How can non technical folks get started with web3?
Web3 is a land of opportunities that is working toward mass adoption in the next few years. There is a considerable demand for non-technical resources, particularly in the areas of finance, design, project management, legal, marketing, research, education, and so on, in addition to the technical teams who are building the ecosystem. The initial steps into web3 sector can be extremely intimidating for the first couple of months, and if some handholding and onboarding advice is not available, it can become tough to sail through especially for non-technical folks and identify any opportunities to explore in this space.
1. Learn by reading, listening, and watching
Start with web3 introductory blogs here in PSHQ:
What is web3? https://www.programstrategyhq.com/post/web3-meaning-explained
What is Metaverse? https://www.programstrategyhq.com/post/what-is-metaverse-how-to-get-started
What is an NFT? https://www.programstrategyhq.com/post/nft-meaning-explained
Read this blog from Lenny’s newsletter. Link - https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/a-product-managers-guide-to-web3
Listen to podcasts from Bankless. Link - http://podcast.banklesshq.com/
Watch the videos from Crypto Startup School. This is a free educational programme developed by Andreessen Horowitz to inspire talented technologists to enter the crypto industry. Link - https://a16z.com/crypto-startup-school/
Here is an exhaustive list of web3 resources from blockchains to building dApps from Andreessen Horowitz. Its a list of cryptographic resources and readings (2018-2019). It is organised from building blocks and fundamentals to foundations (and history) to key concepts, followed by specific topics such as governance, privacy and security, scaling, consensus and governance, cryptoeconomics, cryptoassets, and investing, fundraising and token distribution, decentralised exchanges, stablecoins, and cryptoeconomic primitives and crypto goods. Crypto canon link - https://a16z.com/2018/02/10/crypto-readings-resources/
2. Participate by setting up a wallet and experimenting
Set up Metamask. MetaMask is a free cryptocurrency wallet application that may be used to connect with the cryptocurrency world. It allows you to buy, sell, and trade crypto assets as well as log in to dApps, much like a physical wallet or digital locker. https://www.coindesk.com/learn/how-to-set-up-a-metamask-wallet/
Enroll with learnweb3 DAO. This is an educational platform for developers to learn and get certified. For non technical folks some sections can be tricky. Not to stress much on completing all the sections and get certified but trying to grasp as many concepts as possible by a non technical person. Link - https://learnweb3.io/
Mint an NFT on opensea. Its a decentralised blockchain-based platform utilised for buying, selling, and NFTs utilising smart contracts. Smart contracts are engineered to ensure there is no cheating on the network, and producers are free to sell their tokens at any price they consider appropriate. Link - https://opensea.io/
Join a DAO like Bankless. A Decentralized Autonomous Organization often known as a DAO, is an entity that is led by the community but has no centralized authority. It is completely decentralized and open to public scrutiny at any time: smart contracts establish the foundational rules, carry out the decisions that have been agreed upon, and at any point, proposals, voting etc. Link - https://www.bankless.community/
3. Contribute to communities and get involved
Support the communities with tasks you can support
Propose new ideas by bringing in your expertise to the group
Explore writing about the topics you are skilled at and help communities grow
Network with folks on web3 discord and telegram groups
Follow and engage with social media influencers on twitter, linkedIn and other networks
Check out the opportunities available for non tech candidates here: https://web3.career/non-tech-jobs
Recommended books on web3 to start with
Token Economy: How the Web3 reinvents the Internet. This book aims to examine the socio-economic implications of Web3 applications such as smart contracts, tokens, and DAOs on the concepts of money, economics, governance, and decentralised finance, as well as to provide a summary of existing knowledge about blockchain networks and distributed ledgers as the backbone of Web3 (DeFi). Free copy here - https://github.com/Token-Economy-Book/EnglishOriginal/wiki/
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains: The Fundamentals of Bitcoins and Blockchains is a concise introduction to this new money and its innovative underlying technology. This book is appropriate for gaining a general understanding of Cryptocurrencies, blockchain, digital wallets, and related topics. In addition to discussing the history of currencies, the author raises the question of whether cryptocurrencies are the future. PDF drive link - https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-basics-of-bitcoins-and-blockchains-an-introduction-to-cryptocurrencies-and-the-technology-that-powers-them-e199822799.html
Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps. You will study the fundamentals of blockchain technology in 25 steps. There is no usage of mathematical calculations, programme code, or computer science jargon. There is no requirement for prior understanding of computer science, mathematics, programming, or cryptography. Illustrations, comparisons, and metaphors are used to explicate terminology. PDF drive link - https://www.pdfdrive.com/blockchain-basics-apress-2017-e158110254.html
Conclusion
Learning, contributing and interacting to web3 areas we discussed above will help you become more proficient, despite the fact that it may initially appear to be frightening. Your level of understanding and appreciation of the ecosystem will directly correlate to the amount of time and effort you put into contributing to it. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you run into any problems related to project management when working on web3 projects. Get started with web3 now. Godspeed.
