INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Hello all! I'm Greg. I live in Stoney Creek, TN. I'm not a native to "The Creek" so I don't call myself a "Creeker", but I feel like I share a kindred spirit so I do consider myself one to some degree.

Since what some are laughingly calling "Gamestock" took us all by storm I've heard of some very interesting things happening on the creek... things like FaceBook groups that curate and share content from r/wallstreetbets, and I'm thrilled.

I've been frantically preaching crypto since I first learned of Bitcoin in 2013 and it looks like my neighbors are finally beginning to understand what I've been ranting about. So I want to offer a place where Creekers (or anyone else) can come to discuss anything related to finance/cryptocurrencies, DeFi, blockchain tech, blockchain gaming, yield farming, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralization in general, along with what ever organically stems from those discussions.

Beyond that I'll periodically post links to resources I've found helpful in understanding the space.

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert in any aspect of this environment. I'm just an enthusiast who has sprinkled a few extra pennies and dollars into the space and had promising results I'd like to share with newcomers to make the transition to the world of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and DeFi a little easier, and exciting.

DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING I SAY AS FINANCIAL ADVICE AND DO NOT INVEST MONEY YOU CAN NOT AFFORD TO LOSE!! Having said that... if you choose to invest I've found these to be helpful guidelines.

1. EXPECT to "lose" a little money. A good education isn't free
   and there's a lot to learn. Overall, the education you get you
   get at a steal if you're cautious and observant. However, if
   you aren't cautious or observant you can still get a GREAT
   education, but it gets significantly more expensive ;)

2. DON'T BE INTIMIDATED. There are a lot of dizzying terms and
   concepts. Find something that catches your attention and
   research it until you have a decent understanding of it. In
   doing so you'll discover other things entwined that lead you
   to new insights!

3. Follow projects you personally would like to see succeed.
   Investing to make money is fine, but investing in something
   you have a personal connection to or interest in pays off
   whether you profit monetarily or not. There are a few
   blockchain games that have seemed dead in the water for months
   that still have an enthusiastic community and potential.
   Other projects that received funding in the bubble of 2017
   actually used those funds to do the work they promised and are
   starting to show signs of life again. My point is that
   ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE here so find something that speaks to
   you.

4. Open a Coinbase account and take advantage of the tutorials!
   Not long ago, maybe during quarantine, I watched 3 short
   videos about UNI, that briefly and simply explained what it
   is, what it does, and why it's useful. I received $5 worth of
   UNI for my time. As of today that $5 has grown to nearly $30,
   with me doing nothing other than not cashing it out. That's
   one of several and all of them have gone up in value.
   When signing up please consider using my referral for so we
   each get a small bonus.
   https://www.coinbase.com/join/whitak_1s **
   *As a rule, I'm not above shilling for the products and
   services I use and enjoy. If I have a vested interest in a
   specific product/service/project, I'll include a disclaimer.
   **If I know you personally, and we have an ongoing trust, get
   in touch with me after you sign up and I'll work with you if I
   can to get you up to the trading limit required to get the
   sign up bonus. I've been trying to invest something a couple
   of times a month so it can be an opportunity to get a one on
   one walk through of the process and experience of buying,
   owning, sending and receiving Bitcoin.

5. Sign up for a Hive account.* Hive has a lot of exciting
   things to explore, and I will rant on and on about it, but I
   recommend it now specifically for people who don't have money
   to invest.
   Hive, despite being it's own thing, is something of microcosm
   of the blockchain space as a whole. There are expensive
   projects to invest in here, to be sure, but one can come into
   it with as little as $5-$10 and invest in several
   projects/coins/tokens, and really get a feel for how the
   system works without fear of loss.
   *As promised, DISCLAIMER: I'm invested in Hive. I
   own/hold/use the currency, and I invest in several projects
   that run on top of it. I'll be going into more detail about
   them in later posts. Having said that, you can sign up for a
   free "Lite" account at https://leofinance.io/ by clicking "Get
   Started" and choosing the "Sign up with Twitter" option.

I've gone on long enough. I think you all get the point. In closing, I'll leave you with this...

Do your own research.
Ask questions.
Participate in discussions.
Learn, Grow, Profit.

I hope to see you around!

Greg

P.S. I almost forgot!! I'm giving away DOGE! A fellow Hivian, Jarvie, generously gave out some Doge to test a new tipping service that was recently implemented and I have some of it. In the spirit of sharing, community, and outreach, I'm giving a portion of it to all newcomers, as long as supplies last! I'd give it all, but I've already tipped some of it out, but you guys can have the rest!

In order to qualify, simply post a link to your "Introduction Post". I'll verify it's a new account and send you 2 Doge. I encourage you to use one to test the tip system, but it isn't required.