Remember 2017? The air crackled with crypto-mania. Every other project out there was the next “innovative blockchain solution,” that would disrupt everything from pet food delivery to space travel. ICOs popped up hither and yon, making millionaires of ordinary folks overnight. Then, as they tend to do, the bubble burst — leaving a trail of shattered dreams and lost cash. Are we going to go down that same path again in 2025, dazzled by new baubles, like we did in 2020?

Real Utility Or Just Blockchain Buzzwords?

The buzz generated by these kinds of “Top 10 ICOs of 2025” pieces is huge. Names such as Dragoin, StakeStone and Initia have been getting people talkin’ to say the least! The punchline? These are not your traditional pump-and-dump operations. These aren’t pump and dump schemes, these are projects providing real utility, with fair tokenomics and strong early community backing. But hold on just one minute there. Weren’t those the same promises that were reverberating through the hallowed halls of Crypto Twitter in 2017?

The problem isn't blockchain. It's human nature. We perpetually look for the latest shiny object. Too often, the fear of missing out (FOMO) takes precedence over our wiser instincts. Remember Bitconnect? Those red flags waved like the inflatables at a used car dealership. Warnings and reservations be damned, investors flocked to the scheme, seduced by the siren song of ironclad returns.

Now, take Dragoin, for example. The article goes on to discuss its "gamified presale" and "high ROI potential." Sounds enticing, right? What actual problem does Dragoin solve? Or is it another meme coin in blockchain drag? Or am I too cynical? What EarnPark, BinoFi, Coldware, MIND of Pepe, Influencer Pepe, Pepe Owls and Rexas Finance 7 ] . Which problem are they solving?

Don’t mistake my skepticism for the idea that gamification isn’t a powerful force. If the underlying project is the same old tired highway widening or other goofy idea, it’s lipstick on a pig. That pig is probably on its way to the slaughterhouse.

Tokenomics: A Ticking Time Bomb?

The public often finds this word dry and turn away. It is important to understand the long-term sustainability of any crypto project. In 2017, most ICOs launched tokenomics models that were, at worst, predatory, and at best, confusing. Excessive pre-mines, concentrated token ownership, and unsustainable reward mechanisms were all the rage.

Take Initia, one of the featured ICOs on ICO Drops, for example, that says it has “fair tokenomics. Great! What does that actually mean?

  • What percentage of the tokens are held by the team and early investors? If it's a large chunk, they have the power to manipulate the market.
  • What is the token emission schedule? Is it designed to create artificial scarcity, or is it sustainable in the long run?
  • What are the incentives for holding the token? Are they aligned with the long-term success of the project, or are they designed to create short-term hype?

Those are the kinds of questions you should be asking. Don't just take their word for it. Read through the whitepaper, analyze the token distribution, and watch out for any red flags. Keep in mind that nobody is handing out free money.

The Community: Real Or Just Bots & Echoes?

A healthy community is just as important to the success of any crypto project as the code. In 2017, almost every one of those communities turned into echo chambers of hype. They were rife with bots and shills who were making a killing by raising prices.

How can you distinguish between an authentic community and an astroturf one?

  • Look for genuine engagement. Are people having meaningful discussions about the project, or are they just posting generic praise?
  • Check the team's responsiveness. Are they actively engaging with the community and addressing concerns?
  • Be wary of excessive shilling. If everyone is saying the same thing, it's probably not organic.

The article notes “strong early community support” for these Top 10 ICOs. That's encouraging, but it's not enough. Conduct independent research to make sure the community is legit. Don’t get duped by a marketing gimmick! A project can be great from a technical perspective. Without an active, nurturing community behind it, it will never thrive in the long-term.

Don't forget the team. Are they transparent? Do they have a proven track record? Do they have a face? Unlike today, in 2017 most ICOs had teams that were anonymous and/or inexperienced. That's a recipe for disaster.

No, I’m not implying that most if not all of these ICOs are scams. Blockchain technology is exciting and full of potential, and there are certainly some worthwhile projects on the blockchain. The hype cycle is real. The fear of missing out is real. The temptation to cut corners and cash in is hard to resist.

So, before you invest a single dollar in any ICO, take a deep breath, remember the lessons of 2017, and ask yourself: Am I being rational, or am I just caught up in the hype? Am I really doing my due diligence on this project, or am I just looking for a short-cut to millionaire status. Take our word on this one — your future self will thank you for it.