POW with SH1KZ

SH1KZ is the founder of Dropout_xyz and one of the Penglabs NFT moderator.

  What were you doing before Web3?

I’m the founder of Dropouts a charity mint based NFT project here in the Philippines. Besides that, I also work as a moderator to a certain project here in Solana, a businessman and full time loving husband/father.

How did you get into Web3?

I was introduced to Axie Infinity, and from there I started my journey on Web 3. I researched Binance and every coin that might be available on that platform.

Since I can’t really understand the graph and what to do with it, I decided to stop. From there, I have found myself checking JPEGs.

Since P2E games were declining at the time, I believe it was a wise decision to shift to buying and selling arts through Solana Chain. ” Holy ” deserves a lot of credit for convincing me to take Web3 seriously.

What was your first crypto or NFT project?

I started way before 2021, and I can’t remember what my first NFT was, but all I remember is that it was a big “lose.” Haha Solana (SOL) was 120 dollars at the time.

It was difficult to begin previously due to a lack of training, ideas, and friends who could teach me what to do; I didn’t even know how to list or locate my NFTs in that wallet.

How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?

I’m not really explaining Web3 to IRL friends or family, because most of them are really old. Haha! But if someone asks me about it, I share something I know.

Web3 is the future. The technology keeps improving, and I know someday people will be more educated to use these things.

Since I’m into buying and selling JPEGs, the shortest way I can describe it is like bidding on the art of an artist in a showroom or gallery.

You can buy the art, and someday the price for that masterpiece will eventually go higher. It all depends on how important that project or artist was to his work or company.

Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?

Jet the founder of Nekozuma. He is a very smart guy. He has great passion towards of what he is doing and have a very big heart in helping others. Its very rare to find someone like him in this Web3 space.

What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?

I must say its Dropouts. From being a nobody in this Web3 journey to a project owner this 2023. I think this is the greatest gift I received this year. I have invested everything on it. Right now, this is basically my second family.

I do have so many plans for Dropouts for this year and the upcoming years to come. I think I am building awesome community who are enjoying oneselves to support the Dropout mission and vision.

And whats’ good about it, this passion of mine turns out I get to help children and public school teachers. My goal to provide a good library now becomes a reality.

What tech or crypto trend are you watching this year?

Since I was very focused on my project, I barely had time to see some other news. But I’m also working as a moderator for another project, and they’re expanding to Hedera Chain (HBAR).

The thing I love about them is their community. They seem like very kind and loving individuals. They don’t FUD a project easily.

What advice would you give someone starting out in Web3?

Gain more friends first than connections. Because connections can be easily lost at times, but true friends will stick around and help you grow.

Indulge yourself with knowledge and learning in this space. Find a good dojo, guild, or community that will make you comfortable.

Learn from them and be ready for mistakes. Because this will be your only weapon against this ecosystem.

Lastly, the important thing is to invest in what you can afford to lose.

If you could do a TEDtalk on any topic, what would it be?

Maybe how to start in Web3 and its pros and cons.

When I first started buying JPEGs, it was not very easy for me. Today, you will find a great dojo or community that will guide you for free.

They will teach you the fundamentals of buying and selling. But! Of course, it should be in Tagalog because I might panic. Haha, I’m not really good at teaching others.

What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted Island?

Toilet paper. Come on! Of course, you know what I mean. Do I really need a valid reason for this? Haha kidding aside.

Maybe water to keep me going until I find a good solution. I need to save that water that’s why I need the toilet paper. Haha

POW stands for “Proof of Work.” It is a new feature article series in The Mega Maxi to highlight the savviest builders in the Web3 space.