Ryan Selkis, co-founder of crypto research firm Messari, has once again ignited controversy with sharp criticisms aimed at the XRP and Cardano communities. On December 14, 2024, Selkis took to X (formerly Twitter) to label these two prominent Layer 1 blockchain ecosystems as “bot groups” lacking real-world usage or meaningful products. His comments come amid ongoing tensions between Selkis and the supporters of XRP and Cardano, two blockchain networks that have long been subjects of debate within the crypto community.
The XRP and ADA “communities” are the loudest and least valuable bot groups on X. Ship something, and then I’ll respond.
— Ryan Selkis (d/acc) 🇺🇸 (@twobitidiot) December 14, 2024
I have no animosity towards people that make money. But where are the users.
You can’t gaslight me, idiots, I’ve been around too long and dgaf about mobs.
Selkis’ Remarks on Ripple and XRP
The latest outburst follows a string of criticisms Selkis aimed at Ripple, particularly targeting the company’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty. In a post addressing Alderoty’s comments on XRP’s connections to political figures like former U.S. presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Selkis dismissed XRP as “a piece of shit” and branded Ripple as “the drowning victim of crypto.” These remarks further fueled the longstanding dispute between Selkis and XRP supporters, who have often defended the network’s decentralized nature and global utility.
Fwiw @s_alderoty: you are the Butch of this Pulp Fiction.
— Ryan Selkis (d/acc) 🇺🇸 (@twobitidiot) December 14, 2024
Stay gone, or you be gone.
Ripple is fine. XRP is a piece of shit BUT deserves to be grandfathered in and not lawfared out of existence.
Ripple is the drowning victim of crypto.
Don’t drag down @VivekGRamaswamy. https://t.co/RMtx3IGs81
Selkis has frequently criticized XRP for its alleged centralization, claiming it primarily benefits Ripple insiders. He has also raised concerns about Ripple’s ties to figures from the Trump administration, suggesting that such associations could harm the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. Despite these criticisms, XRP continues to hold a significant place in the blockchain world, boasting a dedicated community and strategic use cases in cross-border payments.
Cardano Excluded from Messari’s 2024 Report
Selkis’ criticism extended to Cardano, another major blockchain network. In a move that further strained relations, Cardano was notably excluded from Messari’s widely anticipated Crypto Theses 2024 report. This 200-page document, which analyzes emerging trends and significant crypto projects, omitted Cardano due to what Messari considered a lack of meaningful economic activity. The exclusion sparked a backlash from the Cardano community, which countered with data highlighting Cardano’s robust transaction volumes, such as the network processing over 280,000 transactions on December 12—a significant achievement considering its market capitalization.
Despite Selkis’ repeated criticisms, both XRP and Cardano remain influential players in the Layer 1 blockchain space. Their supporters continue to showcase the networks’ technological advancements and expanding ecosystems, challenging Selkis’ assertions. As debates surrounding blockchain utility and adoption intensify, it’s clear that the controversies surrounding XRP and Cardano are far from over.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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