Funko POP may have gone too far with these Star Trek NFT’s

Star Trek has a new NFT involving Funko POPs.

Funko has launched a new series of Star Trek-themed digital POP NFT collectibles. This isn’t going to help many people because NFT’s or Non-fungible Tokens are an overly complicated idea for a simple thing.

For those looking for a literal definition, NFT’s are explained as a unique digital certificate, that is registered in a blockchain and is used to record the ownership of a given asset. An example could be as simple as a photograph or a work of digital art. In this case, it’s in the form of a collectible.

Basically, as The Verge pointed out, consider these the digital equivalent of a trading card. Only very overpriced.

Basically, if you see a meme or a funny comic, someone can buy the rights to that item if the seller directly owns it. Like an image? You can now pay thousands of dollars to own it. Or, you can do what the rest of the internet does; screenshot it for free.

So of course when something new and trendy pops up, people try to hop on the bandwagon. Enter Funko and their new line of Digital Pop! NFT’s.

"Get ready to beam this stellar Digital Pop!™ series into your NFT collection! Set for release on November 30th, 120 unique Digital Pop!™ variations of fan-favorite Star Trek: The Original Series characters will be launching on  Droppp.io.“We are long-time fans of the Star Trek universe and feel honored to take part in ViacomCBS celebration of the franchise with this exciting Digital Pop!™ collection,” said Chief Executive Officer at Funko, Brian Mariotti. “Featuring a dedicated and loyal fanbase from every generation, these offerings will appeal to an array of fans as a new, fan-forward way to collect the iconic characters from The Original Series.”Featuring a total of 48,000 packs, Funko’s The Original Series Star Trek™ collection will be available in 2 pack sizes on the  Droppp.io app  (utilizing the WAX Blockchain) as follows:Standard Packs (36,000 total) contain 5 Digital Pops! For $9.99 USDPremium Packs (12,000 total) contain 15 Digital Pops! For $29.99 USDThe Star Trek™ x Funko Digital Pop!™ NFT collection will be available worldwide starting on November 30. There is a limit of $60 USD per transaction. Fans can make multiple transactions but the most that can be spent is $60 USD per transaction.This sale requires a credit card and a  Droppp.io  account. For fans looking to own a part of this limited series, please visit droppp.io."

This is the ultimate cash grab for Star Trek and Funko

Considering several people can own multiple NFT’s at once, there’s no point in them. There being hyped up as the future of digital art ownership but that kind of negates the purpose of the internet and the idea of digital art. Most art creators have gone the self-funded, community-funded approach. They have Patreon accounts or the like set up and have their supporters subscribe to a monthly service or have daily donations submitted.

They don’t sell their work, mostly because what’s the point? Anyone can just take the image or video if they want it, and no one really cares who owns the “original”.

So for Funko to hop in on this feels icky and to drag Star Trek into it is disheartening. This NFT craze will go the way of the Furby and Razor Scooters soon enough. The only difference is some people will be out a downpayment on a house, and not just a $150 like with those other two items.