If you’ve already dipped your toes into the web3 pond..
..You’re probably coming to realize that there is a ridiculous amount of content on the subject. And in that haystack of words, the number of articles or guides that offer genuinely original, valuable food for thought, is ridiculously small.
То save you from combing through these and ending up somewhat disappointed we’ve done it for you. Sometimes the right three reads can give you more value than thirty half-hashed articles.
Below are ten pieces on the topics of crypto, DeFi, and Web3 that are worth every minute of your time.
Skip the hunting and watery red eyes. Discover the sweeping undercurrents of Web3, the cause of its momentum, and what exactly drivers its greatest contributors to bravely go where none have gone before them.
People are leaving their comfortable, well paid jobs to work on something no one can even properly define. What makes this new frontier worth the risk?
To find the common thread, we’ll take a microlook, and explore the personal recounts of web3’s most prominent voices and then pan out to understand the ecosystem from the bird’s eye view.
From Defi which has permanently redefined our relationship with money to the DAO - the new governance model for active citizenship and participation. Kick back and enjoy the insights.
Good luck on this challenging but fascinating path. Let's begin.
You may ask: “What is web3? Why should I actually switch from Web2 to Web3? What's the point of that?”
That’s the important question that these stories will help you answer.
#1. Leaving Tech for Crypto (in three parts – at the moment), by 0xShah
¶ Leaving Tech for Crypto Pt I: Why Move into Web3
What's the Impact of the Web3 on the Crypto Industry, why is Crypto here to stay? And, of course, how does one decide to make the transition. One of the best reads on web3 which explains in old plain English why it all matters.
¶ Leaving Tech for Crypto Pt II How to Move into Web3
The second part in this three-piece series focuses on the logistics of moving into the blockchain field. What are the better ways to learn crypto – described in 8 simple theses.
¶ Leaving Tech for Crypto: Pt III Where to Work in Web3
Part three of this series provides a thorough overview of the Web3 market landscape, outlining and briefly explaining the core components of blockchain networks, specifically Layer 1 protocols, Layer 2 Solutions, DAOs, Centralized Exchanges (CEX), Decentralized Exchanges (DEX), Crypto Wallets, NFT Marketplaces and Collections, Metaverse and Gaming, Education Resources, Core Infrastructure, main investors and much more.
#2. I’m Quitting Web2 (And So Should You) by rafa0
The author, Rafa, talks about his personal journey into web3, diving into this brave new world and the shifts in the economy that's happening right now. A lot of sincere and inspiring thoughts:
- How the author was realizing what to improve in his life and work
- How his way of thinking has shifted from employee to "free agent" (that's what he calls his new state)
- What he believes finding your craft is all about
- Outlook for the future and changes he expects to see in web3
#3. How to Get Into Crypto and Web3 as a Developer, by Nader Dabit
- Technologies and resources to learn
- Tradeoffs and considerations
- People to follow
- Companies hiring and doing interesting stuff
- General tips and landing a job
#4. "How to DeFi", by Coingecko
The crypto industry owes much of its growth to the phenomenon of decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized crypto-banks, exchanges, platforms, whatever you want to call them.
The best essay on this topic is undoubtedly "How to DeFi" by Coingecko. There are two editions - one for beginners and an advanced version describing more complicated subjects.
Everyone puts off reading, even when we know it’s the most helpful thing you can do for yourself. Don’t be that person. Read this. Really.
#5. Crypto Theses for 2022 by Messari
Now that you more or less understand what's what, and where things stand in the crypto sphere, it's time to look at how it all played out in 2021 and what trends and breakthroughs are expected in 2022.
Every Messari report is always a highly anticipated event for the whole industry. This mammoth report features 165-pages of rich insights from the smartest people in the know. Оne hundred percent worth the reading effort.
The next few guides are all about DAOs. What are they? Why is everyone talking about them? How is it possible that DAOs have no "job", "salary", "employer", "employee", "hiring?". Everything in a DAO is built on the principles of community-driven collaborative and democratic consensys across all areas of decision making.
The following section covers the unprecedented freedom and possibilities that the DAO brings to the table. Learn the ins and outs for how DAOs work, how to decide if your project needs a DAO and if so, how to build one.
#6. DAOs, A Canon by Sonal Chokshi, Zoran Basich, and Guy Wuollet from a16z
The famous guide from the legendary folks over at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). As you may know, the firm is a top-tier venture capital fund with early heavy weight champion investments into Facebook and Twitter but also high-clout crypto projects (Coinbase, Uniswap, Compound, and many others).
They've included all the fundamental and latest stuff by the brightest beacons of the crypto world: Vitalik Buterin, Chris Dixon, Linda Xie, Cooper Turley, Aragon DAO, and a myriad of other people, whose brains we admire so much.
#7. The Ultimate DAO Report by Bankless
One of the iconic figures in the DAO world, Bankless has put together a huge report, where you’ll also find links to a super comprehensive, and easy to follow presentation titled "DAOs - The New Coordination Frontier"
Do you feel like you’ve got your bearing now and you’re ready to venture out into the world of web3? Then take a look at some of our favourite guides to put that theory to practice.
#8. Crypto Startup School Course, by a16z
Here's an absolutely free (and honestly priceless) course from a16z’s Crypto Startup School. It was held in the Spring of 2020 and is now available on demand. With 14 videos in total, this course will help you understand how to build your own crypto project. Taking this course could end up being the best decision you ever make.
#9. How to build community in web3, by Coopahtroopa.eth
You’ll need a strategy for community building, that much is clear in web3. So a Twitter thread about how to go about that community is truly handy. Welcome :)
#10. How to think about Good Governance? by Commonwealth Labs Team
Last, but not least, we have the hot topic of governance for web3 and DAOs in particular. What does it take to govern well? What are the criteria for good governance? A short and clear piece that sticks to the point is exactly how we want to end this list.
Bottom line
Of course, this is just scratching the surface of all the incredible resources out there for Web3. But these ten will serve you well on your journey to web3. May the force be with you.
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