How do you research blockchain and cryptocurrency projects?

1 Understand the basics

Before you dive into researching specific projects, you need to have a solid understanding of the basic concepts and principles of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables secure, transparent, and decentralized transactions and data storage. Cryptocurrency is a digital asset that uses cryptography to verify and control its creation and transfer. There are different types of blockchain and cryptocurrency, such as public, private, hybrid, permissionless, permissioned, proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, tokens, and more. You should familiarize yourself with these terms and how they relate to each other and to the overall goals and vision of the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry.

2 Check the sources

One of the most important steps in researching blockchain and cryptocurrency projects is to verify the sources of information and data that you encounter. There are many websites, blogs, podcasts, social media accounts, forums, newsletters, whitepapers, and reports that claim to provide reliable and unbiased information and analysis on blockchain and cryptocurrency projects. However, some of these sources may be biased, outdated, inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading. You should always check the credibility, reputation, and transparency of the sources, and look for multiple and independent sources to cross-check and validate the information and data. You should also be wary of fake news, rumors, hype, scams, and propaganda that may try to manipulate or misinform you.

3 Evaluate the team

Another key factor in researching blockchain and cryptocurrency projects is to evaluate the team behind them. The team is the driving force of any project, and their skills, experience, vision, and values can make or break its success. You should look for the team's background, qualifications, achievements, and reputation in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry and beyond. You should also look for the team's involvement, communication, and feedback with the community, stakeholders, and partners. You should avoid projects that have anonymous, inexperienced, or untrustworthy team members, or that have frequent changes, conflicts, or scandals within the team.

4 Assess the value proposition

A value proposition is a statement that summarizes what a project offers, how it solves a problem or meets a need, and why it is better than the alternatives. A value proposition is essential for any blockchain and cryptocurrency project, as it demonstrates its purpose, relevance, and uniqueness in the market. You should assess the value proposition of a project by looking at its goals, features, benefits, and challenges. You should also look at its target market, customer segments, competitors, and differentiation. You should avoid projects that have vague, unrealistic, or unoriginal value propositions, or that do not address a clear problem or need.

6 Monitor the trends

The blockchain and cryptocurrency industry is constantly changing and evolving, and so are the projects within it. You should monitor the trends and developments that affect the industry and the projects, such as regulations, innovations, partnerships, adoption, and events. You should also monitor the market sentiment, demand, and supply of the projects, as well as their price, volume, liquidity, and volatility. You should avoid projects that are isolated, stagnant, or irrelevant in the industry, or that have low or negative growth potential.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?