June 17, 2021 | Eul Basa

The 'Disaster Girl' Meme Just Sold For Nearly $500,000 As An NFT


In this day and age, becoming a meme isn't the worst thing that could happen. In fact, it could even make you a whole lot of money.

Zoë Roth, the woman whose childhood photo ended up going viral in 2005, made almost half a million dollars this month after she sold the original digital copy of her meme as an NFT (non-fungible token). The "Disaster Girl" meme, which features a four-year-old Roth smiling in front of a burning house in Mebane, North Carolina, is one of the latest additions to the NFT craze that has been taking over the internet in recent months.

Roth sold the image through NFT entrepreneur Ben Lashes, who previously generated $2 million in sales via other meme trades, including Doge, Grumpy Cat, Nyan Cat, and David After Dentist. It sold for a total of 180 Ether, a type of cryptocurrency, which converts to around $430,000.

Roth, who is now 21 and completing her senior year at UNC-Chapel Hill, says she plans to use the money to pay off her student loans and donate the remaining amount to charity. Considering the fact that her face had been plastered all over the internet for years (and likely without her consent), the $430,000 payout seems like a fair trade-off.

"People who are in memes didn't really have a choice in it," she told the New York Times. "The internet is big. Whether you’re having a good experience or a bad experience, you kind of just have to make the most of it."

With NFTs on a rapid rise as of late, there's a good possibility that other memes from back in the day will be revived. Prior to selling the "Disaster Girl" meme as an NFT, Roth didn't make any money off the image; but now that it has been encoded, she will receive 10 percent of the profits whenever it is used in the future.

"Being able to sell it just shows us that we do have some sort of control, some sort of agency in the whole process," Roth said. "Nobody who is a meme tried to do that, it just ended up that way. Is it luck? Is it fate? I have no idea. But I will take it."

Several celebrities have been buying into NFTs, including Michael Jordan, Paris Hilton, Mark Cuban, and Patrick Mahones. As the hype around crypto art continues to grow, it's only a matter of time before another unexpected image or video clip makes headlines over a blockbuster sale.


READ MORE

productivity hacks

25 Productivity Hacks For The Workplace

Boost your workday efficiency with the 25 proven productivity hacks for the workplace. From time management strategies to workspace optimization tips, discover practical solutions to enhance your focus and output. Uncover expert insights and actionable advice to transform your work habits, streamline tasks, and achieve peak productivity.
February 1, 2024 Kaddy Gibson
Things Your Boss Should Never Ask You

15 Things Your Boss Should Never Ask You

Explore the 15 boundaries every employee should know when it comes to what your boss can and can't ask you. From personal matters to legal lines, empower yourself with knowledge on workplace rights and professional conduct.
May 1, 2024 Peter Kinney

20 Side Hustles To Try While Working Full-Time

Over one-third of American adults have a side hustle alongside their full-time job. Whether you're one of those people already looking for new ideas, or you want to bring in a little extra money every month, here are 20 side hustles you can try—without giving up your 9-to-5 job.
October 1, 2024 Jack Hawkins
Things Baby Boomers Shouldn’t Waste Money On

16 Things Baby Boomers Shouldn’t Waste Money On

Discover the top 16 expenses baby boomers should avoid for a secure financial future. From unnecessary gadgets to overspending on luxury items, learn how to prioritize your spending wisely and make the most of your hard-earned money.
May 1, 2024 Sammy Tran
fact-internal

People Share The Most Useless Facts They'll Never Forget

As brilliant as the human brain is, it often holds on to information so random you wonder why your brain stored it in the first place—just ask these people.
November 1, 2019 Eul Basa

10 Vintage Sports Cards That Are Worth a Fortune Today

Explore the lucrative world of vintage sports cards with a deep dive into 10 cards that have skyrocketed in value over the years. From baseball legends to basketball icons, uncover the stories and prices behind these treasured collectibles.
November 1, 2023 Sammy Tran



Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team