There are many methods to get involved in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Decentralized Applications. Exchanges, Wallets, Web3, Reward Applications, Vendor Services, and even some platforms that have their own token or coin.
The entry level is complicated on some parts while other parts give a solid explanation on how to proceed and begin participation. Starting from one point and branching out is, I think, easier than creating multiple wallets, accounts, holding a variety of keys that are long strings of numbers and letters that ultimately lead to a confusing mess on a spreadsheet or notebook.
Lets take for instance the Podcast 2.0 podcast application Fountain. Account creation is like any other platform with inputting an email and setting a password but the account created from there is able to earn the Satoshi currency for using the application. The account is a Crypto wallet and a solid first step into Decentralized currency. The wallet can only deposit and withdraw the Satoshi currency though and thus not feasible for other Cryptocurrencies or other Blockchains that don’t accept or recognize the Satoshi currency.
I’ve talked about the Hive Blockchain before and account creation also features a wallet but it only supports its native coin, Hive and whatever other tokens are under it in the Hive Blockchain. Creating an account on the Hive Blockchain ( Hive.Io ) is another foot in the door for Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Web3.
The Brave Browser is another option to get a wallet and be involved with Web3 options. The Brave Browser also allows access to other Web3/Crypto wallet Plugins that are on the browser and account creation for a wallet is fairly simple there.
Blockchain is a network that requires a connection point to transact and participate with and to act as a ‘signature’ on the network and the wallet is that connection point.
Exchanges are NOT wallets and are, as the name implies, a place to exchange Cryptocurrencies and more. They are a place to acquire Cryptocurrency but not to store. They are another entrance to get into Cryptocurrency but the account creation process is more indepth and requires more information than one might be comfortable giving.
Getting IN to Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Web3 has always seemed confusing with no real answer to the question ‘How do I get involved with Cryptocurrency’ but I hope this list (With links!) provide a solid answer to that question.
The better part about taking that first step into a Web3 / Blockchain space is that soon other options will show up and lead to more connection points to other Decentralized Applications, Platforms, Communities, and everything else associated with them.
Always take the time to research and understand what is being asked when creating a wallet or account. Please be aware and cautious when participating in this space. It is a new frontier with opportunities for both honest and dishonest types.
Stay Knowledgeable!