Hey there, meme coin enthusiasts and blockchain buffs! If you’ve been scrolling through X lately, you might have stumbled upon a thought-provoking thread from Ryan at Blockworks Research (@_ryanrconnor). Posted on July 2, 2025, this thread dives deep into the "revenue meta" in crypto—a hot topic that’s got everyone from retail investors to seasoned builders buzzing. Let’s break it down and see what it means for the wild world of meme tokens and beyond.

What’s the Revenue Meta All About?

Ryan kicks things off by addressing a common misconception: no serious player believes revenue should always trump growth. Instead, the emphasis on revenue comes as a counterpoint to a growing narrative in the crypto space. He points out that some builders and media folks are pushing the idea that tokens—especially the flashier meme coins—don’t need a clear path to revenue or profits. The pitch? Crypto can thrive on hype and "money fumes" forever.

But Ryan isn’t buying it. He calls this mindset "absurd at worst, highly improbable at best," suggesting that betting on narratives alone is a losing strategy. For those of us tracking meme tokens on meme-insider.com, this raises an interesting question: can a token like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu sustain itself without a solid revenue model, or are we just riding a wave that’s bound to crash?

The Pushback and the Debate

The thread didn’t go unnoticed, and the replies show a mix of agreement and skepticism. For instance, 0xHunter_eth adds a nuanced take, saying crypto doesn’t need to be profitable right away—but if there’s no plan for cash flow, you’re not building a protocol, you’re "farming belief." It’s a clever way to put it, and it hints at the speculative nature of many meme tokens that rely on community hype rather than fundamentals.

On the flip side, some users, like Ethereum Daily, call out Ryan for potentially driving the revenue narrative himself, especially when comparing heavyweights like Solana and Ethereum. They suggest it might feel like "disingenuous gaslighting" given Blockworks’ focus on revenue metrics. This back-and-forth shows how divisive the topic is, with opinions split between those who see revenue as a must and those who think growth (and community belief) can carry the day.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens

So, how does this apply to the meme token scene we cover at Meme Insider? Many meme coins start as jokes—think of Pepe or Bonk—but some have evolved into projects with real utility or community-driven value. Ryan’s argument suggests that without a revenue stream or a clear path to profitability, these tokens might struggle long-term. For example, if a meme token’s value hinges on social media trends (like Elon Musk’s tweets), it could fade when the hype dies down.

Take Dogecoin as a case study. It’s got a massive following and occasional price pumps, but it lacks a native revenue model. Could this be a red flag? Maybe. On the other hand, projects that integrate DeFi features or NFT marketplaces (like some newer meme tokens) might have a better shot if they can generate income. This debate pushes us to think critically about which meme coins have staying power.

The Bigger Picture

Ryan’s thread isn’t just about calling out bad ideas—it’s a call for smarter investing and building in crypto. He warns that relying on narratives alone "will continue to be a loser," a sentiment echoed by others in the thread who question the sustainability of hype-driven projects. For blockchain practitioners, this is a reminder to dig into the fundamentals: Does the project have a whitepaper with a clear roadmap? Is there a team with a track record? These are the kinds of questions we explore in our knowledge base at Meme Insider.

Plus, with the crypto market always shifting—think of Solana’s upcoming Firedancer upgrade or Ethereum’s dominance (more on that here)—focusing on revenue could help separate the wheat from the chaff. It’s not about killing the fun of meme coins but about building a foundation that lasts.

What Do You Think?

This thread has sparked a lively debate, and we’d love to hear your take! Are you team revenue or team growth when it comes to your favorite meme tokens? Drop your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on X. At Meme Insider, we’re all about helping you navigate this crazy crypto world, so stay tuned for more insights and updates!

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