Not many web3 products truly embody Chris Dixon's "Come for the tool, stay for the network" thesis, but Zora might just be the exception.
The Concept
The concept is simple: start by offering users a powerful single-player tool - something that delivers value on its own. Over time, that tool evolves into a broader network, where interactions between users create lasting value.
Come For The Tool
Zora’s journey aligns with this thesis perfectly. Originally, it built a platform where creators could easily mint their art - fast and frictionless. This functionality drew massive interest a couple of years ago during the NFT boom and resurfaced recently with boosted mints, which became highly popular during the Farcaster craze. Creators subsidized gas costs to drive engagement, leading to additional organic mints—especially with the rise of Frames. The tool tapped into an audience hungry for $degen vibes and, more importantly, tokens.
Stay For the Network
However, Zora’s evolution isn’t just about better minting tools. What began as an artist/creator tool has grown into something entirely different—a social protocol focused on media, with an embedded money layer. It’s no longer in the same category as other on-chain artist platforms like Manifold, SuperRare, or Foundation. Those platforms prioritize helping artists monetize their work and connect with collectors, providing features like custom pricing, edition limits, and mint duration options.
That’s where many misunderstand what Zora has become. Zora’s pivot has shifted its focus from traditional artist tooling to building a social experience. Concepts like "editions," "collections," and "collectors" now feel outdated within Zora's new framework. Today, Zora is more about discoverability and network-driven media interactions—much like how creators on Instagram or YouTube create content for visibility within the platform's ecosystem.
The Perfect Product Evolution?
This shift in focus a textbook case of leveraging on-chain network effects. What started as a simple creator tool evolved into a social protocol, driven by the natural growth of its network, creating something entirely new. Today, Zora operates more like a social app than a creator platform, and this pivot is crucial for understanding its role in the Web3 landscape.
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We're back w/ the 20th edition of Paragraph Picks — a few hand-selected pieces of writing from the past week-ish.
@whitney describes how the internet has transformed creativity into a perpetual, collaborative performance, where each interaction builds on others, creating an endless evolution of ideas and cultural phenomena. "We’ve moved from a world of finished products to one of perpetual performance, from individual genius to collective improvisation, from controlled creation to emergent evolution." https://paragraph.xyz/@whitney/internet-improv
@nickysap writes about the emerging symbiosis between AI and blockchain, particularly through the development of AI agents on decentralized social platforms like Farcaster, and how it could drive crypto adoption but requires careful prompt engineering and community guardrails to ensure responsible growth. "The real innovation isn’t going to come from simply slapping AI onto existing crypto projects – it will emerge from the unique possibilities of onchain-native ecosystems." https://paragraph.xyz/@48hrs/bot-swarm
@beecurious shares the multifaceted world of sumo wrestling, from its historic Shinto roots to modern challenges, dietary traditions, and the demanding lifestyle that sumo wrestlers endure to achieve rank and respect in this ancient sport. "Sumo wrestling originated as a Shinto ritual meant to entertain the gods, with the belief that if the gods were pleased, they would bless the harvest." https://paragraph.xyz/@beecurious/the-world-of-sumo
@badgerdnft.eth outlines the concept of "quiet photography" — an art form that captures stillness, simplicity, and mindfulness, offering viewers a calming pause in a busy world by focusing on soft light, minimal composition, and natural tones. "Quiet photography is more than an art form; it’s a way to connect with ourselves and the world." https://paragraph.xyz/@badgerdnft/storytelling
Zora exemplifies Chris Dixon's principle of "Come for the tool, stay for the network." Originally a creator minting platform, it has evolved into a social protocol with an emphasis on discoverability and community interactions. Read more from @growthbeast.eth for insights on this transformation.