Hunter Biden Cashes Infamy’s Golden Ticket. He’s Not the First
Summary
Hunter Biden has created a digital token called $LAPTOP using the Ethereum-based Base network, turning the controversy around his laptop into a commercial product. The article compares this use of notoriety to historical examples where people profited from infamy, showing how digital platforms make it easier to turn scandals into money.Key Facts
- Hunter Biden made a meme cryptocurrency called $LAPTOP based on his controversial laptop story.
- The token is based on Base, a layer-2 Ethereum network created by Coinbase, with one billion coins available.
- The laptop was used as evidence in Hunter Biden’s 2024 federal trial involving firearm charges.
- The concept of profiting from infamy, called "infamy premium" here, has historical examples like Jesse James’ family selling items related to him.
- Jesse James’ mother sold pebbles from his grave and tours of their farmhouse, showing early forms of monetizing notoriety.
- Serial killers like John Wayne Gacy sold artworks while in prison, which later gained value after his death.
- Laws like New York’s "Son of Sam" tried to stop criminals from profiting from crimes but were partly overturned for free speech reasons.
- Digital platforms reduce the barriers to turning notoriety into profit by providing quick and direct access to wide audiences.
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