The Plague Gifts Holders Equity

The Announcement That Shook the Pond 

On Christmas, Pons, the founder of The Plague, made a groundbreaking announcement that sent ripples through the NFT community. In a bold and unexpected move, The Plague declared that its holders would receive a percentage of equity in the company on a per NFT basis. This announcement not only created buzz but also raised many valid questions.

Pons Addresses the "Why" Behind the Move 

In a candid thread, Pons explained the rationale behind this unprecedented decision. The idea, inspired by models like the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), was borne out of the necessity to find legal ways to reward community members who contributed to the project's success. The choice to give away equity, according to Pons, was the only meaningful way to do so - a decision made with both discretion and conviction.

Legal and Practical Aspects of the Equity Distribution 

Pons credited his legal consultants, @DRS_Cat42069 and @Lazaroni_i, for their vital roles in making this process feasible and compliant with securities law. He outlined several key points in an FAQ format to clarify the process:

1. Equity Distribution Details: Pons will retain 60% of preferred shares, while 40% will be common shares. Of these, at least 30% of the common shares are earmarked for distribution to Frog NFT holders as of the morning of December 25, 2023.

2. Voting Rights: The shares distributed to NFT holders will not have voting rights, aligning with Pons' decision against creating a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization).

3. Share Valuation: The shares' value depends on two factors: the holder's full vestment and the company's accurate valuation, which Pons suggests is currently relatively low.

4. Future Share Distribution: Regarding the potential for future share distributions, Pons makes it clear that there are no guarantees for future distributions to those who buy Frog NFTs after the announcement.

5. Shares Per Holder:

6. How to Obtain Shares:

7. Dividends:

8. Taxation, federal limits on gifts, and whether or not it will be registered as a security:

9. Dox is necessary:

10. Selling Frogs:

11. Legality:

Pons emphasized the importance of maintaining legal and regulatory compliance throughout this process. He acknowledged that there might be more questions and answers to come and requested patience as they navigate this pioneering venture.

Pioneering a New Path in Web3 

This move by The Plague represents a significant step towards realizing the potential of Web3. It reflects a deep belief in building alongside a community and rewarding them for their efforts. As The Plague navigates this uncharted territory, it sets a new precedent in the NFT space, demonstrating how innovative thinking can merge the worlds of digital assets and traditional company ownership.

Steamboat Willie Enters Public Domain

A Historic Shift in Copyright Law 

As of January 1, 2024, a significant shift occurs in the world of intellectual property and copyright law. The iconic characters of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, specifically in their "Steamboat Willie" incarnation from 1928, will enter the public domain. This momentous event marks the end of Disney's exclusive copyright over these versions of the characters, opening up a realm of possibilities for creators worldwide.

Decades of Disney's Control 

The journey to this point has been long and complex. Initially, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, in their Steamboat Willie form, were scheduled to enter the public domain in 1984, after a 55-year copyright period. However, legislative changes, influenced by lobbying from Disney and other corporations, extended this period significantly. The 1976 Copyright Act and the subsequent "Mickey Mouse Protection Act" of 1998 extended copyright terms, resulting in a 95-year span of control by Disney.

The Impact on Disney's Iconic Characters 

Disney has clarified that only the Steamboat Willie versions of Mickey and Minnie are entering the public domain. The modern iterations of these characters, which most audiences recognize today, remain under Disney's copyright protection. Disney emphasizes its continued commitment to these modern versions, positioning Mickey Mouse as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company.

Creative Freedom: An Era of New Possibilities

Creators who have been hesitant to use these characters for fear of legal repercussions from Disney can now freely explore and innovate with these beloved figures. This development is particularly exciting for artists, filmmakers, musicians, and others who have long sought to include these characters in their work without legal constraints. How soon until we see the first Steamboat Willie NFT project?

As the world steps into 2024, the release of Steamboat Willie's Mickey and Minnie Mouse into the public domain is poised to unleash a wave of creativity and reinterpretation. It will be fascinating to observe how artists and creators leverage this newfound freedom to reimagine these iconic characters.

Starbucks Odyssey Sends Holders To Costa Rica

Starbucks Odyssey's Latest Initiative 

In a groundbreaking move that bridges the gap between digital assets and real-world experiences, Starbucks Odyssey, the coffee giant's innovative NFT program, has recently announced an all-expenses-paid trip to Costa Rica for its top 20 members.

A Year of Achievements 

Starbucks Odyssey, known for its unique approach to integrating NFTs with customer loyalty, has continually evolved since its inception. The program has already distributed over 60,000 Stars, launched ten Journeys, held three Benefit Selection Periods, and hosted several exclusive guests on its Discord channel. However, the Costa Rica trip stands out as the most ambitious reward yet.

Rewarding Loyalty: The Costa Rica Trip 

The selected top 20 members, determined by their engagement and contributions within the Starbucks Odyssey ecosystem, will receive a comprehensive package covering flights, hotels, and activities in Costa Rica with a guest!

This initiative is not just a testament to Starbucks' commitment to its community but also a significant example of how NFTs and digital loyalty programs can offer tangible, real-world benefits.

Setting New Standards in Digital Loyalty 

This move by Starbucks Odyssey is seen by many as a pioneering effort in the Web3 space, showcasing how blockchain technology and NFTs can be leveraged to enhance customer loyalty programs. It also highlights the potential for NFTs to transcend digital boundaries and make a palpable impact in the physical world.

As Starbucks Odyssey continues to chart its course in 2023, it sets a precedent for other companies in the Web3 domain to follow. By successfully marrying digital innovation with real-world experiences, Starbucks Odyssey is not just redefining customer loyalty but also paving the way for a new era in the integration of technology and everyday life.

Thank you for reading! Please contact us if you are interested in being featured in our next newsletter. Have a wonderful weekend, a HAPPY NEW YEAR & ALWAYS be looking Beyond The Chain!

With Love,
@_SVVVG3
Beyond The Chain