Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has expressed his disapproval of the recent surge in celebrity-backed meme coins, urging for more substantial projects in the cryptocurrency space. His comments come amid the launch of Mother Iggy (MOTHER), a meme coin endorsed by Australian rapper and model Iggy Azalea, which has sparked significant interest and debate in the crypto community.

Buterin emphasized that financialization can be respectable if it serves a meaningful purpose, but the current trend lacks substance. He contrasted this with past projects like Stoner Cats, which funded an actual show. Instead, he stressed the need for cryptocurrency projects to have lasting value beyond mere token trading. To improve the respectability of celebrity-backed crypto projects, Buterin outlined essential features, including a public good goal, engaging mechanics, and longevity.

He suggested that projects should serve a public good, offer engaging activities like token voting DAOs, and aim to last over ten years, creating value that endures even if the token value drops to zero. By emphasizing these aspects, Buterin encourages meaningful projects that benefit the community, rather than mere celebrity endorsements.

In conclusion, Vitalik Buterin's call for substantial crypto projects highlights the need for a shift in focus from mere financial gain to creating lasting value in the cryptocurrency space. By prioritizing public good, engagement, and longevity, projects can earn respect and contribute meaningfully to the community.