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Hashed Out V37: Digital Collecting in Web3
From shoeboxes to smart contracts, how collecting is being reimagined for the digital age.
Scott Kasten
August 29, 2025
Welcome to the 37th edition of Hashed Out, your weekly guide to navigating the dynamic world of Web3, brought to you by Argot (www.argotagency.io). Whether you're taking your first steps into this digital frontier or already exploring it, our mission remains the same: to demystify the complexities of Web3 and equip you with the insights and resources you need to thrive.
Our vision extends beyond a simple newsletter—we aim to build a vibrant community where both enthusiasts and newcomers can gather, learn, and grow together. Think of us as your trusted sherpa on this journey, here to translate intricate concepts into clear, actionable insights. We'll connect you with the latest data and expert perspectives from the builders, researchers, and creators driving innovation in Web3.
Join us as we transform from curious explorers into true Web3 virtuosos, one issue at a time.
Hey there Hashers!
Why do we collect? From stamps and baseball cards to vinyl records and comic books, collecting has always been a way to hold onto pieces of culture and identity. The thrill of the hunt, the pride of ownership, and the connections formed with fellow collectors have kept this tradition alive for generations.
Now, collecting is entering a new era. Powered by blockchain, digital collectibles are creating verifiable scarcity, global communities, and new ways to showcase what we own. From NBA Top Shot highlights to Bored Apes, from digital art to tokenized music, the joy of collecting is finding fresh expression online — not as a replacement for the old, but as a continuation of the same timeless impulse.
In this issue of Hashed Out, we explore what digital collecting really means:
Main Article: From Cards to Coins: Collecting is Going Digital — A deep dive into why people collect and how blockchain is transforming the culture of ownership.
Editorial: Why I Think Collecting is About More Than Ownership — A personal reflection on why collectibles matter and how Web3 turns them into stories and connections.
Bonus Guide: Digital Collectibles 101 — A beginner-friendly roadmap for starting your own collection, from wallets to marketplaces to staying safe.
Collecting has always been about stories, memories, and communities. The only difference today is that your shelf might not sit in your attic — it might live on the blockchain.
Feature Story
If you ever kept a shoebox under your bed filled with baseball cards, stamps, or comic books, you already know the thrill of collecting. For some, it was about hunting down that one elusive rookie card. For others, it was the pride of lining up mint-condition issues of Spider-Man or preserving a rare coin in a velvet case. These weren’t just objects — they were stories, identities, and membership badges in communities of fellow collectors.
Editorial
Why do we collect anything at all? On the surface, it doesn’t make much sense. Why hold on to little slips of cardboard, binders of stamps, or a stack of vinyl records when they take up space, lose value, or sometimes never leave their box? Yet we do it anyway, generation after generation, with an enthusiasm that borders on obsession.
The truth is that collecting has never really been about the thing itself. It’s about the meaning we attach to it.
Bonus Tutorial
If you’ve ever stared at a shelf of old records, baseball cards, or comic books, you know the feeling: collecting is about more than ownership. It’s about holding on to a piece of something that matters to you. The same impulse drives today’s wave of digital collecting in Web3 — only now, instead of filling shoeboxes or binders, your collectibles live on the blockchain.
Discover how to start your own digital collection in just a few easy steps.
The Wrap
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FINAL NOTES
Hashed Out is a newsletter that is affiliated with our parent business Argot.
At Argot, we’re passionate about helping businesses navigate the rapidly evolving world of Web3. From crafting brand strategies to managing content and community engagement, our services are designed to position your brand at the forefront of innovation. Whether you’re looking to integrate decentralized technologies or build a strong digital presence, our team is here to support your journey.
Curious about how Web3 can transform your business? Reach out to us at Argot and let’s build the future together.
I hope that you enjoyed this edition of Hashed Out.
Ok Hashers, that’s The Wrap. Many thanks!
(Cue awesome exit music of your choice)
Until next time,
Dr. Scott