When people do something that is outstanding, I've found its nice to let them know. I think many people take it for granted that everyone else has already complimented the good deed, but often times that's not the case.
In this case, I want to make sure I make a point that both @yabapmatt and @aggroed have done something truly amazing.
As you all know that read my blog, I'm usually positive on Steem Monsters, yet I've also been critical of a few decisions when I felt some issues needed mentioning. I point this out so that everyone knows that my respect is earned and not blindly given.
Dark Energy Crystals (ie DEC)
A week ago Steem Monsters came out with a major implementation of a new program called Dark Energy Crystals or DEC for short. I had high hopes for it, but a lot of tricky issues had to be dealt with in order for it to be fair. After all, DEC is basically a NEW currency and SM had to walk a fine line with establishing its value, balancing the needs of many different stakeholders. I honestly didn't know how it was going to be rolled out or how they were going to walk that fine line, but I must say now in retrospect, they hit the ball out of the park.
Its a home run in my eyes.
Honestly, I'm blown away with not only the technology behind DEC (which is first class btw), but more so with the way they thought through the various uses for DEC such as the way they put together a "card burning program" that rewards existing cardholders with a way to get fair value. This might seem like a not so significant deal, but I would argue that it is something that will manifest in many positive ways in the future.
And while the card liquidity has been altered positively forever, even more impressive is the way they created that liquidity. This point is super important because it is something unusual in life, and goes to the character of the 2 men behind the decision.
Card Buyback In Place
The liquidity was created by creating an entirely new deck of cards and forgoing their normal revenue from those "pack sales" (note: they named them orbs, but essentially they are a desirable new edition of cards). I won't get too wonky on it, but essentially they are producing 200,000 packs ($2.50 each) or $500,000; and instead of that money going to the SM corporation, its instead being used to buy back cards that have been sold to date. Think of this as equivalent to a massive corporate share buyback in the stock market world, as it will diminish the supply of cards available and thus reward the loyal card holders.
So while they didn't put $500,000 of their money directly into this buyback, they did indirectly fund it by not taking any proceeds from the new card distribution. Its a very selfless act and a decision that shows exactly how they think about their existing and future card holders. Many people, including me, have opined on both the positive and negative motivations over the last year; and now we know from one set of actions on their part. This is clearly a sign that they care. Its a point in time where the message of one's actions far outweigh the words. Its clear, and I for one definitely appreciate it.
Monster Respect
I don't have a crystal ball and know how the game will go over time, but I do know when someone has earned my respect. I have always been impressed with the game and the infrastructure built around it. They've done a ton of wonderful things and spent an immense amount of time trying to make this the best online game in the crypto world. While no one can guarantee the future success of anything, I would argue that this one program tops all others. By giving respect to the people that own the cards SM has produced, they have earned/will earn a lasting respect that will be remembered.
In my eyes they've earned Monster Respect, and I hope that others take the time to consider the implications as well.
Thank you Matt and Aggy, Monster Respect to you both for a job extremely well done!