The NFT space is constantly evolving, but with this evolution comes a set of technical challenges that can leave many collectors and artists scratching their heads. Recently, Ani from NFTRebels highlighted a critical issue with NFTs—particularly with KnownOrigin (KO) art tokens on Etherscan. The main concern? The art files associated with these tokens aren’t as secure as many believe, and navigating the technology can be daunting for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
The Problem: Where’s the Art?
When you look up a KO unsold art KODA token on Etherscan, what you see is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s no art, no artist’s name, no image—just the token data and a link that points to your art files stored on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). But even with this link, the journey is far from straightforward. As Ani pointed out, the actual art, metadata, and cover image are stored in these IPFS files, but accessing them requires a bit of digging.
Understanding IPFS and the Importance of Pinning
IPFS is a decentralized file storage system, reminiscent of Napster for those who remember. It’s decentralized, meaning your files are stored across a network of nodes rather than in a single location. While this means your art isn’t stored directly on the blockchain, it can still “live forever” on IPFS—as long as the files are pinned.
Pinning is the process that keeps a file accessible on the IPFS network. If a file isn’t pinned and isn’t frequently accessed, it could eventually disappear. This is a big issue for NFTs; if the associated files vanish, your NFT could lose its art and metadata, leading to broken links and a lot of confusion for collectors and panic for artists.
Enter SoulKeeper: A Simple Solution for Artists and Collectors
To address this issue, Ani and Rick developed SoulKeeper. This tool is specifically designed for KO artists and collectors to ensure their art files remain accessible and safe. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it; all you need is your KO wallet address. SoulKeeper will find all the KnownOrigin art files linked to your KODA tokens and help you either download them for manual pinning or automatically pin them using Pinata, a popular pinning service.
The best part? SoulKeeper is free to use. Ani and Rick created this tool out of a genuine desire to help the community preserve their art. It’s an easy-to-use solution that could save a lot of headaches down the road.
Why This Matters
The launch of SoulKeeper is more than just a new tool; it’s a reminder of the importance of understanding the technology behind NFTs. As the space grows, so too does the need for tools that make it easier for artists and collectors to protect their investments. With SoulKeeper, you can ensure that your art remains secure, even in the decentralized and sometimes unpredictable world of IPFS.
TL;DR:
SoulKeeper is a new tool designed to help KnownOrigin artists and collectors easily pin their NFT art files on IPFS, ensuring they remain accessible and safe. It’s free to use and simplifies the technical process, making it a must-have for anyone in the KO community.