By Alex Exum
In the ever-evolving world of digital art and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), there's been a recent entrant that's made some noise. Voice.com, a platform that touts itself as a space for artists and creators to sell their digital art and collectibles as NFTs, has caused quite a stir.
But this isn't a feel-good story about a new player shaking up the NFT scene. Instead, it's a tale of concern, frustration, and even outrage within the artistic community.
The Great Digital Art Heist:
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into creating a digital masterpiece, hoping to sell it as an NFT to support your craft and livelihood. Now, picture that art being listed on a platform like Voice.com without your consent, without you receiving any compensation, and with no way for you to remove it. This, sadly, is the reality that some artists have faced on Voice.com.
The issue is not merely that the platform hosts NFTs without artists' permissions; it's that they've done so while ignoring the rightful creators' attempts to rectify the situation. This amounts to what I'd call "The Great Digital Art Heist" of 2023.
Hijacking Artist Crypto Commissions:
One of the fundamental promises of NFTs is that artists can earn commissions when their digital art is resold. It's a way to ensure artists continue to benefit from the increasing value of their creations. However, Voice.com seems to have sidestepped this crucial feature, leaving artists in the dark about their rights to these commissions, if 'deactivated'.
To add insult to injury, the platform seems unresponsive to artists' pleas to resolve these issues. This has led to rightful frustration among creators who see their work circulating on Voice.com without the control or benefits they should rightfully enjoy.
Ignoring Attempts to Support and Redeem:
What's equally baffling is the lack of response from Voice.com to these concerns. In an era where communication with users and the artistic community should be a top priority, their silence is disheartening.
Artists have reported reaching out to Voice.com, seeking assistance and resolution, only to be met with radio silence.
How Is This Legal in 2023?
The big question on everyone's mind is, "How is this legal in 2023?" As the NFT market matures, it's crucial that platforms operate ethically, transparently, and in alignment with the rights of creators. The issues surrounding Voice.com raise concerns about the extent to which emerging NFT platforms may exploit artists, sidestep legal obligations, and evade accountability.
While the concept of NFTs holds incredible promise for artists and creators, platforms like Voice.com that disregard artists' rights and ignore attempts at resolution threaten to tarnish the industry's reputation. It's essential for both artists and the NFT community as a whole to push for transparency, fairness, and accountability.
The Great Digital Art Heist of 2023 serves as a stark reminder that the NFT space is still in its infancy, and it must evolve with the best interests of artists and creators at heart. Let's hope that platforms like Voice.com take notice and work to rectify these issues, ensuring that artists receive the recognition and compensation they deserve in the digital art landscape.
Voice.com and The Great Digital Art Heist: How an NFT Marketplace Disrupts Art and Artist's Rights