Welcome to the first issue of Hashed Out, a triweekly newsletter from Argot (argotagency.io) that serves as a guide for those looking to learn the basics of the web3 space. In time, our vision is to provide a forum where web3 enthusiasts and newcomers can come together to explore the new digital world. Hashed Out seeks to provide you with all the resources and insights you need to go from web3 virgin to web3 virtuoso. 

As the sherpa for your expedition into the new digital great beyond, we promise to make the complicated feel simpler, connect you to the most important data and resources from the builders, researchers, and creators that are shaping web3, and respond to your needs as we grow together.

In This Issue- Table of Contents

• Web 101: Understanding the Basics

• Ethereum: Pioneering the Web3 Revolution

• Editorial: The Promise of Web 3

• Connections- Curated Links for the Curious

• The News Drop- Web3 News You Can Use

• The Wrap- key takeaways for the TLDRers

  • A Look Ahead

Ok Hashers, are you excited to get started? I know I am! Let’s go!

Web 101: Understanding the Basics

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Welcome to the new frontier of the internet.  Web3 represents opportunity. Opportunity for new forms of entrepreneurship, opportunity for new ways of communicating, and opportunity for new ways of seeing, experiencing, and interacting with the world—literally! While an increasing number of people have heard some of the terms associated with what is collectively called web3 (metaverse, A.I., virtual reality), the majority of the population still draws a blank when asked if they have heard about web3 or to explain what they think it is. 

For those of you who are ready to migrate from web3 novice to metaverse master having a strong foundation to layer building blocks on to is essential.  This article aims to provide that foundation by demystifying some of the complexities of web3, and outlining its core principles, technologies, and the transformative potential it holds.

For the rest of the Web3 Basics article click the button below and read online!

Ethereum: Pioneering the Web3 Revolution

Read Time: 3 Minutes

As we delve into the intricacies of web3 and its transformative potential, it becomes imperative to examine Ethereum, a cornerstone of the decentralized web. Ethereum's emergence as a platform has not only facilitated the growth of decentralized applications (DApps) but has also been instrumental in introducing the world to smart contracts, DeFi, and NFTs. This case study explores Ethereum's journey, its impact on the web3 ecosystem, and the challenges it faces in its quest to redefine the internet.

Introduction to Ethereum

Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a group of visionary developers, Ethereum was conceived as a platform that extends the blockchain's utility beyond Bitcoin's initial application as a peer-to-peer digital cash system. Ethereum introduced the concept of a programmable blockchain, allowing developers to create smart contracts and decentralized applications directly on its blockchain. This innovation opened the doors to a new world of possibilities, ranging from digital finance to collectible digital art.

To continue hit the read online button!

Editorial: The Promise of Web 3

Read Time: 5 Minutes

Change, it has been one of the constants of the human experience.  In modern times humanity has experienced three major economic and technological revolutions—the first industrial revolution in the 1780s (steam power, mechanical production), the second in the 1870s (electricity, mass production, division of labor), and the third between the 1970s and 2000 (personal computers and the internet). It now seems highly likely we are at the frontier of the fourth revolution, that of cyber-physical systems, artificial intelligence, and the idea of a new version of the internet collectively referred to as Web3.

Web3 is more than an enhanced version of the internet, however. It represents not just a technological revolution, but a social and cultural shift towards what promises to be a more equitable and decentralized digital world.  Web3 has its share of hurdles and problems, as well as a legion of doubters and haters, but I have been immersing myself in this world for nearly two years and I find good reason to be inspired and optimistic.

To continue hit the read online button!

Connections- Curated Links for the Curious

The original white papers for Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

• In many ways this is where it all started.  The Bitcoin white paper set everything in motion and is an accessible read for most.  The Ethereum paper is much longer and dense, but you can’t overstate Ethereum’s importance to the development of the web3 tool set.

Bitcoin: https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf

Ethereum: https://ethereum.org/en/whitepaper

The Non-Fungible Token Bible: Everything you need to know about NFTs

• This is a great in-depth read that gives a full breakdown on NFTs.

https://blog-v3.opensea.io/articles/non-fungible-tokens

CryptoZombies

• If you like to learn by gamification and you are more interested in the coding and application side of web3, CryptoZombies might be for you.  You can even earn tokens for your efforts!

https://cryptozombies.io/

RabbitHole

• RabbitHole is a similar platform to CryptoZombies in that you can earn crypto for learning about crypto. RabbitHole is not as code based, instead you are able to complete”quests” like list an NFT on an exchange or try staking some crypto to earn interest. If you really want to play with hands on crypto transactions, RabbitHole provides a great place to experiment.

https://rabbithole.gg/

Bankless Academy

• Bankless offers a more traditional educational platform to learn about the Web3 world. As its name suggests, Bankless is all about promoting DeFi and is a great source of information for multiple learning styles.

https://app.banklessacademy.com/ 

The News Drop

The Wrap

For those who want a TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) of the main Web3 101 article here is an outline of the main points:

Web3 Defined

• Web3 represents the third generation of the internet with a focus on decentralized peer-to-peer networks and the return of control over personal data given back to the users.

Web3 has three guiding principles

• Decentralization

  • Web3 is a decentralized web, with information spread across a distributed network free from centralized ownership.

• Transparency & Trust

  • The use of blockchain makes web3 transactions more secure and transparent.  Transaction on the blockchain are immutable and publicly verifiable.

• User Sovereignty & Empowerment

  • Web3 users are empowered to control the use of their personal data and to be compensated for its use.  DeFi platforms empower users with additional options for how they manage their financial assets through the ability to engage in staking or peer-to-peer lending.

Web1: Read Only, Internet of the 1990s-2005, Corporate, E-commerce

Web2: Read-Write, Internet of 2005-Present, Blogs, Social Media, Centralized Data Control

Web3: Read-Write-Own, The Future Internet, Decentralized, Creator and User Empowerment

Web3 is supported by four building block technologies

• Blockchain Technology

  • Blockchain is the foundation of web3 technology, offering a secure and decentralized way to record transactions.

• Smart Contracts

  • Smart contracts are self-executing “contracts” written into lines of code that automatically enforce and execute the terms of an agreement when the trigger requirements are met.

• Cryptocurrencies

  • Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies tied to a blockchain that facilitate peer-to-peer transactions.  Bitcoin and Ethereum are two of the more well-known cryptocurrencies.

• Decentralized Applications (dApps)

  • dApps are applications that run on a blockchain rather than on a single server and offer greater user security and autonomy.

Why Web3 Matters

Web3 offers the possibility of a more private and secure internet where users have control over how they experience their digital life.  Web3 will open a vast array of opportunities for innovation and the ability to continue towards developing a more global and inclusive economy.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Web3 technology is still new and there are challenges to overcome.  Some of the application interfaces are not user friendly and there is still a general lack of widespread knowledge about their existence.  The existing regulatory framework is not adequate and how it will be made to adapt has been very unclear.  The computing power needed to scale many Web3 platforms is immense and more powerful and energy efficient hardware solutions will be needed for Web3 to reach its full potential.

A Look Ahead

Ok, it’s about time to roll the credits! In our next issue of Hashed Out we will be taking an in-depth dive into blockchains and why they are a revolutionary technology. Look for it in your inbox mid-March.

Also coming soon is the release of The Weekly Hash, which is our weekly curation-based news and resources update to keep you on top of the fast moving world of web3.

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.

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I hope that you enjoyed this first 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