Ever scrolled through crypto Twitter (now X) and seen folks lamenting, "If only I'd bought Bitcoin in 2010 and held it"? It's a common fantasy, but a recent tweet from @basedkarbon cuts right through the daydreaming with a dose of reality.

The tweet, posted on August 13, 2025, reads: "mfs on here daydreaming about if they had bought btc in 2010 and held it. You couldn't even hold eth through a few years of chop, what makes you think you could've held bitcoin for 15 years?" (original tweet).

It's a blunt reminder that holding crypto long-term isn't as easy as it sounds in hindsight. Bitcoin (BTC) is the granddaddy of cryptocurrencies, created in 2009, and Ethereum (ETH) is the second-largest by market cap, known for smart contracts and decentralized apps. "Chop" here refers to sideways, volatile price action without clear trends – think endless ups and downs that test your nerves.

But why does this matter for meme tokens? Meme coins, like Dogecoin or newer ones inspired by internet culture, are even more unpredictable. They're driven by hype, social media buzz, and community sentiment rather than fundamental tech upgrades. If holding ETH through a few choppy years is tough, imagine sticking with a meme token that can pump 10x in a day and dump 90% the next.

Echoes from the Community

The tweet sparked a lively discussion in the replies, with many agreeing that long-term holding requires steel nerves – or perhaps a forgotten wallet password.

One user, @KINGETH22, simply replied, "Lmao. The TRUTH!" Another, @abigbluebird, added, "Exactly. That’s why I have no regrets. 2-3x? I’d have sold. You either need to have a certain level of batshit insanity or lose access to your wallet to hold for that freaking long. Especially after it starts becoming life changing money."

@TJDMining chimed in with, "Any sane person who bought BTC under $1 would have sold it at $1k and probably jumped off a bridge by the time it got to $50k." It's a humorous take on the psychological toll of watching gains multiply while fighting the urge to sell.

Then there's @degenerateux, who brought meme tokens into the mix: "I have been holding $JESUS for over 2 years. just have some faith and believe in the mission, not in something." $JESUS is a meme coin themed around faith and community, often tied to religious memes for laughs and loyalty. Their reply included this fitting image:

It's a perfect visual for the "faith" needed to hold through crypto winters.

Applying This to Meme Tokens

Meme tokens amplify the challenges highlighted in the tweet. Unlike BTC or ETH, which have established use cases – BTC as digital gold, ETH as the backbone for DeFi (decentralized finance) and NFTs – meme coins thrive on virality. A viral tweet or celebrity endorsement can send prices soaring, but the hype often fades fast.

Take Dogecoin (DOGE), the OG meme coin. It started as a joke in 2013 but has seen massive pumps, like in 2021 when Elon Musk's tweets drove it up over 20,000%. Yet, many early holders sold during dips, missing later gains. The same goes for newer memes like PEPE or WIF, where volatility is the name of the game.

The key takeaway? Building conviction is crucial. For meme tokens, this means believing in the community or the cultural staying power, not just quick flips. As @MissionGains replied, "They wouldn't. I bought bitcoin between 100-600 ranged and ever since have done everything in my power to over complicate my journey instead of just vibe. But thanks to that I've learned the skills needed to hyper gamble and make just slightly less than if I held."

If you're in meme tokens, ask yourself: Can you "just vibe" through the chop? Strategies like dollar-cost averaging (buying fixed amounts regularly) or setting aside "diamond hand" portions (funds you won't touch) can help.

Wrapping Up: Build Your Holding Muscle

@basedkarbon's tweet is a wake-up call for the crypto community, especially meme token enthusiasts. Dreaming about past gains is fun, but real wealth in blockchain often comes from patience amid chaos. Whether it's BTC, ETH, or your favorite meme coin, holding long-term demands discipline, research, and a bit of that "batshit insanity."

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more insights on navigating the wild world of meme tokens. What's the longest you've held a crypto asset? Share in the comments!