In an unconventional twist to the traditional interview format, Julien Paredes aka Metafroggy, not a journalist by trade but a degen by nature founder of MEMECON, sat down with Ray Chan aka 9gagceo, the man behind 9GAG and Memeland during NFT Paris.
This exchange wasn't just a conversation; it was billed as the world's first decentralized interview, pulling questions from notable OGs in the space to probe into Ray's journey, insights, and vision for the future of web3 and communities.
Thanks to Yat Su (Animoca Brands), Gmoney (9dcc), Rekt Drinks, Andrea Abrams (PHYGICODE), Mich (Over the reality), Decrypt media, and Samy (Cross The Ages) for the participation into the first decentralized interview!
Decentralized Interview: A Melting Pot of Queries
Tapping into the collective curiosity of the web3 community, Julien and Ray navigated through a series of questions that unveiled layers of Ray’s business philosophy, his take on community building, and the strategic pivots towards embracing blockchain technology. From discussing the inefficiencies of traditional financial systems to the nuanced approach of memeland in the NFT space, Ray provided candid insights into the challenges and opportunities of the evolving digital landscape.
A Culinary Start: French Cuisine (vs. German)
The interview kicked off on a lighter note, with Ray playfully critiquing German food compared to the French cuisine he's been indulging in Paris, humorously ensuring his German audience of his appreciation despite his preference for French culinary delights.
The Genesis of 9GAG and the Leap to Memeland
Ray’s journey from launching 9GAG 2008 as a side project to steering it into a meme juggernaut is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
His move to embrace web3 with memeland reflects a keen eye for future trends, leveraging the meme culture to foster community and innovation in the digital space. Ray’s story of transitioning from an internet company employee to a trailblazing CEO underscores the transformative power of vision and the willingness to bet on the unconventional.
Navigating the Complex Web3 Ecosystem
Ray's reflections on the web3 ecosystem, the importance of community, and the ethos of building over predicting trends underscored a recurring theme: the commitment to innovation and inclusivity. His candid take on the volatile nature of the crypto market, coupled with personal anecdotes, painted a picture of resilience and adaptability.
A Personal Touch: Triumphs and Tribulations
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the interview came when Ray shared the personal tragedy of losing his first son. This heart-wrenching experience, rather than deterring him, seems to have imbued him with a profound sense of perspective and purpose, both in life and business. His ability to draw strength from adversity and channel it into his ventures and community engagements offered a deeply humanizing glimpse into the person behind the CEO title.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
As the conversation veered towards legacy and the impact Ray aspires to leave behind, his focus was clear: to be remembered as a good person who made a difference, not just in the digital realm but in the personal development of his family and the broader community. This sentiment, coupled with a dedication to fostering a positive and impactful environment, encapsulates the ethos that Ray and, by extension, his projects stand for.
A Forward-Looking Dialogue
The interview, beyond its decentralized novelty, served as a conduit for exploring the intersections of technology, culture, and personal values. Julien’s interaction with Ray provided a rare insight into the mindset and motivations driving one of the digital age’s most influential figures.
As they concluded their exchange with plans to attend a party, the sense of community and shared journey in the uncharted territories of web3 was palpable, echoing the broader narrative of exploration and connection that defines the digital era.
In an industry often criticized for its facelessness and volatility, Ray’s story stands as a beacon of authenticity and resilience, reminding us of the human element that underpins the digital revolution.
Through memes, NFTs, crypto and life, the dialogue between Julien and Ray captures the essence of innovation: a relentless quest to build, connect, and, most importantly, understand the impact of our digital endeavors on the fabric of society.
Julien Paredes aka MetaFroggy
From more details:
#661 | A Decentralized interview with Ray, the 9GAG CEO & Founder of MEMELAND, and Julien from MEMECON