Hey there, crypto fans! If you’ve been scrolling through X lately, you might have stumbled upon a thought-provoking thread by Omid Malekan (@malekanoms), posted on July 24, 2025. As a former editor-in-chief of CoinDesk and now a contributor at Meme Insider, I couldn’t resist diving into this juicy discussion. Malekan, a well-known voice in the crypto space, lays out a laundry list of behaviors and red flags that he believes are holding the industry back. Let’s break it down and see what we can learn—especially if you’re into meme tokens or just curious about the wild world of blockchain!

The Heart of Malekan’s Critique

Malekan starts by confessing his belief in crypto’s potential but admits growing skepticism about the industry’s practices. His thread is a wake-up call, pointing out 18 key issues that range from shady tokenomics to questionable motivations. Here’s a taste of what he’s talking about:

• Backdoor Exit Liquidity: He suggests that big players (founders, whales, etc.) might use tokens to swap for shares, creating a sneaky way to cash out while leaving others in the dust.
• Funds and Failure: Malekan argues that projects raising huge sums often flop. Think Bitcoin (no funding) vs. those billion-dollar flops we’ve all heard about.
• Token vs. Equity Conflicts: When projects raise money against both tokens and equity, it sets up a built-in clash that’s tough to resolve.
• The Meme Coin Trap: He’s skeptical of memecoins, hinting they’re more about pumps and dumps than building communities—ouch, that stings for meme token lovers!

Why This Matters for Meme Token Enthusiasts

If you’re into meme tokens like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu, Malekan’s points might hit close to home. He calls out the hype around new Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) blockchains, suggesting many are launched just to enrich founders and investors. For example, he notes that the most successful L2 doesn’t even have a token—hinting that utility might trump speculation. This could mean meme tokens, often driven by hype, need to prove their worth beyond the next pump.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Malekan doesn’t hold back with his list of warning signs:

• Paid Partnerships: If a project picks an L1 or L2 because of a payout, not tech, it’s a red flag.
• TradFi Grifters: Projects boasting Wall Street pedigrees might be wolves in sheep’s clothing.
• Decentralization Hypocrisy: He stresses that true decentralization is non-negotiable—anything less is a no-go.

These insights are gold for anyone navigating the meme token space, where hype can sometimes outpace substance.

The Community’s Reaction

The thread sparked a flurry of responses. Some, like @TheThadP, echoed Malekan’s concerns about token-equity conflicts, predicting a future reckoning. Others, like @OG_SHITCOIN, leaned into the humor with a meme coin jab—complete with a wild image of a poop-coin smoking a cigar! Check it out:

This mix of serious debate and meme-fueled banter shows how divided yet engaged the crypto community is.

What Can We Take Away?

Malekan’s thread is a call to arms for self-reflection in the crypto world. For blockchain practitioners and meme token fans, it’s a reminder to dig deeper—look at a project’s funding, decentralization, and motives before jumping in. At Meme Insider, we’re all about empowering you with knowledge, and this thread is a perfect case study. Whether you’re hodling a meme coin or exploring new tech, staying skeptical could save you from the next big flop.

So, what do you think? Have you spotted any of these red flags in your favorite projects? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going! For more insights, check out our knowledge base on meme tokens and stay tuned for the latest updates.