It happened to me recently,
as I'm sure it's happened to many others. A casual conversation with someone resulted in me mentioning Bitcoin. Some conversations naturally lead there and that's a good thing. It means ultimately that new minds are introduce to the evolution that blockchain provides and Bitcoin is like the "the gateway drug" in a way. It's the (soon to be but not yet) household name that personifies "all this crypto stuff" for those unacquainted with the principles.What it does mean however is those among us who engage in such conversations will sooner or later encounter that question...
So what's Bitcoin?
My goodness. It's in that moment that one realises how much we all rely on common knowledge and understanding when conversing with fellow "users" on platforms like Steemit. My instant internal reaction went something like this:
- Here's a chance to introduce another individual to this wonderful technology, don't stuff it up!
- I've got to keep this simple and interesting... don't use terms like "decentralized" or "private keys" or ...
- Don't sound like a conspiracy theorist... you'll put people off
...and on it went. It occurred to me that I was utterly ill-prepared for the question and there's no reason why that should be the case.
What we all owe the community
Wouldn't you agree that those of us to value, invest in and exploit the utility of Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency offerings more generally owe a debt of competence when it comes to concisely and articulately answering that question when we find ourselves being asked it?
Like a political campaign (and that analogy may not be simply figurative, we are campaigning against the archaic fiat debt system after all) there are those who are passionate about a cause and volunteer their time to present rehearsed and convincing arguments to those interested in learning about what their vote can solicit.
Should we take it upon ourselves to prepare in advance an answer to this question in a way that's simple to digest and quickly conveys both the benefits of crypto and the real world problems it solves?
Each fresh set of ears is an opportunity to grow momentum of adoption and that momentum benefits all. Each blundered answer or failed delivery may cost us as a community an otherwise eager adopter. It's quite a responsibility when you think about it.
I was lucky in my recent experience because I managed to fumble out a bit of an overview and sell some of the benefits without losing the attention of my audience. Although I'm fairly sure the message was only partially conveyed, I think I planted a seed in another individual and that was a feel good moment!
How prepared are you for the question and have you failed to deliver the message on point when asked before?
image credit: coinbase