Statement: This article reflects my views on the development of the industry as well as my opinions on the behavior of certain individuals in the Web3 industry. Based on the principle of respecting others, I discuss matters as they are. If unforeseen circumstances arise, he seemingly does not have the ability to handle them; if the article disappears, please take a screenshot.
Some time ago, there was a Twitter user named 'Hmm' in the crypto circle who quickly became famous. The reason for his fame was a fallout with his former mentor, backstabbing someone who had once helped him, and this mentor is Zheng Haosheng. Many may not recognize Zheng, but you can check out videos on Bilibili for details. Essentially, he earned billions at a young age and became a liaison for blockchain projects and traditional financial investments, as many traditional financial private equity funds need to invest in Web3, and Zheng entered the industry early. Therefore, he has connections, and relying on these connections, Zheng's assets accumulated to over 1 billion and even more, essentially having money and resources.
This (Hmm) claims to be a '05 male college student' coming to learn in Web3, and the identity of a '05 male college student and learner' is his established persona. Regardless of whether he is here to learn, this is his established persona. In this blue ocean market, I do not deny that there are many opportunities, but his methods are low-end and disgusting, which is what I disdain the most.
Relying on the persona of a '05 male college student and learner, he has received systematic training in interpersonal relationships and the psychology of manipulation. He has almost flattered everyone in the cryptocurrency circle. Initially, he flattered people on Weibo but was unsuccessful; later, he succeeded on Twitter. The so-called success is just a response from a leader, and some may not know the value of these simple responses because he has utilized them to shape his image as the 'prince of Binance.'
His way of building connections is through gifting; almost everyone has received Maotai, perfume, or tea from him. Do you think a successful leader in this industry would need these things from you? In fact, he doesn't care whether others need them; he cleverly exploits this psychology. The leaders feel indebted to him and will give him projects, which is his goal.
Secondly, he calls everyone 'brother,' 'sister,' or 'father.' A stranger immediately calls you 'brother' or 'sister,' maximizing emotional value. Regardless of how familiar you are, at least you leave a very polite impression on others. He should have studied these interpersonal relationship skills. I do not deny these behaviors, and many should learn them. What I dislike is that he keeps flattering.
Additionally, his means of building relationships is to continually attend offline gatherings, either by organizing them himself or joining others' events. This approach involves offline dining and chatting, while many in Web3 work online. His familiarity with others helps him better build relationships. Chatting on the phone is always cold; meeting in person is better, which is also a principle of romance. I do not deny these.
However, if you only see these behaviors, you will also become a puppet manipulated by him. In fact, he is an ambitious person; these are merely his methods, not pure intentions. The people he flatters are all result-oriented individuals or leaders. His aim in getting close to these people is not pure; rather, he seeks to gain benefits, which are resources and titles. Just like Zheng, who dares to fall out with others, proves that he no longer needs that person because he has achieved his goal, and the loss from falling out is far greater than the gains from not falling out, such as gaining exposure.
He is capable of backstabbing those who once helped him, as well as those he currently flatters. Once he achieves his goals and no longer needs that person, he will reveal his true nature and show his fangs. If you infringe on his interests, he will definitely backstab you, much like Lü Bu, who called Dong Zhuo his adoptive father before backstabbing him.
There are several reasons for the existence of such people. First, the low threshold for communication between Web3 and leaders means there are no social barriers. This phenomenon is good but has provided an opportunity for these individuals. This person lacks the spirit of an advocate; there is no value output. If everyone relies on flattery, who will study industry construction? Who will provide value? Everyone just goes out to dine and build connections through shortcuts. Will the industry still develop?
Secondly, the market for such people is also a result of the tacit approval of top leaders, and it is these people who are well-versed in psychology, taking advantage of the leaders' tolerance for young people and shamelessly flattering them. Additionally, this industry itself has not produced anyone who can represent young people.
The current Web3 crypto industry, compared to traditional industries, is undeniably a blue ocean market, indeed an opportunity for young people, but this industry has long lost its initial innocence.
I remember back when Bitcoin was still very low in price in 2011, many people were skeptical. There was a group of young people encouraging each other on forums, buying one Bitcoin each week, not for anything else, but for the pure spirit of exploration. From 2013 to 2015, Li Xiaolai preached Bitcoin at Garage Café, and in 2015, Zhao Changpeng sold his house to invest everything in Bitcoin. Early on, there were young people at OKX using their technology to change the world. Now, the scale of the crypto market and the wealth creation effect have turned something that was originally pure into something no longer pure, lacking the spirit of exploration and filled with profit-driven conflicts.
In 2011, Satoshi Nakamoto disappeared from the forum after sending his last message. Some say he vanished, but in fact, he knew Bitcoin would ultimately develop into something he did not want to see. Satoshi truly wanted to use blockchain technology to change the modern financial system; he was a true advocate of exploration, as were Zhao Changpeng and Shen Yu. I hope everyone is the same, rather than studying manipulative psychology and social sciences to destroy the industry and ruin a beautiful future.
