens and serious blockchain practitioners.
Why This Matters for Meme Token Builders
If you're diving into meme tokens or building on Solana, take a page from Pavlovsky's book. Prioritize distribution and brand early. Use your community for feedback. And don't be afraid to ship imperfectly—it's the fastest way to iterate and dominate.
Check out the original thread on X for the full vibe, including the podcast clip. As meme tokens evolve, stories like $DARK's remind us that success comes from action, not perfection.
Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on Solana memes, AI integrations in crypto, and founder insights that can level up your game.