THE WAKE UP CALL 📞 CLARITY IN A MANIPULATED WORLD. #UDS #DREAMS

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Ugly Duck Society
@UGLYDUCKLABZJan 29, 2026

The Spaces centers on two threads: the NFT Fighters game’s development status and the Ugly Duck Society’s (UDS) IRL expansion. Host Scrooge outlines a tour starting at the Drunken Lab in Houston, with two raffle winners flown in, and a retreat at the Bitcoin Mansion in El Salvador; Vegas events are considered but the mansion is prioritized. Developer Josh joins to reset expectations: he cites industry timelines, confirms the game is ~90% functionally complete (fighting, betting, leaderboards), and prefers delaying launch to improve graphics, optimize 3D assets for web performance, and ensure non‑Web3 players can onboard seamlessly. He describes mechanics where NFTs can be rented and burned, making supply dynamic and gameplay revenue‑feeding projects. Investor Maker affirms confidence (> $10k invested), while Brando presses for clearer public updates and suggests gameplay teasers. UDS frames Spaces as a revenue‑generating business: IRL assets and an oil collection initiative (Fresh Air Team) underpin activity; training courses have already sold via Stripe and will be marketed across TikTok, Craigslist and ads. Additional build-outs include a “UDS Closet” to dress ducks and mint, physical collectibles/merch, and a Quirky XR platform plus AR board game with retail distribution. The session emphasizes trust, transparency, community building, and prioritizing quality over speed.

Wake-up Call Space: NFT Fighters status, UDS tour plans, community and business updates

Participants and roles (identified through greetings and context)

  • Scrooge (Ugly Duck Society, UDS; host and organizer): central voice driving UDS initiatives, partnerships, and community spaces; positions himself as a builder and revenue generator through Spaces and IRL deals.
  • Mother Duck (UDS co-founder; Women Builders host): co-leads UDS, runs a Women Builders space; coordinates governance and community efforts.
  • Shiny Girl (UDS co-host): daily space operations; cited as successfully selling her project; co-runs spaces for UDS.
  • Josh (aka Kiowl/Kiyao; lead developer for NFT Fighters and Soltrex): the principal builder behind NFT Fighters; previously delivered “Soltrex/SoulTricks” products; sets product timelines and quality standards.
  • Brando/Brandon (community investor, host of his own spaces): bought the $5k NFT; advocates for clarity and comms; jokes aside, pushes for minimal gameplay previews and AMAs.
  • Maker (major investor): invested “more than double anybody else,” >$10k in NFT Fighters; vouches for Josh’s delivery quality referencing Soltrex.
  • Spare Parts (artist/creator; roasts, “Limbots” mint): community artist and content creator; adds humor and social energy; wants to produce a “pilot.”
  • Meta Clan / Meta clone (co-host; Nigeria): helps run the room; coordinates housekeeping and tags; advocates clarity and structure.
  • Jurgen/Jorgan (holder/supporter): frequent collaborator and investor; daily touchpoint with Josh.
  • Kelly Speedway (Women Builders space; comms and growth): supports outreach; proposes tactical ad/bridge ideas; coordinates cross-space support.
  • Stew Kwan (XR/AR builder; Quirky/Quicky XR ecosystem): offers XR product synergies (AR board game, mixed reality platform) and merch/NFT bundling ideas.
  • Yosemite Duck (Fresh Air Team): ties UDS IP to a waste-oil collection business; example of real-world IP use and revenue.
  • C Stacks / JPZ / JP (community): planning to attend IRL; connects beer/IP opportunities.
  • Additional names referenced: Juju, Double X (crypto circles), Michael Terpin, David Kovacs (industry), Gary (reluctant to Spaces; at “Tyson House”), Victory Fighting League (MMA integration prospect).

Note on tone: the room included humor, occasional coarse language, and off-topic riffs (e.g., anime/traits) amidst substantive project updates.

UDS roadmap and IRL activation

  • The next 100 mints goal and travel incentives
    • Scrooge proposes that the next ~100 mints fund/trigger a retreat to El Salvador’s Bitcoin Mansion; the “Texas thing” (Houston) is nearer-term and logistically simpler (likely 2 nights) vs. Bitcoin Mansion which needs more planning.
  • Texas Drunken Lab event (Houston)
    • UDS sold 50 NFTs + 20 with a raffle; two winners (Chase and Seaside) will be flown to Houston with lodging to experience the Drunken Lab brick-and-mortar location.
    • Pivot: bring web3 to the Drunken Lab (rather than onboarding web2 patrons into web3). Plan to showcase community/partners IRL; models wearing UDS merch instead of a rap performance; open to sponsors placing their merch.
    • Attendees: Soul Kicks, Makers, Order Mutants, JPC/JPZ, C Stacks, and others expected to fly in (date not yet booked at time of space).
  • Bitcoin Mansion retreat (El Salvador)
    • Plan to time around Vegas crypto events (e.g., “Bitcoin Vegas”/other conferences) to attract locals who are “tired of Vegas.” An alternate, distinctive IRL draw could be more appealing (some contacts said “Bitcoin Bachelor”/mansion sounds better).
    • Scrooge and team will coordinate permissions, tax ID, optional registration, and possibly sponsor a small event (e.g., two drinks) where wallets can be used for payment. Gary is invited but is “not keen on Spaces.”
  • Cross-pollination and events pipeline
    • Aim to promote NFT Fighters at fight nights (Victory Fighting League) and hold dedicated spaces/AMAs with updates.
    • Collaboration targets: Licensing Show, MemeCon in Vegas; potentially host a joint event (Scrooge + partners) in Vegas.
    • Scrooge plans a billionaire “cross-pollination” space later in the week (Thu/Fri), sharing prior billionaire-session recordings; anxiety around turnout but recognizes career-building impact.

NFT Fighters: product, timelines, and communications

  • State of development (from Josh)
    • Functionality: ~90% complete. Core features exist (fight, betting, leaderboards, account flows). The game is playable internally, but Josh won’t “just ship something” unless it meets quality standards.
    • Graphics revamp: Visual overhaul underway to improve look and ensure optimization for the web (low poly counts, good rigs/meshes) to minimize lag. Intends to hire specialized 3D modelers (has a network of 3D artists) to ensure browser performance and aesthetics.
    • UX approach: abstract web3 complexity so non-crypto gamers can “just sign up and play,” reducing friction. Traditional gamer environments prioritized; ownership/crypto checks handled under the hood.
    • Infra/marketing costs: servers and marketing are not cheap; continued development funding is a factor in pacing releases.
  • Timelines and expectations
    • Josh contextualized delays: citing OtherSide’s 13 months from BAYC launch to remotely playable, Final Boss’ multi-year cadence, Pudgy Penguins’ IRL plushies in ~18 months, and CoD’s classic 24-month dev cycles. Emphasis: shipping meaningful, enduring products takes time.
    • He acknowledges some early expectations (Nov/Dec dates) were set optimistically (excitement-driven), but he will deliver on “timelines that make sense.” He’s invested time and money himself, cares about the product, and has a delivery track record (multiple-chain grants, Soltrex).
  • Community and investor relations
    • Brando: advocates for an AMA and some gameplay preview (even small) to re-anchor expectations; also noted the official account’s last pinned update was months old—updates (even minor ones) help perception.
    • Josh: open to an AMA; less keen on posting daily social content; prefers building. Recognizes official accounts should post real updates. Will communicate more formally when branding/content are aligned.
    • Maker: publicly reaffirmed confidence; invested >$10k (more than double any other community member) and is “totally fine,” citing Soltrex quality.
    • Proposed AMA: Scrooge floated “in an hour” (10:00 local), but wanted to ensure maximum participation (not “just for Brando”). Outcome not recorded in this session.
  • Game economy and partner integrations (from Scrooge)
    • Distinction vs template games: fighters must own a specific number of project NFTs to participate; NFTs are supply-driven with burn mechanics; holders can rent NFTs to players for residual income—this design “feeds the project.”
    • Potential inclusion of MMA fighters (Victory Fighting League) and promotion at live fights.
    • Multiple partner collections considered (e.g., fembot model to stand in for collections without limbs; playful trait talk like “laser boobs”).

UDS business model, monetization, and IP strategy

  • Spaces as a business
    • Scrooge: runs Spaces as a core business line; claims >$100k generated last year via spaces, investors, and collaborations (not solely from NFT primary sales). Spaces also secure sponsorships and open offline opportunities.
    • Philosophy: embrace drama as content; transparency, trust, alliances; call out bad actors; build a durable network of spaces (Cyberspace, Tom Bibian, Shiny Girl, Melissa, etc.).
  • Real-world assets (RWA) and revenue
    • Fresh Air Team (oil collection): UDS IP (ducks) used on uniforms, hats; revenue from RW business supports web3 initiatives. Stripe account noted ~$2,000 from training courses (5 sold at ~$400) as seed funds for digital ads.
    • Beer/IP: UDS-branded beer exists; exploring operators to take it to the next level; connections via C Stacks; Scrooge cannot run every opportunity himself—seeks community operators to step in for shared upside.
    • Drunken Lab (brick-and-mortar) as recurring venue: IRL anchor that bridges brands, IP, and community.
  • Art-first, fashion-forward culture
    • UDS ducks are styled in fly, real garments the team actually wears; jackets, hats, seasonal capsules (e.g., winter capsule not yet in the collection). UDS plans “Ugly Duck Society Closet” to dress “naked ducks” (mannequin term) and mint the dressed version—inviting external designers and limited capsules throughout the year.
    • Collectibles and merch:
      • Merch sells faster than NFTs (market reality). Discussed bundling NFTs with physicals (e.g., redeemable merch, ticketing via T-shirt, trading cards graded as collectibles).
      • Suggestion: produce signed canvas prints by the lead artist (Ignacio Traversal), limited/numbered; ship rolled canvases to reduce costs; use for giveaways or premium sales.
  • Outreach & acquisition tactics
    • TikTok converts: three training-course sales in a single session; plans to add Google/Facebook ads; test Craigslist lead-gen (confirmed by Kelly who trialed an ad); formalized ad copy via AI to save time.
    • Cross-venue distribution: XR/AR board game aiming for CVS seasonal aisles (Stew Kwan); potential for UDS sponsorship on packaging and in-store presence; retail partner outreach ongoing.

Community dynamics, moderation, and platform hygiene

  • Rumors and backchannels
    • Scrooge alleges some actors run shadow groups to coordinate floors and attacks; stresses triangulating information (tell A and B different things to see what leaks), finding weak links, and calling out malicious behavior.
    • Gold “business” check paid for a year to avoid monthly overhead; used as credibility signal for official accounts.
  • Culture and tone
    • While the room featured humor and roast culture, there were moments of inappropriate language and adult content references; moderation was reactive (e.g., concern about mislabeling minors on stage; language barriers with a Japanese speaker). Co-hosts acknowledged X platform glitches affecting speakers.
    • Consistency vs burnout: participants stressed scheduling, discipline, and avoiding burnout; recognized that algorithm and discovery dynamics (TikTok/X) are changing; impressions can be “manipulated,” so clarity and authenticity matter.

Partnerships, integrations, and external ecosystems

  • Soltrex/SoulTricks reference
    • Multiple speakers (Josh, Maker, Scrooge, Brando) cited Soltrex as a delivered product and benchmark for Josh’s capability; ongoing work with external teams (e.g., “Spray the Chain”) on NFT funding and tooling.
  • XR, AR, and token utility (Stew Kwan’s lane)
    • Quirky/Quicky XR: a no-code/low-code XR toolchain and AR board game pipeline; proposes using token-subscription models to create organic token demand (pay for XR platform with the token; build by-pressure via real use-cases).
    • Mixed reality angle: future-proofing gameplay/engagement through Ray-Ban smart glasses; the board game shows animated elements via AR; tie merch/NFT give-aways to physical purchases.

Market context and philosophy

  • Builders vs quick flips
    • UDS observes that many participants still chase quick gains and rarely activate utilities; some winners don’t even claim physical rewards.
    • Long-term plays require patience; emphasize frequent IRL meetups and durable IP rather than hype cycles.
  • Liquidity and macro
    • Acknowledge overall NFT market illiquidity; building through down cycles via RW businesses; attach real revenue to web3 to weather market variance.

Logistics, schedules, and housekeeping

  • Near-term
    • Potential AMA with Josh (NFT Fighters) was floated for “about an hour later,” but no definitive timestamp captured here; intent is to include all partner projects, not a one-off.
    • Women Builders space (Mother Duck): Wednesday, 8 PM (check Shiny/Mother Duck account for GMT/local conversions). Encourage women to request mic and participate.
    • Scrooge’s “rant” in Cyberspace tomorrow; continued daily wake-up space 7–10am EST.
  • Medium-term
    • Texas Drunken Lab event date to be booked; flight/lodging covered for raffle winners; open call for sponsors and community to attend IRL.
    • Bitcoin Mansion retreat planned after Texas; align with Vegas timelines; consider a sponsor night and wallet-friendly payments.
    • MemeCon and Licensing Show in Vegas: aim to co-host events and cross-promote NFT Fighters/UDS.

Decisions, asks, and action items

  • NFT Fighters (Josh + partners)
    • Hire/contract 3D modeling specialists to optimize character meshes/rigs for web deployment.
    • Collect concept art from partner projects for arenas and characters; align on art direction for revamp.
    • Plan an official AMA with all invested/partner projects; consider limited gameplay snippets or a controlled demo once visuals are approved.
    • Increase cadence of official updates (even short, factual “dev notes”) to reduce speculation.
  • UDS and community
    • Book and announce the Texas event date; coordinate travel, filming, and sponsor activations; plan staged content drops.
    • Advance the UDS Closet (dressable ducks) with a first designer capsule and mint flow.
    • Produce limited signed canvas prints by the lead artist; evaluate as sales/giveaways.
    • Stand up targeted ad funnels (TikTok, Google, Facebook, Craigslist) for oil training course and IRL event interest; standardize copy (AI-assisted) and track conversions.
    • Package NFT + merch bundles (e.g., event tickets tied to a special shirt; redeemable codes) to grow holders outside crypto-native circles.
    • Beer/IP operator: connect interested community members with C Stacks’ contact to progress distribution.
    • Archive and publish past “billionaire spaces” recordings; announce the next cross-pollination guest with a flyer and RSVP link.

Risks and mitigations

  • Delivery risk (NFT Fighters): mitigate by transparent dev notes, milestone-based comms, and selective demo footage once visuals meet bar; emphasize Josh’s record and investor endorsements.
  • Perception risk (infrequent socials): dedicate minimal but regular official account updates to avoid “quiet = rug” narratives.
  • Infra/marketing cost: phase deployments; partner with events/venues (fights, conferences) to leverage foot traffic; recruit community operators for revenue lines Scrooge cannot run alone.
  • IRL logistics: weather, travel, scheduling conflicts; mitigate with earlier booking, clear itineraries, and flexible attendance options.
  • Community burnout/drama: keep moderation standards, discourage derogatory language; recenter on business updates and builder outcomes.

Notable quotes and positions

  • Josh (dev discipline): product is playable but withheld until it meets a higher visual/UX standard; timelines are comparable to serious game/product builds; prefers smart abstraction for non-web3 gamers; willing to talk directly to any project lead.
  • Scrooge (builder ethos): Spaces are a business and a brand-building engine; embraces debate but stresses transparency; UDS growth anchored in RW assets (oil, beer, Drunken Lab) and IP; refuses to “ship junk” or chase templates.
  • Maker (investor confidence): stands by Josh’s delivery capacity; references Soltrex as proof; comfortable with extended timelines for quality.
  • Brando (community advocate): requests clarity, AMAs, and light gameplay previews; underscores the value of occasional social updates; expresses faith in Josh.
  • Kelly (growth ops): confirms Craigslist ad feasibility; highlights TikTok as the “watch” to Instagram’s “phone”; supports Women Builders activation and broader messaging about RWAs and mass adoption.
  • Stew Kwan (product strategy): urges pragmatic token utility via subscription for XR tools; proposes merch/NFT bundling and retail penetration for AR board game.

Bottom line

  • NFT Fighters is functionally close but undergoing a visual/UX overhaul before public deployment. The dev and key investors remain aligned on quality-first release.
  • UDS is doubling down on IRL activation (Houston Drunken Lab now; Bitcoin Mansion next), RW asset monetization (oil collection, beer), and IP/fashion (UDS Closet), while using Spaces as a revenue-and-network engine.
  • Communications will benefit from structured AMAs, concise dev updates, and targeted ads beyond X. Community is invited to step up as operators for numerous spin-out opportunities.