Putting the "Non-Fun" in Non-Fungible

     It is over this question that the Post Office has become home to dozens of protestors in recent days; specifically, over plans to license and subsequently introduce a controversial new product – “Neopian Fun Stamps”, or NFSs.

     Even the Post Office’s number one fan club – Gelatinous Non-Cube P.O. – has taken a firmly anti-NFS stance. In response to the introduction of NFSs, and to show solidarity with the protestors, GNPO has recently completed an official and widely popular weekend boycott of the Post Office, during which the club encouraged members not to buy stamps; this was done in an attempt to show the upper management of the Stamp Board – a hierarchical group that oversees the creation, production, management, and scarcity of the stamp market, as well as the Post Office – that the majority of the Post Office’s clients are against NFSs, and that continuing with the idea would most certainly cause irreparable damage to the fun and family-friendly “safe-space” Post Office brand that has been cultivated over the past 20+ years.

     But what are NFSs, and what make them so controversial? To learn more, we sought expert advice.

     “NFSs are a type of Non-Fungible Token, or NFT. NFTs are a scam and a bubble,” replied Ms. Mary, a chief economist at the National Neopian Bank. The Skeith then screamed and ushered us out of her office, making her fingers into a cross as we hurriedly left.

     “NFTs are a scam and a bubble,” remarked Mr. Nam, the head of Strategic Economic Planning in the government of the Semi-Autonomous Celestial Body of Kreludor. “However,” continued the Grundo, “the underlying economic concepts are important to be aware of. Let’s start with the concept of fungibility – basically, that something can be traded for an identical something else, regardless of quite the appearance it takes. For example, a bag of 100 dubloons is equal to a bag of 100 dubloons, regardless of whether the bag contains 1, 2, 5, or higher dubloon denominations. However, a NeoHome is generally not fungible – my NeoHome is not equal to your NeoHome, though they are both NeoHomes. NFTs take this idea to the extreme – you own essentially a code that, through technological-enforced scarcity, no one else has, so by definition it cannot really be equated to something else. NFTs can become quite hot to collect and own – until the bubble bursts.”

     Mr. Liam, the head of R&D and resident Cyber Security expert aboard the Virtupets Space Station, provided a high-level technical overview of NFSs and their underlying technology. “The whole things runs on a blockchain distributed ledger, which is essentially a publicly-accessible verifiable record of transactions on some digital object amongst a set of users. The technological difficulty of changing the record generally outweighs any economic incentive a malicious party may have to do so, which keeps the transaction record secure.”

     The Usul held up an AAA vs. Abigail Stamp. “Rather than own, say, this stamp, you own a digital code that represents the stamp. Anyone can take a photo of the stamp, or even print out their own copy. However, the code you possess – the one based off the stamp – is unique on the blockchain. You alone possess this code, that represents the stamp – a stamp that you don’t necessarily actually own, and as of yet there is nothing you can really do with the code… though some companies may allow you to collect royalties when the represented item is used in real life. Regardless, the code is yours, and you have the only one, and being on the blockchain anyone can very easily verify that you ‘own’ it. Keep the ‘stamp’ to collect, sell it to someone else, whatever. Also, even if the Post Office closes and the original art of the stamp is lost, you still get to own the code represented by that stamp, even if the digital representation-image of the stamp from which the NFS was made no longer actually exists and can be accessed.”

     “We’ve seen some NFTs selling for hundreds of thousands if not millions of Neopoints,” stated Mr. Sanchez, a robot Kyrii and head lawyer for the Auction House. “NFTs of the craziest things, too – who would want to ‘own’ some clip from the Altador Cup?” He guffawed. “Of course, having something entirely unique, even if it is intangible, can have a lot of value – so long as there is actually market demand for it. It’s a gamble of sorts, and you don’t want to be the final fool in a long line of reselling, because if there isn’t demand, then poof – you’ve lost your investment.” He shrugged. “Another thing to keep in mind when reselling is that some NFTs have a contract attached to them. For example, the seller, and the one who sold it to them, and all the way up to the original ‘minter’ who placed the item on the blockchain, may get a cut in the sales. Also, the ‘minter’ may not be the original creator of the content, and laws about it are murky… So, that’s all something to be mindful of.”

     “Perhaps the biggest issue of traditional NFTs is the environment,” started Mx. Jamie, an Environmental Engineer in the Altadorian Army Corps of Engineers. “Traditional ledgers are protected via a concept called ‘Proof of Work’, and the power consumption to keep the underlying technology difficult to alter is absolutely monstrous – say, the size of Moltara!” The Kougra gaped. “This said, the technology powering NFSs use ‘Proof of Stake’, which is more like a weighted voting system from validating members on a network. The practical upshot is that they require much less power costs to maintain that PoW systems, though there is still some cost, of course.”

     Regardless of the intrinsic problems and considerations of the technology, many analysts and philatelists alike see the Stamp Board’s broad support of NFSs and their incursion into the NFT market as the latest problem in a continuing saga of misconducts and mismanagement.

     For example, about a month earlier, thousands of illegal stamps entered the market as a result of a group of Neopians who exploited Granny Hopbobbin’s forgetfulness that there was, in fact, no Charity Corner scheduled this year, and it was not, in fact, Y16. The Stamp Board declined to further investigate the matter or press any charges. Additionally, as noted by some pundits, the Stamp Board attempted a similar NFT project a couple years ago that has since gone defunct.

     Moreover, many see the NFT company with which the Stamp Board has partnered in this licensing deal to be considerably problematic. There have been accusations that the NFT company, InfiniWeb Inc., desired a partnership with the non-family friendly NFT project titled “Sensual Sloth Selfies”; InifiniWeb later claimed this statement was taken out of context, but the association seemed incongruent with the family-friendly image the Stamp Board has tried to cultivate for the Post Office.

     Furthermore, a moderator of the “StampBro” guild – a loose collection of InfiniWeb representatives and rabid fans of the NFS introduction – has been accused of having anti-rainbow Neopet tendencies. After public outcry on the matter, the Stamp Board released an official statement of apology for the conduct of the StampBro guild toward rainbow pets. However, the Stamp Board did distance themselves from the behaviour by suggesting the Post Office and Board themselves remain unaffiliated with InfiniWeb.

     The protests at the Post Office have also bled from the Post Office to other facets of Neopian life. For example, a number of Neopets entered into recent Beauty Contest rounds have adopted a decidedly anti-NFS stance, incorporating such imagery into their costumes – both subtly and overtly.

     One contest’s overall winner held up a sign merely stating “No NFSs.” He was disqualified at the last moment, leaving the second-place winner to accept the award instead. Visibly embarrassed, the second-place winner asked for the original winner to be reinstated as the victor. After much backlash from other entrants and contest enthusiasts – as well as invigorating the protestors at the Post Office – the Beauty Contest judges reversed their decision.

     It should be noted that a subsequent overall winner had perfected a trick where they could create the words “No NFSs” out of fire, and incorporated that into their application. Moreover – following a brief and blanket disqualification of all NFS-related Beauty Contest protest entries, regardless of the quality of their outfits, which prompted extreme backlash and calls of censorship from protestors – contest judges released an official statement saying all anti-NFS applications would be adequately considered for full entry into the competition.

     These incidents illustrate that those behind the NFSs have at least enough power to sway the minimal selection criteria for entrance into the Beauty Contest. The incidents also show that – at least insofar as the Stamp Board may try to quash negativity – the momentum may be shifting toward the protestors.

     To better understand Neopets’ opinions on the upcoming NFSs and their perspectives on these controversies, we went to the Post Office shortly after news of the scandal originally broke and conducted interviews with protestors, consumers, and employees.

     ***

     We arrived in time to cover an official press release and statement from the Post Office shopkeeper. In response to ongoing accusations of communication breakdown between the Board and loyal philatelists, and to promote greater discourse with and the facilitation of information to the broader stamp collecting community, the Post Office shopkeeper was – about a month before the current NFS scandal – promoted by the Stamp Board to be their official spokesperson.

     “I would like to thank you all for sharing your thoughts, feedback, and concerns regarding our new NFS line and partnership with InfiniWeb,” officially addressed the Post Office Shopkeeper, self-described “campy grandpy friendly face of the Post Office and Stamp Board”, to the crowds of protestors. “I assure you, the NFSs are safe and legitimate – certainly no scam, despite what you may have heard! Our foray into NFSs will continue alongside the development of the quality physical stamp content you have all grown to know and love.”

     The Chia took several questions and continued. “The Stamp Board is always looking for new ways to diversify our brands and projects, especially looking forward to the future. We see these NFSs as a potential business – and learning – opportunity, and we encourage you to keep sharing your thoughts so we can adjust and improve accordingly. About the environment – the environmental impact of the platform on which NFSs will run is less than other forms of NFT, and… no, I cannot give a precise number in terms of power costs at this time, but it’s around the size of a medium shop site, and many of you have one of those. I can’t give a precise cost of an NFS either – that is still TBD.”

     He frowned as the crowds became rowdier. “Look, I apologize for not being able to give a public statement sooner. As you know, there are numerous moving pieces to a new venture like this, and we will work to speed up this communication process in the future. We understand the NFSs may not be for all our stamp collectors, but I hope I have managed to provide some clarity and calm to the situation.” The Chia then left the front of the shop and back to his office, narrowly missing an extreme potato that was thrown at him.

     The majority of the vocal NFS opponents seemed far from quelled by the official statement.

     “They promote the shopkeeper to help manage conversation with the community, and that’s all the response we get to our protesting?” gawked Mr. Flo, a Lutari from Mystery Island, immediately after flinging the potato. “Pathetic!”

     Ms. Marta, a Gnorbu from the Lost Desert, was especially disappointed in the Stamp Board. “It’s hypocrisy, that’s what it is. For years now, they’ve been trying to market stamp collecting as a ‘family-friendly’ and ‘kid-focused’ activity – but anyone with brains could see that every hardcore stamp collector, at this point, is well out of childhood. And if that’s where the base is, the Stamp Board should have been able to maximize its Post Office profits by catering to us more mature collectors. But time and time again their corporate decisions and new products reflected the supposedly G-rated nature of the clientele… Until now, where they license out a product that is literally a gamble, quite likely a scam, and requires a level of economic knowledge and investment discipline that should far surpass that held by most children and youths.” She scowled. “NFSs are something that literally none of their loyal philatelists wanted. The Stamp Board should have known better than to think we’d just accept this without challenge.”

     “The power consumption to run NFSs may not be huge,” said Mx. Shelley, a Shoyru from the Haunted Woods and on the staff of GNPO, in response to the official statement. “But collectors almost literally own nothing – just a digital code. And for nothing, any environmental impact is too much. I would like to reiterate that NFSs are a bad idea sure to tarnish the image of the Post Office, and would like to ask for the support of the philatelist community in boycotting the shop next week.” They gave a wry smile. “Though I know we already have broad support.”

     “I’m a casual stamp collector, and of course I hate the NFSs,” said Ms. Anna, a rainbow Cybunny, Brightvale native, and frequent contributor to the Art Gallery. “Yes, NFTs have been a big boon for some artists, and they can protect our creations and give us more opportunities to sell. However, because anyone can make one from any digital thing, they have been associated with stolen art since as long as they’ve been a commercial product. Numerous times I’ve heard horror stories of an artist’s work being turned into an NFT and sold without their permission.” She shook her head. “Now, I’m not necessarily condemning these NFSs as incorporating stolen art – though I can’t say for sure because I don’t know the licensing model the Stamp Board has with the original stamp designers, though I know there have been some… issues in the past – but the mere fact this licensing deal is happening at all shows a great disregard for the greater artistic community. Pro-NFT is, majority speaking, anti-artist, simple as that.”

     She turned to leave, but then added, “Also, me being rainbow-spec, my kid brother too, the news about the moderator makes me feel that the Post Office never cared for me and my family’s values, and only about the Neopoints. Otherwise, they would be a lot more careful about their partnerships.”

     Mr. Rocky, a Pteri from Darigan Citadel, likewise expressed discontent. “It just shows how out of touch the Stamp Board truly is with the collecting community. We’ve been demanding new stamp collections with new accompanying avatars for years, and demanding that they fix the existing issues with stamp collecting… and they spit in our face with this announcement? Come on!” He growled. “The Charity Corner fiasco should have been a clear sign the Stamp Board no longer represents us. The Board management from a few shuffles ago would have made sure all those counterfeit stamps got destroyed.”

     Ms. Reggie, a Tonu who accompanied Mr. Rocky to the protests, vocalized a similar sentiment. “I love all my stamps, and spent more Neopoints on them than I’d like to admit.” She gave a brief chuckle. “I care for them, put them in their protective casing, cuddle them… I’d feed them and dress them if I could! I want to collect them all, and want more to collect. And the Post Office employees said they WOULD release more, and I was ready to buy! But knowing all the problems behind the NFSs – especially the environmental impact – well… I’m not giving one NeoPoint to the Post Office, now. I just had to come and say something. The quality of the Post Office has been declining for years, and after this, it might be time to put away my stamp album and go collect cards or something. The Stamp Board has turned its back on me and many other fans – of course I’m going to boycott the Post Office this weekend.”

     Mr. Tass, an elderly Uni from Faerieland, held up a “NO NFTs!” sign. “The stamp collectors are overwhelmingly of the anti-NFT stance,” he stated. “The Post Office knows it. The Stamp Board knows it. InfiniWeb knows it. We just have to scream louder, and keep making our voices heard! Enough is enough! STOP THE NFS! DOWN WITH NFT!”

     “Absolutely ridiculous, the introduction of these things. There had better just be a proper Neopian Times Editorial about all this,” curtly stated Ms. Fanny, a young Ixi from Meridell, as she huffed and crossly folded her arms.

     “Eh, I’m ambivalent,” remarked Mr. Mao, an Acara from Neopia Central and casual collector of stamps and other semi-scarce goods. “I mean, I would never want an NFS – unless it’ll come with an avatar or something rare I can pick up from the Grundo Warehouse – but I’m not going to get after someone who really does want one. And everything has some environmental impact, after all. If it can help inject some more Neopoints into the flailing Post Office and help revitalize the shop, I don’t really see a problem with it – of course, it had better actually funnel down to the Post Office, because the decision was obviously made at a high level of management up the Stamp Board chain. I just wanna see the Post Office we all know and love survive, OK? And that’ll be hard if all collectors suddenly quit en masse.” He grinned sheepishly. “Though, don’t get me wrong, I do have several reservations about InfiniWeb – I mean, I’m no prude, but the last thing I want to imagine is a Neopian Fun Stamp beside a Sensual Sloth Selfie.” He shuddered and muttered something about “not safe for the Employment Agency”. “Still,” he concluded, “the idea of NFSs in and of themselves don’t really bother me. Eh, maybe I need to do more research on them.”

     The decision being made “at a high level of management up the Stamp Board chain” is another factor central to the uncertainty many Neopians have about the NFS project.

     “Yeah, yeah, I admit, I didn’t know what was goin’ on,” stated a low-level employee of the Post Office who wished to remain anonymous; they had previously told several Neopets that NFSs were a scam before the official announcement was made by the Post Office shopkeeper. “And I’m sorry fa’ that. But the Stamp Board… they permit and pass all sorts a’ stuff without tellin’ us! It’s ludicrous, I tells ya’! Absolutely no communication, absolutely none. So a’ course we can’t trickle anythin’ down to our custamas and base… And uppa uppa Stamp Board management wondas why collectas are leavin’ us in droves, or at least threatenin’ to.” They fiercely shook their head. “We Post Office employees aren’t that numerous to begin with. We’re just tryin’ our best with the resources we got, and we don’t got a lot a’ say in stuff, ‘K?”

     “I’m pretty uncertain about the future of the Post Office,” opined Ms. Jackie, a particularly pessimistic Korbat from Happy Valley. “Uncertain and unhappy. The complete lack of communication is one thing, but to continue with NFSs despite the clear and overwhelming opposition from the majority of the stamp collecting community is quite another.” She sighed. “And I don’t even blame the Post Office employees, they’re just trying their best with what small resources the Stamp Board permits them.” She growled. “It’s the increasingly corporatized Stamp Board high-ups that obviously don’t understand the stamp collecting community and culture, and don’t seem to actually care to learn. Honestly, I’m pretty sure the Post Office is close to closing its doors for good, and this venture is their last attempt to commercialize already-existing property. And it sucks, because I’ve loved the Post Office and loved collecting stamps for years. But it’ll be hard to continue my hobby after all this, how this situation went down.”

     We also made sure to talk with some of the rare few that are counter-protesting.

     “Yes, I’m in favour of this decision,” started Mr. Spencer, a Lenny from Tyrannia. “Not necessarily because I like NFTs or anything – they seem kinda cool, but I have no experience with them. Maybe this would be a good way to get in on the market?” He chuckled, a touch hesitantly. “I just like collecting stuff, yanno? Cards, stamps, CDs… my love probably started with all the cool stuff I got from the Concert Hall as a youth. Anyway, please, let’s just wait for more details, and if the price is right let me buy one and let’s move on. Who knows, maybe they will eventually be avatars, or KeyQuest tokens – if the game ever comes back…” He frowned pensively. “Anyway, I’m not forcing anyone else to buy anything. Let’s not all tackle the Post Office, at least not yet. Though, that Stamp Board could offer an AMA or something so we have a much clearer idea of their plans.”

     “I used to collect stamps when I was younger, but I’ve long since fallen off that lame trend,” said Mx. Gaga, an Alien Aisha, originally from Neopia Central, who now lives on Wuba Secundus. “But NFSs? NFTs are super trendy, super cool, and there is lots of money to be made right now.” They grinned and donned a pair of black pixel shades. “I own a dozen KryptoWockies, a couple LittlePukes, and even that footage of the time Rhee Solters totally pwn’d Dinksy Collibridge in AC VII. Of course I want an NFS. Maybe 5.” They giggled, and then shrugged. “Whether the Post Office lives or dies over the controversy isn’t my priority, heck, I hardly come to Neopia anymore.”

     “I won’t lie,” started Ms. Thame, a Koi from Shenkuu, “I don’t like the introduction of NFSs. Really, I don’t.” She sighed. “However, I don’t believe the protests will have any real effect on changing the minds of the Stamp Board higher-ups to backtrack on the NFS introduction.” She grinned. “So, I say, let the StampBros have their fun with their eventually worthless trash, let the Stamp Board execs lie in the grave they dug for themselves, let NFSs crash and burn like the older Post Office-licensed NFT project from a few years ago, and let’s all move on – hopefully toward a future of new features we really want to see, like more stamps and avatars.” She clapped her fins. “Let’s protest for those instead.”

     “I think that NFSs are the best decision the Stamp Board ever made, since as long as I can remember,” remarked Ms. Shimmer, a Flotsam from Maraqua and self-described StampBro. However, she was quickly castigated as “unrepresentative of longtime collectors and the greater collecting community” owing to her creation date of one month ago.

     ***

     In an attempt to get clearer answers to our questions, and to better understand wherefrom some of the corporate decisions about NFSs stem, we reached out to upper management in the Stamp Board for comment; all declined. We went up the corporate ladder to attempt to interview those at the top of the Board or InfiniWeb, but we were continually met with fierce threats of immediate arrest or silencing, or simply with personal attacks.

     Following some investigative journalism – involving a shady news agency fronted by a Meri Acres cherry farmer, a ripoff Advent Calendar / Chocolate Ball hybrid, and several seeming front companies for something far more sinister than NFSs – we finally found someone willing to speak with us.

     “The Post Office you’ve grown to love is gone – it’s been on the decline for years. You know it, we know it,” gravely opined the dimensional Draik from Shenkuu, speaking under strict anonymity. They claimed to be a high-level representative of InfiniWeb, and a mid-tier mason in the Sway. “Gone… But soon to be replaced by something much better.” They grinned. “What we’re offering via NFSs is Step 1 in our roadmap to replace all items, trophies, games, ‘pet pictures, customizations, Neopian Times articles – EVERYTHING, you name it – with NFTs.”

     They paused for dramatic effect, and then laughed. “It’s our future plan to make NFTs out of all of Neopia, my friend. All of Neopia – pets, items, everything – just being NFTs. Imagine the whole world, running seamlessly on the blockchain. It would be revolutionary. Legendary.”

     They clapped their claws together. “And I know you NT types would battle it out for ownership of ‘The Fyora Question’ – imagine how much that would be worth in a few years.” They chuckled. “Of course, you don’t really own anything tangible, except for bragging rights. Though, we are also planning to sell out plots of the ecosystem space that you can do what you want with – think of them like a personal page unique to each ‘pet.” They shrugged, irony lost on them. “Still, us selling the NFTs minted from all sorts of Neopian history, lore, items, and content would fetch millions of Neopoints. Millions! Maybe even billions. And there is so much that can be sold. Simple supply and demand. ‘Bros wanna buy, we wanna sell.”

     When questioned about the legalities and ethics of selling off Neopia and the works of the ‘pets within, the Draik replied gravely, “That’s not your concern. Look, we rake in our money, we keep the stamps and fun times coming for you collectors – win-win. Otherwise…” They darkened and frowned. “But don’t fret, really, we’re the good guys here. Rest assured, we want to see the Post Office brand survive as much as you do, and we are pressuring the Stamp Board to release new short-term content ASAP – and not just to get the heat off InfiniWeb and keep you all satisfied.”

     The Draik refused to answer anything more. “You little stamp collectors are cute. But don’t forget, at the Sway, we ultimately control everything that happens in Neopia. We do listen to you guys – trust us, we are aware of your concerns – but you can’t impede our plans of progress.” They shook their head and flew off into the skies over Shenkuu.

     Mere hours after our interview with the Draik, whilst walking through the Neopian Marketplace streets, our team was accosted by a Tuskaninny.

     “Something terrible has happened, listen to me!” he yelled frantically. “You fools! We’re in danger! We’re all in danger, please!”

     Though we at first dismissed his rambles, he ran up to nearby ‘pets and shouted, “I’ve seen them! InfiniWeb is after all of us, all of us! Soon there won't be a non-NFT pet left in Neopia! They’re after us – our sisters, brothers, petpets, everyone! They’re coming soon. They’re already here! You’re next. You’re next! YOU’RE NEXT!”

     Unfortunately, he had gotten lost in the busy streets of Neopia Central before we had the opportunity to ask further questions or clarify his statements.

     ***

     In addition to the protests, the GNPO executive council released some counterfeit – though widely popular – NFSs. However, many of these NFSs were revoked shortly after their “minting”, to acknowledge the predicted ephemerality of the NFS project.

     In response to the protests, and perhaps especially the GNPO-orchestrated boycott, the StampBro guild called the established philatelist community “Loseoooors” and issued a series of “educational” pamphlets that contained some information mixed with several personal and largely irrelevant insults. Many protestors and boycotters found this extremely distasteful, and have since adopted the term “Loseoooors” to define themselves and their movement, in so doing reclaiming the perceived hateful moniker.

     In response to the boycott and the many Neopians who partook, Mx. Shelley of GNPO publicly commented that they had never been prouder of the philatelist community, and reiterated the need for Neopians to stand united during this time.

     Meanwhile, in response to the protests, and perhaps especially the GNPO-orchestrated boycott and the response by the StampBro Guild, the Stamp Board released this official statement:

     Hi all,

     We would like to apologize to the Post Office community, advocates, and supporters, new and old. As we continue to explore the NFS product line, it is important that we at the Stamp Board remain mindful of the impact such a massive change can have on a fanbase as dedicated as you all have been, for as long as you all have been. Our recent communication has fallen well short of showing our awareness of this fact, and the result has been – and perhaps should be – considered disrespectful at best. We are deeply sorry for this.

     As the stewards of a brand beloved by thousands of Neopians, it is our duty to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment to the highest degree we can make it. We have significant improvements to make on this front as it pertains to our NFS partnership.

     In the press release, the Stamp Board affirmed that the Post Office would “not disappear”, and also denied rumours that the Post Office (and Neopia) would be replaced by the blockchain. The Board again affirmed that the NFS project would “not interfere” with development plans for the Post Office.

     The Stamp Board also reiterated its independent position from InfiniWeb and the StampBro Guild, but did state that “to help facilitate an environment that better aligns with the Post Office’s image and values, we will step in and help moderate the StampBro Guild and its related media properties.”

     The statement also confirmed that the Post Office Shopkeeper was returning to his previous position as merely the manager of the Post Office, and the community liaison role would be moved up the corporate hierarchy so to oversee more of the Stamp Board’s properties.

     The release ended with,

     Please know that we remain dedicated to improving the Post Office shop and will have more new content, updates, and features for you soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

     The Stamp SB Board

     ***

     The current fiasco on the minds of many Neopians is the Post Office’s licensing and introduction of a controversial new NFT product, Neopian Fun Stamps. Stamp collectors have a wide range of opinions on them – though many are decidedly negative.

     Some philatelists are convinced that the introduction of NFSs mark “the end of stamp collecting as we know it”. This remains to be seen, and the Neopoints generated from the release may in fact bolster the Post Office – though “may” is the key word. Clearly, a greater understanding between stamp collectors and upper management must be reached.

     If the purported InfiniWeb Draik truly is someone in a position of power overseeing stamp collecting and/or the company with which the Stamp Board is partnering, better communication and transparency certainly needs to come to fruition – especially between the Board and InfiniWeb.

     The stated attempt by the Stamp Board to rein in the StampBro guild has been perceived by protestors to be a positive development. Nevertheless, some protestors have argued that the statement needs to actually be followed by action, and many were quick to note the incongruity between the Stamp Board’s proposed moderation of the StampBros and the Board’s continued assertion that the NFS project will not siphon resources otherwise devoted to the Post Office proper.

     “The Stamp Board should not be congratulated for doing the right thing,” opined Mr. Antoine in response to the most recent official statement by the Stamp Board; he is a Gelert from Neopia Central who returned to the Post Office to protest shortly after the boycott ended. “Doing the right thing should be the bare minimum standard. I will applaud the Board when they finally pull the plug on the NFS project and the InfiniWeb partnership!”

     Will NFSs survive the court of public opinion, or will they be axed like a difficult-to-convert Chet Flash game? Will the Stamp Board bow to the protests and pressure, or will upper management continue to (futilely?) defend their business practices and partnerships?

     Do Neopians see any tangible “fun” in the non-fungible?

     Hopefully we will get a lot more information from all involved parties in the coming days and weeks ahead.