Dogecoin Co-Founder \'Shibetoshi Nakamoto\' Slams Shilling Culture: Here\'s Why
Dogecoin\'s origins as a lighthearted meme coin are well-known, but co-founder Billy Markus, widely known on social media under the pseudonym Shibetoshi Nakamoto (an ironic reference to Bitcoin creator Satoshi), has recently voiced strong opinions against the "shilling" culture often associated with cryptocurrency. This isn\'t the first time Markus, or \'Shibetoshi Nakamoto\' on X, has expressed frustrations.
Why Shibetoshi Nakamoto Wants to End Dogecoin Shilling
Markus’s stance stems from a perceived shift away from Dogecoin\'s original ethos. He believes the community has, in some instances, become overly focused on promoting the coin for personal gain, rather than focusing on its positive community and utility. This comes after a reflective piece on a Galaxy Research article from May 2025, demonstrating Markus’s long standing concern about the future of DOGE.
Dogecoin\'s Humble Beginnings: Remember, in 2025, Jackson Palmer and Billy Markus created Dogecoin as a joke, inspired by the Doge meme featuring a Shiba Inu. Markus and Palmer didn\'t intend for Dogecoin to become the financial juggernaut it is today. The original vision was one of fun and community.
Shibetoshi Nakamoto\'s Distance from Dogecoin
Dogecoin\'s Shibetoshi Nakamoto has said he has no plans to ever return to the coin project, citing an unappreciative community as a contributing factor. Despite Dogecoin’s meteoric rise and its role in spawning countless imitators, Markus hinted that his own financial success falls short of what one might expect. This, combined with his concerns about shilling, indicates a desire for the Dogecoin community to return to its roots of lighthearted fun.
Community Reactions and Future of Dogecoin
The dogecoin community on Reddit (r/dogecoin, boasting 2.4M subscribers) is often a barometer for sentiment. While many appreciate Markus’s honesty and call for a return to Dogecoin\'s original values, others remain focused on the potential for financial gains. This divide highlights the challenges in maintaining a decentralized cryptocurrency\'s vision as it grows in popularity.
Ross Nicoll, a core developer of the Dogecoin Foundation, previously announced his departure from the project, remaining only as an advisor. This shift in core team members, combined with Markus\'s vocal opposition to shilling, may signal a turning point for the Dogecoin community. Whether the community will heed Shibetoshi Nakamoto\'s call for a less financially-driven and more community-focused approach remains to be seen.