NFT collectibles are a profitable new asset class, and sales continue to reach all-time highs. Most NFT collections are controlled and maintained by individuals or groups. A few collections, like Lucky Maneki, are 100% decentralized. All decisions are made by the community of Lucky Maneki NFT holders. Lucky Manekis are modeled after Japanese Beckoning Cats and are imbued with “lucky” properties that are randomly generated based on traits from the first 40 Epic Manekis. Having one of these NFTs entitles the holder to prizes and profits derived from Lucky Maneki sales activity.
Korea IT Times interviewed the Lucky Maneki community to get more information about how a decentralized NFT community operates, what the history behind Lucky Maneki is, and the many benefits of being a Lucky Maneki NFT holder. Then, in the spirit of decentralization, we turned our questions to the community to ask them what it’s like to participate in a global organization, if they think their type of project will be the most successful, and how they spend their winnings.
Q1: Lucky Maneki is a very successful NFT brand. That alone is not unusual. So tell us how it’s possible to run a successful project with a decentralized governance structure?
There are two factors that we believe are most important. 1. The community itself and the passion of all the holders to drive the project with new innovative ideas. 2. Being fully transparent with everything. We strive to keep everyone in the loop on what’s going on. There are no hidden private channels in the community discord chat. Everyone can be involved in any aspect of the project.
Q2: It’s amazing to see democracy in commerce. What exactly are Lucky Manekis? Do they have a history or a back story? Or are they simply colorful characters?
There are 14,159 beautiful minted Lucky Manekis that inhabit the legendary world of Luckeania. The intricate art collectibles are modeled after a Japanese lucky cat. No one is sure of their origin, but these magical creatures possess energies of good fortune and prosperity. The first 40 born are known as the Epic Manekis and they have the most impressive luck. They hold the most power because all of their traits are perfectly aligned: head, body, background, and accessories have come together in harmony. Over the centuries 14,119 more Maneki species were born. They inherited the lucky forces of their Epic ancestors, but in a wide variety of traits and properties! Their randomized mutations have made some rarer than others. There are hidden traits and riddles in the artwork throughout the collection.
Q3: You mentioned clues in some of the NFTs. Where do these clues lead, and what other benefits are there to holding your community’s NFTs?
We have ongoing challenges that utilize the hidden traits and messages in the artwork. Challenges are a way for holders to utilize their collection to compete for big rewards. Each challenge has unique requirements. If you meet those requirements you can win a rare or legendary Lucky Maneki NFT. There is also a Treasure Quest which is trying to solve a riddle encrypted in the artwork. Whoever can uncover this hidden message will unlock the Treasure Chest and earn its reward.
Q4: So the community as a whole benefit from engaging with the project in a productive way. Can we ask the community what they think? What is it like to participate in a group of like-minded individuals all over the world?
It’s been amazing having the community come together with different skill sets working together for a common goal. It really breathes life into a project simply by members chatting and sharing ideas together. An active and positive community can weather difficulties more easily and relish in the victories much more passionately. A global community is even better! A project can change and improve as cultural differences become pillars of strengths through the combination of creative & meaningful thought from community members all around the world.
Q5: After spending some time working on this project, do you guys think that a decentralized NFT community is the most effective option? What are the benefits of being a part of it?
A community is literally defined as a group of people having common interests with each other. Everyone initially was drawn to the creative art and the lore around the Lucky Maneki collection. With that collective interest, we have worked together to push the project to become even more than was initially planned. This is all possible because it’s a decentralized community allowing every holder to have a voice. Yes, a ‘decentralized’ community is the best path in the NFT space; we are stronger together!
Q6: What are the struggles that a decentralized community faces? What are some specific inefficiencies you would like to resolve?
A challenging part of being a decentralized community is time zones. We are an international community, so communication can be slow due to time zones and language barriers. This is an issue that can only be approached with patience and open-mindedness. If anything this challenge has made the community stronger as we strive to interact with and support each other on a global level.
