Telegram is going to launch a $1.2 bln ICO and issue its own cryptocurrency, according to TechCrunch. Telegram founder Pavel Durov neither confirmed nor denied plans for an ICO, but during an interview with Bloomberg, he praised Bitcoin. He said that Bitcoin is a kind of digital gold, and the 2,000 BTC that he bought for $1.5 mln is now worth $33.5 mln.
Telegram is the main communication center for millions of people. And like in any real-life community, virtual communities feature they have several basic types of members. Here are some archetypes you’re likely to meet in Telegram channels.
1. An alarmist
Users of this type are notable for the highest activity in channels, making themselves and others crazy. A panic-monger declares his eternal love to the project and all the users quite often, but immediately switches to anger at the first signs of problems. Basic vocabulary includes: I love everyone. HODL. I truly believe in the project. I want the refund and my coins back! I hate you! Give my money back! It’s a scam! A fraud! Everything’s gone! I wish I had listened to my mother! Run, you fools!
2. A person with “connections”
This kind of user usually demonstrates their knowledge of all world jurisdictions, connections in the CIA, the law courts and presidents. Basic vocabulary: You’re in big trouble. I have reported everything to the SEC already. You may start panicking because the FBI is keeping an eye on you.
3. A believer
It’s the major category of users in every crypto Telegram channel. They invest their own money not only to get the profit but because of their trust in the project and the team. These people are the core audience of every project and they support and inspire the team. They are the most loyal followers of the product and the ones who display understanding and patience during the development. This audience is mainly represented by experienced cryptocurrency enthusiasts and analysts who read almost every message and monitor every reference in the media. They usually investigate all the issues on their own and sometimes share the answers with the others.
4. A reseller
This user comes to projects with one aim: to buy low and sell high. He doesn’t care what kind of product is under development, or what’s the idea behind it, or who’s on the team. He hardly ever reads the white paper. Basic vocabulary: When’s the listing? Come on, guys, hurry up! I can’t wait to see $100 for a token within a month.
5. Forever banned user
A user of this type always floods and gets banned for it each time. Then he creates a new account and starts all over again. Basic vocabulary: Why am I banned again? I invested a million dollars and got banned here. Why?
6. Sarcastic troll
A user who appears online once every month and asks the same questions every time: "So, how are you doing here? Has the project collapsed yet?" He disappears then and usually comes back a month later with the same questions and jokes.
Each token sale is unique. Telegram is not just another messaging service; it means a lot to the crypto community. It’s the primary way to keep up with the thousands of ICO projects on the market. Telegram is not monetized at the moment, although it’s potential is quite high: its ICO can become the biggest one in history.
Alexander Borodich, venture investor, Forbes contributor, CEO of Universa.io.
P.S. to editor: the pictures are drawn by us
Vladislav Sopov