Welcome to the 14th 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.

This Week: A special preview of the weeks to come!

Editorial: The Hidden Web3

Everyday Use Cases You Didn’t Know You’re Already Doing (or Should Be)

Hey Hashers,

Be honest — when you hear “Web3”, does your brain go straight to crypto bros yelling about NFTs on Twitter? Yeah, same. Maybe it feels a bit too cerebral or just unfamiliar? Yeah, I get that too.

But here’s a secret: You’ve probably already used Web3 — or at least brushed up against it — without even realizing it. And if you haven’t yet, there are ways you could be using it right now to make your life easier, smarter, and a little more independent.

The truth is, while most people think Web3 is all about speculation and meme coins, it’s quietly sneaking into everyday life — in ways that are actually useful. So today, we’re pulling back the curtain and looking at how Web3 is already part of the world you live in — and why it matters.

This addition will be formatted a bit different than usual and be quite a bit shorter. Its purpose is to prepare you for the next few editions that will get into how Web3 can fit into your everyday life. Fun and practical! So, here are 5 ways you may already be using Web3. Let’s get started…

1. Payments You Didn’t Know Were Crypto (Stablecoins for the Win)

Ever gotten paid in USDC or USDT? Congrats — you’ve already used Web3.

More and more freelancers, creators, and remote workers are getting paid in stablecoins, especially in countries where banks are unreliable or currencies are unstable.

Think about it:

• You do work for a client in another country.

• Instead of waiting days for a wire transfer (and paying hefty fees), you get USDC in minutes to your wallet.

• Boom — no bank, no waiting, no drama.

• USDC are pegged to the US dollar and essentially function as close to a digital US dollar as you can get.

Even companies like Stripe are piloting USDC payments now.

➡️ If you’ve ever used a stablecoin, you’ve touched the Web3 world. If you haven’t YET, there is a high probability you will sometime soon!

2. NFTs as Access Passes — Not Just for Art Bros

Forget the monkey pictures for a second — NFTs are becoming your new "digital keys."

Want to attend a concert, a special event, or a private community? NFT-based tickets and memberships are already a thing.

• Coachella NFTs were used for lifetime passes.

• Private Discord groups are using NFTs as entry tokens.

• Creators are offering exclusive content, courses, or perks via NFTs — think Patreon, but decentralized.

• Even companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Starbucks have started creating NFT-based loyalty programs.

➡️ NFTs are evolving into real-world access tools — and they’re just getting started.

3. DAOs — The Next Generation of Digital Communities (That Pay You)

Imagine an online community where:

• You get paid for contributing (writing, designing, moderating).

• You vote on decisions — not some mysterious "admin."

• You own a piece of the community itself.

That’s a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization).

Think of it like a Discord group + business + co-op — all rolled into one.

• Cabin DAO is building a global network of creative cabins and co-living spaces.

• Krause House DAO is pooling funds to buy an NBA team (yes, really).

• HerStory DAO supports Black women artists and their work.

The possibilities of what you want to achieve as a collective group are largely endless. DAOs are great ways for advancing ideas and managing fundraising for those ideas. It is quite likely you will find a DAO that appeals to you in the next 3-5 years (if not sooner).

➡️ If you’ve joined a Discord group, imagine that — but with real ownership and rewards.

4. Owning Your Name on the Internet — ENS & On-Chain Identity

Ever wished you could own your username — instead of just borrowing it from Instagram or Twitter?

With ENS (Ethereum Name Service), you can.

• Register a name like “alex.eth” — and that’s yours.

• Use it to get paid, sign in to apps, and prove identity — all without giving up your email or data to Big Tech.

• ENS usernames have the potential to be a transactional life hub for all of your online shopping, social media usage, asset storage, and more.

For those who purchase an ENS domain now, you will have a greater chance of owning the domain you might want. As more people begin to purchase them, common names will begin to disappear. With that in mind, I have already purchased ENS domains for my name, my wife’s first name, the names of my children and our family name.

Prices to purchase an ENS domain are more reasonable than you would like, sometimes less than $25.

Unstoppable Domains is a great place to start your search.

➡️ Instead of “@username123” that disappears when Twitter implodes, you own “yourname.eth” forever.

5. Decentralized Social Media — Owning Your Voice (for Real)

Tired of getting shadowbanned, deplatformed, or having your followers vanish because a platform changed the rules?

Enter decentralized social — like Farcaster and Lens Protocol — where:

• You own your posts, your content, and your followers.

• You can't get randomly kicked off for "algorithm changes" or publicly referring to Elon Musk as a douche bag. Sometimes its nice to be able to speak the truth.

• You take your community with you, no matter what app you use.

➡️ Imagine Twitter, but where you actually own your content. That's where Web3 is headed.

So Why Should You Care?

Because Web3 is already happening quietly in the background.

• People are getting paid in stablecoins.

• Creators are launching NFT memberships.

• Communities are organizing as DAOs.

• People are taking control of their digital identities.

You don’t have to "become a crypto expert" to start benefiting from this. But understanding how these tools work now puts you ahead of the curve.

As I said at the start, there are a lot of reasons why “Web3” may seem distant from your life or a concept that is too big to handle or engage with. It is true, there are lots of complex components and jargon. But let me ask you this— Do you use the internet? Of course you do!

There is a world of complex stuff and lots of jargon to go with it behind the internet you use today. Yet, at some point the internet itself was a bit mind-blowing and here you are now. Click this short Instagram clip and see what I mean! 🙂 (Make sure to click the volume on in the bottom right corner) You will be entertained!

dirtyhistorian

789K followers

View more on Instagram

🚨 What’s Next: Our "Web3 Native" Series

So now you are primed. The Rocky theme music is blaring in your head, you may even be punching the air with your fists. 🥊 You’re ready to dive in and get a bit Web3 crazy!

Cool. So guess what? Fear not, I gotcha!

Next week, we’re dropping a hands-on guide to becoming Web3 native — no hype, no nonsense. 🤯 I know, it’s mind blowing—right?

Here’s what we’ll cover, step by step:

1. How to set up a wallet and stay safe.

2. How to mint or buy an NFT (without overpaying for a cartoon monkey).

3. How to find and join a DAO.

4. How to earn and save with DeFi.

5. How to own your name and identity online.

6. How to buy real crypto and avoid crappy and worthless meme coins. (ahem, $TRUMP anyone? Nope? Cool, we have already covered Step 1 in avoiding crappy meme coins)

➡️ If you’ve been thinking, "I want to try this stuff, but I don’t know where to start" — that series is for you. It is also for your friends, co-workers, family, and neighbors, so make sure you share it widely!

✉️ Want to Help Us Shape the Series?

Tell us:

• What Web3 thing are you most curious about?

• What’s stopping you from jumping in?

• Have you already used Web3 without knowing it?

📩 Reply to this email and let us know!

📩 You can also email us directly at [email protected].

Alright — that’s a wrap for this week. Remember: Web3 isn’t just something to watch from the sidelines. It's a toolbox you can use to build, create, and connect — right now.

Catch you next week for the first part of our Web3 Native series!

Did you miss out on the previous issues of Hashed Out? See them all here!

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I hope that you enjoyed this edition of Hashed Out. There is much more to come and your feedback is invaluable to how we will grow. If you have questions or comments drop us a line.

[email protected]

Ok Hashers, that’s The Wrap. Many thanks!

(Cue awesome exit music of your choice)

Dr. Scott