Base Blockchain Faces Backlash Over GrokCoin Promotion, Developers Feel Overlooked

Base Blockchain, an Ethereum Layer-2 network, has found itself at the center of a controversy after promoting GrokCoin, a newly launched token. The promotion has sparked frustration among developers who feel overlooked and underappreciated for their contributions to the platform.

The dispute began when Base's official account on X (formerly Twitter) shared a post endorsing GrokCoin. The post highlighted the token's AI-controlled wallet and its ability to generate revenue, describing it as a significant advancement in the blockchain space. However, this endorsement was met with immediate backlash from developers who have been building applications on Base for months, only to receive little to no recognition from the platform's official channels.

Kawz, the founder of the Solana-based project Time.fun, was one of the most vocal critics. He expressed his frustration over Base's selective promotion strategy, stating that he had spent months developing an app on Base but was never able to secure a tweet from the platform's official account. Kawz also criticized Base for not acknowledging the efforts of builders on its blockchain, a sentiment echoed by other community members.

FloBro, a blockchain speculator, also voiced his discontent, suggesting that Base's leadership does not practice what they preach. He argued that the platform's alienating messages, such as "Just keep building," have contributed to a lack of meme season and overall community engagement. FloBro's comments reflect a broader dissatisfaction among developers who feel that their hard work is not being valued or recognized.

Despite the criticism, some community members have defended Base's actions. Shazam, a builder on Base, provided insight into the GrokCoin launch process, explaining that community members had to send 5 million BNKR tokens to Grok's wallet to create the coin. He suggested that Grok's affiliation with Elon Musk could ultimately benefit Ethereum's ecosystem by bringing more attention to the platform.

The controversy highlights a fundamental divide within the Base community. On one side, independent developers feel sidelined and underappreciated for their work. On the other hand, GrokCoin proponents argue that its AI-driven mechanics and high-profile associations could bring valuable attention to the ecosystem. As the debate unfolds, Base's leadership faces mounting pressure to clarify its promotional policies and address the growing dissatisfaction among builders who feel overshadowed by hype-driven projects.

This incident underscores the