Why should blockchain projects invest in writers? Paschal Keogh explains more

We met up with Dublin based blockchain and emerging technology writer Paschal Keogh to ask about his background, his hopes for blockchain adoption and where the future lies for disruptive technologies.

Tell us about your background briefly?

I have been working for NGO’s both here in Dublin and the UK for most of my working life, advising people about their rights and entitlements, representing them at tribunals. It is very glamorous work! To be honest, I’ve always enjoyed trying to help people. I am a good problem solver, except when it comes to my own problems, where I am beyond hope.

Is it a logical background for what you do now?

It is distinctly illogical! I’ve always had an interest in writing, although I never would have thought that I would find myself writing about technology. I approach my work as a writer, rather than as a techie, and not having deep knowledge about the nuts and bolts of the technology actually helps me in getting complex messages across to readers. I try to pitch my writing at people like me – those with an interest in technology but without a degree in computer programming. Ultimately, all writing is telling stories to some extent, and that’s what I aim to do.

Why is there so much written about blockchain?

That’s a good question. The overwhelming majority of written material out there is about cryptocurrencies, which is understandable. Cryptos are definitely more sexy than, say, global supply chains. But there is some excellent work being done in the blockchain space around the world that has nothing to do with the price of Bitcoin. Brilliant projects, particularly in the developing world, are utilising the potential of the technology to bring about real change in areas such as land registration, voting and energy efficiency.

In the developed world, we tend to focus on financial services, where blockchain may ultimately have the most meaningful impact. But for people who cannot trust their governments or lack a transparent method of holding data, blockchain adoption will have radical implications. Then there are the world’s unbanked and those suffering in the midst of national financial calamities. Right now, people in Venezuela are turning to Bitcoin because they have seen their domestic currency spiral out of control. The wider potential for Bitcoin to be the world’s reserve currency is a tantalising one, and then there is the intrigue that surrounds its creation. I can understand why people get hooked.

What trends will we see in 2019?

We are already seeing wider blockchain adoption in financial services, and large corporations are flooding into the space. It’s maybe too early to call a bull market, but Bitcoin growth this year- if it happens-will be steadier and less dramatic than in the past. Regulators have been slow to grapple with cryptocurrencies, but I expect we will see greater clarity this year. My interests draw me toward projects like Bitlumens and Bitland, to name but two, that can make real differences to people’s lives. I try to avoid the Crypto Twitter soap operas, and I hope that the next bull market is less overhyped than it was in 2017. Steady growth in the value of Bitcoin, rather than massive gains, will draw the big guns into investing. Bitcoin will always have the edge on competitors just by virtue of being the first, and also the least sullied by human hands. I’m confident also that we will start to see some decentralised applications that are actually useful at some point.

What would you say to new investors interested in buying cryptocurrencies?

I would say, don’t listen to me! But having said that, I would advise that they stick to coins in the top 50 on CoinMarketCap. They should find out about the projects and teams, do the dreaded due diligence. There are thousands of cryptocurrencies out there that serve no purpose whatsoever. Beware of projects that say they are going to change the world. There is a mountain of hyperbole about cryptos and their supporters behave like football hooligans. Shocking as it might sound, not everything is improved by sticking it on the blockchain and throwing a few tokens around. Ask yourself, “what purpose does this coin serve?”, and when you have decided it serves no purpose forget it. Don’t check how much it is worth a few months later, because it will probably have risen by 1000%!

Why should blockchain projects invest in writers?

From my experience, technically minded people aren’t often great at explaining the value of their products. Poorly written websites and blog posts create a very negative impression. Investors want to hear a friendly, informed voice when they read about projects and a writer can bring their creative approaches to make your platform stand out. It’s important to build a personal relationship with investors and that is achieved through high quality written content.

Where can people find out more about you?

Come and say hello on LinkedIn. You can read my articles for Blockleaders, where I interviewed some interesting blockchain people.  I am also on Twitter

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