Phases of NFT mints: Pre-sales, Whitelists & Public
GM folks! I’m Seb Monty, and today, we’re going to dive deep into the thrilling world of NFTs.
More specifically, we’ll explore the different minting phases: Pre-sales, Whitelists, and the ever-chaotic final stage, Public Minting. Buckle up, and let’s get right to it.
Exploring the Launchpad on Magic Eden
During our first stop, we land on Magic Eden — imagine it as a central hub for upcoming NFT projects ready to make their grand entrance. Upon clicking the ‘Launch Pad’ on the left, we’re greeted with a lineup of projects poised for minting.
‘Last Haven’ catches our eye with its countdown ticking away.
Clicking ‘Go to Launch Pad’ reveals two distinct mint stages, but there’s actually a secret third. Let’s break ’em down:
Whitelist Wonders
The first stage in our minting journey is the whitelist phase, a coveted VIP list that allows certain Solana addresses to mint an NFT collection at a specified time. Aspiring whitelisters often jump through various hoops—maybe retweeting posts, creating clever art, or conjuring up memes—to earn their spot on this exclusive list.
Here’s a nifty fact: these NFTs are typically randomized, and their unpredictable nature is part of the charm. Picture this — you might just end up minting a digital treasure that’s rarer than a unicorn in a bull market!
The Public Frenzy
Moving on, we encounter the public minting phase. If the project is hyped enough, this is where the real madness unfolds. Generally, under 5% of total NFTs are up for grabs here, and when the stakes are high, the bots come out to play. With lots of EV (positive expected value) on the line, it’s a scramble to mint the valuable assets before they’re gone.
The lure of NFTs isn’t just ownership; it’s the thrilling chase for that rare gem amid the digital chaos.
Pre-sales
Whispers of another phase reach us, one that has usually slipped by unnoticed — the pre-sale. This discreet stage allows a select few to acquire NFTs before the public spectacle, with some reserved for insiders like the project team.
My preference leans toward projects that value transparency, reserve only a slim slice of the pie for internal allocations, or even purchase from the open market like everyone else.
The Hunt for Alpha: DAOs & Alpha Hunters
Now, the burning question: How does one snag a spot in a pre-sale or whitelist? Enter the alpha hunters and skilled scouts within a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), tirelessly sifting through projects for golden opportunities. Famous Foxes, Claynos, Mad Lads, and countless others have these digital prospectors.
One example is Jpeg Joey, formerly of the Degen DAO. Not too far back, he was the key to unlocking a treasure trove for those minting machines within the DAO, though admittedly, I missed the boat on that action due to a jam-packed schedule.
In the trenches of a DAO, expect channels abuzz with posts like, “Got your eye on this one?” and thrilling raffle announcements offering a shot at whitelist glory. It’s a world brimming with potential, but remember, it pays to do your homework — don’t dive in blind.
Whitelist Trading: A Market of its Own
What if DAOs aren’t your scene? No worries. Platforms like Linked and Exeverse dish out a marketplace for buying and selling those golden whitelist spots, though opinions on this practice can be mixed. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, it’s undeniable that this is a thriving facet of the NFT economy.
That, my friends, is a snapshot of the Pre-sales, Whitelists, and Public Minting trifecta — the pulse points of the NFT minting process. In our next session, we’ll tackle the nuances of research before dipping into the NFT pond. Until then, stay curious and keep minting!
Remember, the NFT landscape is as dynamic as it is dazzling. While the road to securing a rare digital masterpiece may be fraught with challenges, the thrill lies in the hunt. So keep your wits about you, and happy hunting!
Disclaimer: This is a helpful blog. Follow me on my socials, but remember this is NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE. I am making this content as a community member because it is great to learn crypto, playing on Solana is fun, and it is easy to onboard friends into the space with a game like this.
My opinions are my own. You can research more if you wish, and if you decide to degen, that is your decision!
Follow me on X: https://x.com/SebMontgomery