Welcome to the 16th 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.

Editorial: From Web3 Curious to Web3 Confident

Hey Hashers,

Last week, we talked about the first steps into Web3—how to set up a wallet, use DeFi, claim your digital identity, and understand crypto beyond the headlines. The big takeaway? Web3 isn’t just about speculation—it’s about participation.

But here’s the thing: Having a wallet is just the beginning. Web3 is about more than storing tokens—it’s about using them, building with them, and being part of communities where ownership actually means something.

That’s what this week is all about.

Today, we’re diving into the next four big ways you can actually engage with Web3:
✔️ DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations)—the internet-native communities where decisions (and money) are controlled by the members, not a CEO.
✔️ NFTs—not just art, but tickets, memberships, digital property, and more.
✔️ dApps (Decentralized Apps)—the Web3 replacements for things like banks, social networks, and file storage.
✔️ Tokenized Communities & Web3 Social—where you actually own your audience, identity, and interactions online.

These are the building blocks of Web3 culture—where you go from curious observer to active participant. And that’s the real difference between Web2 and Web3.

Web2 vs. Web3: A Mindset Shift

In Web2, we were taught to use platforms, but never own them.

• We created content on Instagram—but never owned our posts.

• We built communities on Facebook—but they could vanish overnight.

• We made money on YouTube—but only at the mercy of ad revenue and algorithm changes.

In Web3, that changes.

• Your content, assets, and communities are yours—not controlled by a company.

• You don’t just participate in networks—you have a stake in them.

• You’re not just a "user"—you’re an owner in the platforms you contribute to.

This week, we’ll show you how to take that next step—how to actually use Web3 tools to engage, create, and connect in new ways.

What Happens When You Go Beyond the Wallet?

🔹 You start voting on decisions in DAOs—instead of just following the rules someone else set.
🔹 You own your memberships & access passes as NFTs—instead of paying subscription fees that disappear when you stop paying.
🔹 You use dApps instead of relying on centralized companies—where your data and money are fully under your control.
🔹 You take your identity & audience with you—instead of being locked into a single platform.

And most importantly: You stop thinking of Web3 as just "tech" and start seeing it as the next evolution of the internet itself.

So, What’s Next?

This issue is packed with hands-on, practical guides to help you use Web3 in real ways. Pick one—just one—new Web3 experience to try this week.

Want to get involved in a DAO? We’ll show you how.
Curious about NFTs beyond art? We’ll walk you through real-world use cases.
Want to try a decentralized app? We’ll help you swap your first token or publish your first post.
Wondering how Web3 social works? We’ll explain how you can own your identity and audience.

At the end of this issue, we’ll also check back in with Sarah—our everyday Web3 explorer—to see how she’s integrating these tools into her life.

The Practical Web3 Series, Parts 5-8

Let’s get into it.

 Part 5: NFTs- More Than Just Art

 Part 6: How to Join or Participate in a DAO

Part 7: dApps- Web3 Apps That Put You in Control

Part 8: Web3 Social 

Also In This Issue

• Case Study Part 2: How Sarah Went from Web3 Newbie to Web3 Native (and Why It Changed Her Life)

• Connections- Curated Links for the Curious

• The Wrap- Key takeaways for the TLDRers & A Look Ahead

Ok Hashers, are you ready to get started learning how to really engage with Web3? I know I am! Let’s go!

Becoming Web3 Native Part 5: NFTs

More Than Just Art

Yes, we’ve all seen the hype around $1M+ profile pictures, but NFTs are so much bigger than just digital collectibles. They’re keys, tickets, memberships, and assets—part of a new way to own things online.

Today, we’re breaking down what NFTs really are, how they work, and how you can actually use them.

Becoming Web3 Native Part 6: DAOs

How to Join & Participate in Decentralized Communities

For decades, we’ve been taught that organizations need bosses, corporate hierarchies, and middle managers to function.

But what if there was another way?

Imagine a community-owned organization where:
✔️ Members vote on decisions, not executives.
✔️ Treasuries are transparent, with no shady accounting.
✔️ People contribute and get rewarded—without needing a job title.

That’s a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization).

Becoming Web3 Native Part 7: dApps

The Web3 Apps That Put You in Control

Think of all the apps you use every day:
✔️ Google Docs for writing
✔️ Venmo for payments
✔️ Twitter for social media
✔️ Dropbox for file storage

Now imagine if no single company owned those apps. No one could censor your content, freeze your payments, or change the rules overnight.

That’s what dApps (decentralized applications) are all about—apps that run on blockchains instead of corporate servers, giving you full control over your data, transactions, and identity.

Becoming Web3 Native Part 8: Web3 Social

Owning Your Online Identity, Content & Community

For years, we’ve been renting our digital lives from big tech platforms. We build audiences on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube—but we don’t actually own them.

Web3 Social is changing that.

Imagine a world where:
✔️ You own your content—no platform can take it away.
✔️ Your followers belong to you—not Instagram’s algorithm.
✔️ You earn directly from your audience—without giving Big Tech a cut.

That’s the promise of Web3 Social—a new internet where creators, communities, and users actually own their digital presence.

Case Study Part 2: How Sarah Went from Web3 Newbie to Web3 Native (and Why It Changed Her Life)

One Person’s Journey to Mastering Web3

Last week, we met Sarah—a freelance designer who was just getting started in Web3.

Since then, she’s set up her wallet, experimented with DeFi, claimed her ENS name, and bought her first crypto. But she’s still figuring out how to actually use Web3 beyond finance.

Let’s follow Sarah’s journey as she integrates DAOs, NFTs, dApps, and Web3 social into her life.

CONNECTIONS: Curated Links for the Web3 Curious

Web3 Starter Resources

🔹 NFT Marketplaces & Platforms

• OpenSea – The largest NFT marketplace (Ethereum & Polygon).

• Zora – Creator-friendly NFT marketplace with no platform fees.

🔹 DAO Discovery & Analytics

• Forefront – DAO discovery platform & insights hub.

• DeepDAO – DAO analytics, rankings, and treasury tracking.

• DAO Central – Aggregator of DAOs & governance activity.

🔹 Notable DAOs

• Friends With Benefits (FWB) – Social DAO for Web3 creators.

• BanklessDAO – Web3 education & media DAO.

• Nouns DAO – NFT-driven DAO funding public goods.

🛠️ dApp Resources

🔹 DeFi dApps (Finance & Trading)

• Uniswap – Decentralized exchange (Ethereum).

• Aave – Borrowing & lending protocol.

• MakerDAO – Stablecoin & lending system (DAI).

• 1inch – Aggregator for finding the best DeFi rates.

🔹 Web3 Storage & Cloud dApps

• Arweave – Permanent decentralized storage.

• Filecoin – Decentralized cloud storage network.

• IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) – Peer-to-peer decentralized storage system.

📢 Web3 Social Resources

🔹 Decentralized Social Platforms

• Lens Protocol – Own your social media profile & audience.

• Farcaster – Open Web3 social network.

• Mastodon – Open-source alternative to Twitter.

• Nostr – Decentralized, censorship-resistant social platform.

🔹 Web3 Publishing & Creator Tools

• Mirror – Web3 blogging & publishing platform.

• Paragraph – Web3 Substack alternative for newsletters.

• Zora – NFT marketplace with a focus on digital art & culture.

🔹 Web3 Identity & Reputation

• ENS (Ethereum Name Service) – Web3 domain names (e.g., yourname.eth).

• BrightID – Decentralized identity verification.

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

The Wrap

For those requiring a TLDR or just want a fast recap here it is:

This issue finishes our 8-part series on practical ways everyday people can engage with Web3. Here is part of what is inside:

• Recap last week's entry points into Web3.

• Reinforce the idea that Web3 is not just investing—it’s participating.

• This week's focus: How people engage, create, and build inside Web3 ecosystems.

• Web2 → Web3 shift: The tools we’re used to (PayPal, Twitter, Google Docs) are now being rebuilt in decentralized ways.

• Engaging with NFTs, DAOs, dApps, and Web3 Social

  Stay ahead of Web3’s evolution—subscribe to Hashed Out for expert insights! #Web3 #Blockchain #FutureOfTech

Ok, it’s time to roll the credits! One last call, if you haven’t already, hit the subscribe button below to stay in the know. We have a lot of great stuff ready to be released and we would love for you to join our community and grow with us.

Already subscribed? Share with a friend!

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