Why didn’t crypto walk the walk at ETHDenver?

Last week’s ETHDenver conference highlighted some disturbing trends in the crypto industry. While not specific to blockchain, the trend of not using our industry-created products is something the crypto community needs to address. I’m here. Microsoft employees must use Outlook, Word, etc. However, in nascent industries such as blockchain, this dynamic has yet to be resolved.

Why isn’t the Web3 community listening to us when it comes to leveraging our own technology? It says it’s building a better version of the existing Internet experience, with a value proposition. Yet we continue to see projects across the ecosystem relying on the very technology we are (and have already) been replacing.

This problem will haunt us every step of the way. Although we value decentralization, most financial crypto trading takes place on centralized exchanges. We value transparency, but we entrust our assets to opaque companies like FTX. While we value innovation, most side events around our upcoming ETHDenver conference are ticketed via legacy systems such as Eventbrite.

Related: Most Blockchain Proponents Don’t Even Use Bitcoin

There are many reasons for these dynamics, many of which are valid and are a natural part of the building and hiring process. But I think we should remind ourselves, as a community, that we need to be the first adopters of the exciting new tech we’re building. It’s our responsibility to show the world that these work and are a good choice compared to Web2 alternatives. This trend is not unique to blockchain, and seems to be a growing pain on a regular basis for nearly every industry at some point in its maturity.

Cryptocurrency events and conferences are a great place to apply the Non Fungible Token (NFT) ticketing use case, but Web2 platforms such as Eventbrite are essential for the majority of ticketing needs. It continues to exist. The surge in Eventbrite links to many (great) side events on ETHDenver was truly amazing, but also disappointing. Our community has built a better version of this technology that incorporates the values ​​we all hold dear into its DNA.

#ETHDenver This year is bigger than ever. We couldn’t have done it without you! pic.twitter.com/a6sSd9doQ4

— ETHDenver (@EthereumDenver) March 5, 2023

Another obvious place we eat dog food is to replace the endless stream of business cards exchanged around booths and events. We can simply create an NFT with each other to remind each other when and where this interaction occurred while creating additional ongoing touchpoints for future interactions. NFT’s “link tree” also allows you to share your social media handle and a lot of other information. For example, if a potential customer scans her QR code and interacts with your business, that interaction will be recorded as her NFT and available for promotions, coupons, emails, telegram handles, etc. It’s certainly a more valuable experience than a paper business card.

As early adopters in the industry it is our responsibility to follow the path we have laid and pave the way for others to join. It’s our duty to show that it works. For us to do our best work, we need to make dog food what we’re building. and find the area. We put the wheels in motion to come up with new and better ways to implement technology and create new features and use cases. increase.

Related: Regulations in the spotlight at the European Blockchain Congress in Barcelona

This is new, there is a learning curve, and old habits persist. But at some point, we as a community have to stand out and make a difference. This is what many industries have done before us. Even in the last few months the technology has come a long way, so perhaps people are waiting until it’s completely baked in and seamless. Let’s be clear about what is, and let’s make conscious choices as a community about when, where and how we want to show the world that we’ve built new ways to hold our values.

It’s no secret that this technology exists, but our community seems stuck in the old habit of using tools that we as an industry are working to improve. Then why not attend one of the world’s biggest crypto conferences? Now let’s walk through the solutions we’ve been asking others to use. Anything less than that is hypocrisy.

This article is for general information purposes and is not intended, and should not be construed as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views or opinions of Cointelegraph.