  Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique cryptographic assets representing the
ownership of digital media. NFTs have soared in popularity and trading prices.
However, there exists a large gap in the literature regarding NFTs, especially
regarding the stakeholders and online communities that have formed around NFT
projects. Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) is one of the most influential NFT
projects. Through an observational study of online BAYC communities across
social media platforms and semi-structured interviews with four participants
who owned BAYC NFTs, we explored the experiences of NFT collectors within the
online NFT community. Positive community experiences, i.e., personal expression
and identity, mutual support among BAYC holders, and exclusive access to online
and offline events, were expressed. Encountered challenges included scams and
"cash grab" NFT projects as well as trolling. The results of this study point
towards the welcoming, positive nature of the NFT community, which is a
possible causation factor of the initial rise in popularity of NFTs.
Demotivators, on the other hand, countered the established trustworthiness of
NFT technology among its consumers.
