The sarcastic response from XRP analyst Egrag Crypto has sparked considerable interest in the crypto community, highlighting ongoing tensions between Bitcoin maximalists and XRP supporters.
The Accusation That Sparked It
The accusations began circulating after Twitter user Johan (@johnnypretor) claimed that all XRP influencers are scammers, possibly being paid by Ripple to promote a 'scam coin.' Egrag responded with humor, stating: 'Can someone tell Ripple to pay me please?'
Ripple and the Paid Influencer Narrative
Ripple has consistently denied claims of paying influencers to promote XRP. CEO Brad Garlinghouse explained that while Ripple engages in public relations and education, it does not fund social media personalities to boost XRP's reputation. Legal analysts, such as Bill Morgan and Mr. Huber, have dismissed these conspiracy theories as distractions from real discussions on cryptocurrency regulation.
Ideological Warfare: Maxis vs. Utility-Driven Projects
This conflict is part of a larger ideological struggle, as Bitcoin maximalists often view Bitcoin as the only legitimate cryptocurrency. XRP supporters emphasize its fast transaction speeds and low costs as proof of its utility, underscoring that XRP is not merely a speculative asset but a practical tool. Egrag's tongue-in-cheek demand for Ripple to 'pay him' highlights the ongoing debates prevalent within the crypto community.
This incident underscores how quickly criticism in the crypto community can turn into personal attacks, as well as raises questions about how support for various cryptocurrencies is perceived within ideological disagreements.
