Web3 needs writers who can make the case for the technology and defend it against detractors

Please tell us more about your background, how you got interested in Web3 and what you're currently working on? 

Before I got into the Web3 space, I'd spent the last two-and-half years writing SEO filler on every topic imaginable. Automotives, home maintenance, career development, relationships, sports, eCommerce, content marketing—if there's a niche, I've probably written in it. 

But I never felt satisfied doing those jobs. Yes, the pay was horrible, but it was enough to get by. The real problem? I had zero interest in those topics. Every time I needed to write those things, it felt like torture. I'd be considering focusing on the technology industry for a while. From writing technical pieces for previous clients, I knew I had a knack for simplifying complex stuff into grade-level English for readers. 

My friend who's a machine learning developer and technical writer suggested that I write something about Web 3.0. In his words, "it's this new technology, and everyone's talking about it." Days later I would stumble down the rabbit hole of Web3 and never look back. For the first time, here was a subject matter that was interesting and potentially lucrative. I figured that blockchain technology was a good niche to focus my energies on, and that was it. 

Currently, I'm working on growing my blog dedicated to exploring the impact of blockchain in business. It's barely over a month old, but I've got great feedback from readers. Beyond that, I'm immersing myself in the Web3 industry by expanding my network, learning blockchain fundamentals, and keeping up with the latest trends. 

What is your definition of web3? Why should we care about it?

In my article discussing the benefits of Web 3.0 for businesses, I described it as "a new kind of internet—one that's secure, decentralised, and free from the clutches of Silicon Valley behemoths." That really captures the idea of Web3 for me. 

Currently, we have to use service providers who harvest our data to fuel marketing and income-generation plans. Worse, our data is at risk, as we've seen many data centers hacked and private details compromised. Web3 isn't a silver bullet, but it'll surely solve many of the problems with the present version of the Web. 

I should also add that the idea of a decentralised Internet appeals to me as an African because it removes the barriers corporate overlords put to stop citizens in Third World countries from participating in the global economy. Think of it: PayPal blocks international payments to many countries, including Nigeria where I live. But, with crypto, anyone can get paid seamlessly, even across borders.

What hard and soft skills have been most helpful to help you succeed in Web3? ‍

Critical thinking and the ability to research have helped me successfully transition into writing for Web3. The first is important to understand the concepts and discuss them in a way that educates readers; the latter ensures I can write comprehensively on topics and give readers valuable information. 

I obsess over details, so perhaps "detail-oriented" is a soft skill I have? Time management is really important, too. Before, I'd spend hours on researching before writing an article. Which isn't technically bad—only that it limits productivity. So, I started breaking my work into "sprints" using the Pomodoro technique of 25-minute work periods and 5-minute breaks. For example, I may allocate one pomodoro to researching, four for writing, and another one for editing. This helps me stay on track and complete work quickly. 

Having a strong work ethic is another crucial skill for writers. Motivation is a fickle mistress, so discipline is what forces me to write on days when I'd love to curl up in bed. 

What would you say is the best thing about your job? The most challenging? 

The best thing is getting to learn and write about cool stuff. Yes, there are other industries on the cutting edge of technology—but blockchain is really the best. There's so much to learn that it's terrifying and awe-inspiring at the same time. 

Research is definitely the most challenging part of my job. Also, some things may be difficult to understand, let alone translate into writing. If I feel overwhelmed, I jump into writing immediately. Somehow, the idea is easier to explain once I start writing about it. 

What part should Content Writers play in web3?

Writers are key to dispelling misconceptions about cryptocurrencies, blockchains, and the larger Web3 revolution. Check some of the biggest sites, and you'll find dozens of false narratives about the Web3 movement. If someone isn't calling cryptocurrencies a ponzi scheme or describing cryptocurrencies as "bad for the environment," then they are downplaying the value of blockchains and a decentralised Internet. 

Web3 needs writers who can make the case for the technology and defend it against detractors. For example, Nic Carter has published several pieces debunking claims about Bitcoin’s perceived environmental impact. 

Outside of that, I think writers like me will be crucial in educating everyone—individuals, businesses, governments—about the importance of Web3. That way, we can encourage mass adoption of Web3 technologies across several areas of society. 

You identify as a freelance blockchain writer, so could you please explain why you prefer freelancing to in-house roles? 

I like having control over my work, so freelancing is my only option. With freelance writing, I determine my ideal clients, preferred work structure, and service pricings. In-house roles promise the stability of a paycheck, but the routine and lack of autonomy are deal-breakers for me. Plus, what's more exciting than doing things on your own?

In some of your articles on Hackernoon, you explained L2-solutions and Web3. How do you manage to break down hardcore blockchain concepts in layman language?

I guess it comes from years of writing on really technical topics. I've written about cars, machine learning software, programming languages—things I didn't know beforehand. 

That experience comes in handy when discussing blockchain concepts. If I don't understand an idea, you won't find me writing about it. Taking the time to understand something about the technology means I can write about it in a way that the average reader can understand. 

What are the best decisions and the worst decisions you have made in this industry?

My best decision was starting a blog to write about blockchain. Having to post articles every week forces me to learn and update my knowledge. 

Also, sharing my work with the wider community through platforms like Hackernoon and LinkedIn has been great. With my blog still in its early stages, these platforms allow me to reach even bigger audiences. 

Perhaps I should add networking with people in Web3 to the list. Nothing keeps you motivated than knowing others are committed to the same goals you have. 

No mistake readily comes to mind, though. Besides, the process gives you insurance against mistakes. Instead of seeing mistakes as bad, you think of them as data to use in improving later. 

Tell us the greatest working day of your life. You're at home in the evening, thinking of what you accomplished. What made you so happy that day? 

I think that would be the day I published my first piece on Web 3.0 for Hackernoon. I didn't know if the editors would accept it or not, but they did—and, apparently, they liked it because it received the Top Story badge. 

I had people reach out to me after reading the article; an executive I hadn't interacted with before shared it with his LinkedIn article. The positive feedback I got after writing the article convinced me to make the switch. 

Winning the Hashnode x Nervos Web3 Technical Writing Contest is also up there as one of my favourite moments. Beyond the prize money, it was cool to get recognised for writing great stuff. 

What is your favorite Web3 project? Among the people you've worked, or interacted with in Web3, who do you admire most and why? 

Ethereum is my fave Web3 project; the sheer functionality it offers is mindblowing. I know people love to make noise about "ETH Killers", but I doubt any other project can match Ethereum's programmability, decentralisation, and security. 

For a specific project, Mirror is a good one. It’s a decentralised writing platform that allows writers mint articles as NFTs and earn from their work. Really cool stuff. 

My favourite person in Web3 is Keir Finlow-Bates. He has these great analogies for explaining blockchain technology, so even non-techies can understand. I'd encourage people to watch his YouTube video explaining the recent Wormhole DeFi hack. 

What is your vision for your niche? What do you expect to come in the next few years? What development in the field do you find to be the most exciting? 

I expect the blockchain-as-a-service industry to expand as more companies integrate blockchain technology into their processes. Already, the industry is expected to hit $24.9 billion in value in 2027, up from $1.9 billion in 2019. 

I plan to contribute to this business revolution as a writer for blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) companies. The industry will need people who can communicate the value of blockchain solutions to key decision-makers, and I want to help fill that role. 

Any tips for beginners who aspire to work in this domain, but feel completely overwhelmed to even start competing? 

1. Start small. Whether you're a writer or developer, you want to take small steps if you're new in the industry. For instance, I try to spend 5-10 minutes reading something related to blockchain technology everyday. It looks small, but the knowledge compounds over time. 

2. Learn by doing. Again, if you're a writer or developer, the best way you'll "learn the thing" is to do it. There's really no other hack for getting better. After writing my first article, I found it easy to come up with ideas and write more articles. 

3. Don't rush things. When you start, there's the urge to compare yourself to others in the space. I've since realised that it reduces my confidence and prevents me from seeing the big picture—that this is just part of the process. 

Trust me, there's enough time to make it here; I've seen the long-term potentials of the blockchain industry, and it's massive. No matter where you are in this space, you have a headstart on 99% of the world's population who don’t see  the value of Web3, yet. It's like buying into the Internet at the start of the 2000s.