A recent Forbes article has taken a swipe at Ripple and the XRP Ledger (XRPL), calling the XRPL and 19 other blockchain networks functional ghost chains. This bold claim has ignited a wave of criticism from the crypto community, particularly from those invested in the XRPL's success.

Despite Forbes' harsh critique, the XRPL has demonstrated sustained growth and relevance in the blockchain ecosystem. With over 5.1 million wallets and a steady increase in users, the ledger has proven its utility, especially in the realm of cross-border payments. Forbes, however, dismisses these achievements, labeling the XRPL as a 'zombie chain' with limited global impact.

"The XRPL only charges an average fee of $0.0002 per transaction, showcasing its efficiency over traditional payment systems like SWIFT."

Forbes' criticism centers on the XRPL's low accumulated transaction fees and its purported inability to disrupt the SWIFT system. However, these critiques overlook the XRPL's design to facilitate fast, low-cost transactions, which is a significant advantage over traditional payment methods.

Ripple's ODL product, for instance, has facilitated billions in cross-border settlements, challenging SWIFT's dominance.

The article also unfairly compares the XRPL to Bitcoin and Ethereum, the only two networks Forbes deemed to have 'sufficient utility.'

This comparison fails to acknowledge the unique features and benefits that the XRPL offers, such as its low transaction fees and high throughput. The XRPL's recent developments, including partnerships for CBDC pilot programs, further demonstrate its ongoing utility and innovation.

The crypto community has responded to Forbes' article with strong criticism. Industry pundits and XRP supporters argue that the article lacks thorough research and unfairly dismisses the achievements and potential of the XRPL and other listed blockchains.

The debate highlights the ongoing discussions about the value and utility of various blockchain networks in the evolving digital economy.