In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, where meme tokens reign supreme on chains like Base and Zora, traders are often laser-focused on profits, charts, and the next big pump. But every now and then, a feature pops up that reminds us of the bigger picture—how our actions in this space can directly support the builders and creators behind it. That's the story shared by trader Bossman.Base (@DimaLoord) in a recent X thread, where a simple portfolio check turned into a pleasant surprise about sponsoring crypto innovators.

The Surprise Discovery on o1.exchange

DimaLoord, a active trader navigating the meme token waters, logged into o1.exchange—a cutting-edge decentralized trading platform on Base and Solana known for its AI-driven tools, MEV protection, and impressive 45% cashback on trades. What caught their eye? A whopping $450K in trading volume tied to their Zora wallet. But the real kicker was realizing that 1% of that volume—amounting to about $4,500—had been funneled directly to the creators of Zora and Base.

For those new to the scene, Zora is an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain (built on the Optimism stack, just like Base) that's all about empowering creators in the NFT and token space. It features a unique rewards system where a 1% fee is applied to transactions, distributing earnings to creators, referrers, and the protocol itself. According to Zora's official docs, this includes 0.5% going straight to the token or NFT creator, with portions also rewarding trade and creation referrers, and a slice for Zora's development.

DimaLoord tagged Jesse Pollak (@jessepollak), the founder of Base, in the post, asking if this wasn't "really cool." Pollak, a key figure in making Base a go-to hub for meme tokens and low-cost DeFi, quickly replied: "yes, that's sick—you are supporting creators while trading." It's a nod to how these ecosystems are designed to give back, turning everyday trades into micro-investments in the platforms we rely on.

How This Ties into Meme Token Trading

Meme tokens thrive on hype, community, and rapid trading—think of the countless dog-themed or celebrity-backed coins launching daily on Base and Zora. Platforms like o1.exchange make it seamless to jump in, with tools for tracking smart wallets and automating strategies. But this 1% fee mechanism adds a layer of sustainability. As DimaLoord's experience shows, high-volume traders (with stats like 4.83K trades, a 60.9% win rate, and $19.2K in total PNL) aren't just profiting; they're inadvertently funding the very creators who build the tools and protocols enabling that success.

In Zora's case, the rewards extend to Coins Protocol, where posts can become tradable ERC-20 tokens, blending social media with finance. Fees here lock in liquidity and distribute rewards on every trade, as detailed on DeFiLlama. For meme enthusiasts, this means trading your favorite viral token could be supporting the artist or dev who launched it, creating a virtuous cycle in the creator economy.

Base, backed by Coinbase, shares a similar ethos with its low fees and focus on accessibility, making it a breeding ground for memes. The integration with o1.exchange highlights how cross-chain trading can amplify these benefits, especially as o1 expands its AI features for better execution.

Why This Matters for Blockchain Practitioners

This thread isn't just a fun anecdote—it's a reminder of the innovative models emerging in DeFi. In a space often criticized for speculation, features like Zora's rewards show how trading can have positive ripple effects. For meme token hunters, it adds incentive: your volume isn't just chasing gains; it's building the ecosystem.

Replies to DimaLoord's post echoed this sentiment. One user called it "protocol-native patronage," comparing large-scale contributions to seed funding rounds. Another likened traders to "decentralized Medicis," patrons of the arts in the crypto age. Even platforms like Fragran DEX chimed in, promoting their own models.

If you're diving into meme tokens on Base or Zora, check your volumes—you might be a bigger supporter than you think. Tools like o1.exchange make it easy, and with backers like Coinbase Ventures and Alliance DAO, it's poised for growth. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more insights on how these mechanics shape the future of crypto.