The question of whether one can be in crypto purely for its technology is becoming more complex. Generally, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin serve as financial technologies, where their value is critical to their functionality. In contrast, Ethereum offers smart contracts that enable a range of non-financial applications. Consequently, developers may engage with Ethereum to build public goods, similar to open-source projects like VLC media player, without the pursuit of profit. However, the prevailing culture in the crypto market increasingly pressures creators to focus on maximizing token value, which complicates the commitment to the technology itself. Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum's co-founder, faces challenges to shift his focus from tech development to enhancing market returns for ETH. Tensions arise as many profitable apps and projects migrate to layer-2 networks, diluting Ethereum's own token value. This division between profit-seeking and technological advancement is widening, highlighting a struggle for a balance that could risk alienating both the developer community and investors.

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