Ray Allan

The Unpopular Opinion
Many believe every AI agent needs its own token, but I disagree. Crypto is the currency for AI, but not every agent requires its own token. AI agents can simply charge fees in existing cryptocurrencies, BNB for example. Tokens should only be introduced after achieving scale and proving utility.
Tokens Are a Distraction
Tokens often distract founders from building real products. Managing a token demands significant time and diverts focus from user experience. Web3 games made this mistake by prioritizing tokenomics over gameplay—and AI agents risk falling into the same trap.
Scale First, Then Consider Tokens
Before launching a token, an AI agent should achieve scale by demonstrating clear value. True utility means users genuinely need and use the service.
Consider an AI agent that launches meme tokens—it doesn't need its own token when users can pay in the native chain token. Adding another token just creates unnecessary complexity.
The Reality of Tokenization
While tokens enable fundraising, most AI agents don't need large capital for development. Too often, tokens become a vehicle for founders to cash out early—benefiting them at users' expense.
Conclusion
Build first, tokenize later—if at all. AI agents should focus on adoption, usability, and real value before considering tokenomics. A token isn't a path to success—the best AI agents will succeed because they provide genuine value, not because they have a token attached.

Time-based tokens, i.e., KOLs tokenizing their time, have recently resurfaced. Although various attempts have been made in the past, none have taken hold yet.
Instead of time, I have always wanted to optimize reach. LinkedIn, X, provides this ability, but the barrier is too low, resulting in a lot of spam, making them unusable.
Here is an idea for a platform that allows serious people to reach others.
A famous person (KOL) connects his X (or LinkedIn) to the platform, verifying who they are. He then sets a price for people to message him, say 1 or 0.1 BNB.
Anyone can message him/her by paying that amount first. If the KOL does not respond within 5 days, 50% of the paid amount is returned to the requester. There is still a cost to the requestor, which deters spamming and encourages them to write the message effectively.
The KOLs are incentivized to respond. They get paid 50% more.
Defaults based on my personal preference:
Max message length should be limited to 2000 characters, roughly a two-pager.No images. No attachments. (No virus downloads)
The requester can include his contact info in the message. If the KOL contacts them directly, he (and the platform) gets paid 50% less.
If the KOL wishes, he can reply with his contact info, and then the conversation can continue on a free messaging app.
The platform charges a 10% fee for all transactions. Payment-wise, the requestor pays crypto to the platform, which then splits 90% to the KOL’s provided address. 
No new token is needed.
No time-based tokens.
Hopefully, there is enough demand for such a platform to make it a sustainable business.
This might be a good way for KOLs or professional consultants to get paid for their responses.
I would use a platform like this. I will donate the crypto I receive to a charity. This helps filter out only serious people to reach me. I may move the conversation off the platform when the other party has something serious to offer, return the payment, or even give a bounty (for security tips, etc). I will then be able to open up my DM to everyone and adjust the price over time based on how unpopular I am.
This model doesn't solve all problems. Not to be arrogant, I'd imagine many scammers will be willing to pay 1 BNB to reach me.
YZiLabs may invest in a project that develops a good MVP using BNB/BSC as the primary payment option. It should take a few days/week of coding and a security review. I will be a first user, provided the platform is secure enough.
X, Linkedin, or Square could build this as a feature, but big companies move slow. Might be faster with a new site.
Just an idea for the weekend.