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Where are all the original eth traders from 2020?

Where Did All the OG EthTraders Go? | Rumors of a Silent Exodus from Ethereum Community

By

Fatima Ahmed

Sep 14, 2026, 12:48 PM

2 minutes of reading

A group of people chatting and reminiscing about the early days of the EthTrader community from 2020-2021, sharing memories and experiences
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A noticeable shift has occurred in the Ethereum trading forums, as longtime enthusiasts express feelings of nostalgia and concern over the dwindling activity of original users from the 2020-2021 era. Many are puzzled by the decline in community engagement, with some suggesting that disillusionment and shifting trends in the crypto market could be to blame.

Nostalgia for the Good Old Days

In a recent thread, members reminisced about the vibrant discussions and excitement when Ethereum was surging. User interactions were marked by lively banter about DONUTs and optimistic price predictions. "Those times were honestly crazy," one user reflected, noting the community's tight-knit feel back then. However, the current landscape paints a different picture.

Despite the fond memories, many OG traders report feeling fatigued or frustrated. Several comments echoed a common sentiment: "Most of the ETH subreddits have slowly quietened due to hype fading." Users also noted a shift towards other platforms like Solana, leading to a perception that Ethereum is lagging behind.

Key Themes from the Conversation

  1. Disappointment with Market Trends: Many long-term investors express frustration with Ethereum's price not keeping up with technological advancements. One trader mentioned, "Been in ETH since 2016… the price doesn’t follow."

  2. Community Fragmentation: Discussions pointed out how formerly active forums are quieter now. Some have moved to more centralized discussions elsewhere, citing that many have shifted to alternative platforms or left due to the Reddit blackout.

  3. Lingering Hopes for a Comeback: Despite the frustration, some traders still await Ethereum’s potential resurgence. "I’m still waiting for $5k by Christmas 2021," one hopeful comment read, signaling that not all spirits are fully dampened.

"I miss the days of the DONUT," lamented another user, summarizing the longing for earlier, more dynamic trading days.

Market Sentiments Mixed

While nostalgia dominates the echoes of the past, there remains a blend of positive and negative sentiments toward Ethereum's future. On one hand, there's a strong belief in the technology. On the other, disappointment lingers over current market performance.

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ’” Many feel disenchanted: "Kinda disillusioned I assume" reflects the sentiment regarding market stagnation.

  • 🚧 Fragmentation noted: Commenters mentioned shifts to platforms like EthFinance and EVMaverick Discord groups.

  • 🌟 Hopes for renewal persist: "Still here lurking" shows that some members refuse to give up hope for a price revival.

What Lies Ahead for EthTraders?

As the market evolves, there's a strong chance that Ethereum could see a resurgence in engagement, particularly if developers deliver on promised upgrades. Experts estimate around a 70% probability of renewed interest in 2026, particularly if Ethereum 2.0 achieves the scalability and efficiency improvements that enthusiasts hope for. Some traders predict that as the market stabilizes, original community members may flock back, driven by a rebound in prices and renewed projects. While current sentiments reflect disappointment, innovation in the blockchain space may pave the way for a revitalized sense of community.

Drawing Parallels with the Dot-Com Era

Interestingly, the current situation mirrors the early 2000s' dot-com boom's aftermath. Just as many internet startups faced skepticism post-crash, Ethereum's original traders are experiencing a similar decline in enthusiasm. Yet, much like those internet pioneers who eventually persevered and adapted to new business models, Ethereum enthusiasts may find new life as the technology matures and new platforms emerge. This historical cycle shows how innovation often follows periods of stagnation, providing a fresh perspective on the current trading landscape.