What an NFT Actually Is

An NFT is not the image. The image is just a visual reference. The NFT itself is a ledger record on XRPL that proves mint origin, ownership, and authenticity.

No ledger record means no NFT. File copies do not count.

The Mint Is the Source of Truth

Every legitimate NFT begins at a mint transaction. That mint:

• Creates a unique token ID.
• Locks metadata to the ledger.
• Assigns first ownership.

The mint hash is permanent. It cannot be duplicated, edited, or disputed. If it didn’t originate from the mint, it didn’t originate from the protocol.

Why “Copy & Save” Is a Bootleg

Right-clicking, screenshotting, or downloading an image does not transfer ownership. It only copies pixels.

• No token ID.
• No mint record.
• No ownership.
• No transfer rights.
• No value.

This is the digital equivalent of printing a photo of a Rolex and calling it a watch. Similar appearance. Zero function.

Ownership Lives on the Ledger

Real ownership is wallet-based, not file-based.

If your wallet does not hold the NFT:

• You do not own it.
• You cannot sell it.
• You cannot verify it.
• You cannot prove anything.

The ledger recognizes signed transactions only. Screenshots are irrelevant.

Why RAD Draws This Line

RAD exists to separate originals from copies, mints from counterfeits, and ownership from spectatorship.

If it is not on-ledger, it is noise.

Verification beats vibes. Protocol beats opinion.