The crypto space can seem like a pretty elitist place, right? High gas fees and confusing UX are super intimidating and discouraging. Plenty of everyone’s readers are confused, too, like you need a goddamn PhD to process this stuff. What if that's changing? What if instead, initiatives such as SOLX and INK were leading the charge towards a more inclusive crypto future? I believe they are, and here's why.

Lower Fees Open Doors For All

Constructing a dwelling seems a distant dream when each nail carries a soul-crushing cost. It’s like each plank you win makes you pay a huge price. That’s basically what moving on Ethereum or Solana can be like right now with their volatile, often outrageous, gas fees. It prices out the average user, the small business owner, the artist looking to sell their NFTs. It benefits the whales, the institutions, the ones who can afford to gamble and loss.

Layer-2 solutions such as Solana’s SOLX and Ethereum’s INK are working to address these. SOLX has raised an impressive $54 million in its ongoing presale. It has the potential to increase Solana’s transaction throughput up to 10,000 TPS through off-chain computation. INK, which is currently built on Optimism, seeks to bootstrap DeFi infrastructure using its native token.

It's not just about speed. It's about affordability. Lower fees mean more people can participate. Think micro-loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, affordable access to DeFi yields for everyday savers, and artists being able to sell their work without losing half their earnings to gas. This is where democratization of finance really starts.

I am not here to argue that these projects are flawless or ironclad in their superiority. The INK Token launch comes with its own host of risks, and Solaxy will have to execute on an exciting, but long, roadmap. Their intent is clear: to create a more accessible and usable blockchain experience.

Democratized Finance or New Casino?

There's a valid argument that the focus on meme coins and "faster Pump.fun alternatives" (like Solaxy's Igniter Protocol) undermines the promise of democratized finance. Instead, we’d actually be improving the federal system’s inclusivity. Or are we just opening up a new casino for folks to bet on even riskier, more volatile and uncertain assets?

It's a fair question. It seems ill-conceived to criticize the introduction of the printing press. I get it—people print trashy romance novels, and that makes digitization seem like a loss. Like many technologies, its underlying technology can be used for great things even when it’s misused most days.

The only remedy is development done with a high level of responsibility and education of the community. Let’s support projects such as INK and SOLX that are geared towards establishing real-world utility. By creating devices that inform consumers, we can enable them to make the best decision for themselves. Instead of focusing solely on meme coins, they could support lending platforms for small businesses, decentralized marketplaces for local artisans, or transparent voting systems for community initiatives.

  • Focus on Utility: Build real-world applications.
  • Educate Users: Provide clear and accessible information.
  • Prioritize Security: Protect users from scams and hacks.
  • Foster Community: Encourage responsible participation.

I do believe that the community has a key role to play in determining how this technology will be developed and used.

Beyond Tech: A Call to Action Now

Here's where you come in. But this isn’t about passively watching Layer-2 solutions grow. It's about actively shaping their development. Get involved!

  • Join the INK and SOLX communities: Participate in governance discussions, provide feedback, and help shape the direction of these projects.
  • Contribute to development: If you're a developer, consider building on these platforms and creating tools that promote financial inclusion.
  • Spread the word: Share this article and other resources about Layer-2 solutions with your friends and family. Let's debunk the myths and educate people about the potential of crypto.

We know it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such transformative, complex technologies such as blockchain. The reality is, you, me, we are all the voice. By participating in these communities, we can help ensure that projects like INK and SOLX truly live up to their promise of a more inclusive crypto future.

Don't just be a spectator. Be a builder. Be a participant. If you want to see positive change in the crypto world — do just that. The new narrative of finance is being written as we speak. Let’s work together to ensure that it is a future for all of us.