This is an opinion editorial by Justin Ragland, co-organizer of Rocket City Bitcoin.
It all started with the bitcoin crash of 2017. My initial thought was, “What the hell did I get myself into?”
All the money I put into bitcoin the previous year had dropped by 80%. I was slowly watching my exit strategy and newfound wealth dwindle before my eyes. What I thought was one of the most significant investments I ever made turned into one of my worst nightmares in the blink of an eye. After days of disbelief, I began a journey to figure out what this bitcoin thing was and how I could make the most out of what the crash left me.
I’m originally from Rocket City (aka Huntsville, Alabama) — where the main risks are related to whether or not you’re an Alabama or Auburn fan and gauging who to disclose that information to — but here I was faced with the most challenging question all new Bitcoiners are faced with: Do I sell now? I know the people reading this are probably screaming, “Hell no!” but back in 2017, it looked like a no-brainer. This is partly why I’m passionate about teaching Bitcoin newbies because I’ve been there before. Being a newbie myself, I researched and purchased almost everything with bitcoin just so I could learn.
I read “The Internet Of Money” by Andreas M. Antonopoulos, watched tons of YouTube videos and listened to the “Tales From The Crypt” podcast, among other things my wife still hasn’t forgiven me for. However, reading “The Bitcoin Standard” by Saifedean Ammous was when I was fully orange-pilled. My fascination and discovery turned into full-on Bitcoin evangelism to family, friends, strangers at the grocery store and anybody who would listen. Surprisingly, nearly everyone I spoke with listened and they’re still thanking me for introducing them to the hardest money ever.
I was dubbed the “bitcoin guy” in my family and circle of influence. Fast forward to the 2020 bull run. I was bombarded with phone calls, texts and DMs…
