Some things I've learned after hodling bitcoin since early 2017
1. Never believe anyone's price predictions. 2. Don't "diversify" into other cryptos; none of them are actually decentralized, everything except bitcoin is a shitcoin (yes, really), and it's all gambling. The point of bitcoin is not gambling, but to end modern day slavery (fiat currency). 3. When everyone you know is talking about bitcoin, you're at the top of a bull market. You'll likely be too exuberant to realize it though. It will be obvious in hindsight. 4. Don't "trade some altcoins on the side to get more bitcoin". You are not that smart, and the overwhelming probability is that you will get wrecked. 5. DCA into bitcoin. Ignore your emotions. Don't try to time the market. Just stack what you can every paycheck. 6. Don't be too excited about bitcoin; people will feel like you're scamming them even though you're just trying help. 7. Go to meetups & conferences. Don't be isolated. Bitcoiners are generally very awesome people. 8. When people ask you about how to buy bitcoin, send them to a BITCOIN-ONLY company. Example for why: My cousin bought bitcoin (on Coinbase) during the bull market, then sold it for shiba on the same platform and now she pretty much lost everything. Bitcoin-only companies are the safest option to keep newbies from doing newbie things. 9. Be on #bitcoin twitter and nostr. Obviously if you're reading this, you're already here...but I didn't get on twitter until 2020 and can tell you that it's a lot less lonely hodling bitcoin when you see a bunch of other people on this platform experiencing the same things you are. 10. Be skeptical of influencers. Even me (I'm not a huge account, but still). Some are good, some are bad. Even if they have good intentions, their judgement can be clouded by bad incentives. 11. Stop trying to convince everyone you know that bitcoin will make everything better (even though it will). Instead, be a good resource for the people who eventually reach out to you about it. Be known as "the bitcoin guy" and let people come to you when they're ready. Have good content prepared for them to read/watch when they do. That is all. It's been a great ride so far and I'm happy to know you guys. #bitcoin #dyor #crypto2023
As privacy concerns rise across the crypto ecosystem, a new class of platforms is emerging built not around accounts and compliance, but around speed, anonymity, and user control. SwapCult is leading that shift. A Return to Crypto’s Original Vision Cryptocurrency was designed to be permissionless and borderless, a system where users could transact freely without relying on centralized authorities. Over time, however, much of the ecosystem has moved in the opposite direction: - mandatory identity verification - custodial platforms holding user funds - transaction monitoring and restrictions While these systems serve regulatory purposes, they have also created a growing demand for alternatives that bring crypto back to its roots. SwapCult represents that alternative a platform built around privacy-first infrastructure and instant execution, without compromising user autonomy. What Is SwapCult? SwapCult is an instant crypto swap platform and non-custodial exchanger that enables users to exchange digital assets directly from their wallets. There are: - no accounts - no sign-ups - no identity checks Just a simple, direct process that allows users to swap assets quickly and privately. The Core Principle: No KYC, No Exceptions Many platforms today offer limited anonymity, but often include hidden conditions such as verification triggers or transaction monitoring thresholds. SwapCult takes a fundamentally different approach: No KYC: not at signup, not during swaps, not under any condition. This means: - no interruptions during transactions - no identity exposure - no uncertainty about whether a swap will complete The result is a predictable and frictionless experience, designed for users who value privacy as a core feature, not an optional one. How It Works SwapCult follows a streamlined instant swap model: Select the asset you want to exchangeEnter your destination wallet addressSend funds to the generated swap addressReceive the swapped asset directly in your wallet Because the platform is non-custodial: - users always retain control of their funds - no balances are stored on the platform - there is no centralized point of failure Built Around the Most Important Assets SwapCult is optimized around the assets that matter most in today’s crypto ecosystem: Bitcoin (BTC) — the foundation of decentralized valueEthereum (ETH) — the core of smart contract ecosystemsMonero (XMR) — the benchmark for on-chain privacy These assets represent the three pillars of modern crypto: store of value, programmable finance, and financial privacy. In addition, the platform supports a wide range of other cryptocurrencies across multiple networks, enabling flexible cross-chain swaps without added complexity. Seamless Cross-Chain Swapping One of the biggest barriers in crypto remains moving assets across different blockchains. SwapCult simplifies this entirely. Instead of: - using bridges - managing multiple platforms - handling wrapped tokens Users can perform cross-chain swaps in a single flow. This makes it possible to move between ecosystems such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and privacy networks in minutes, without technical overhead. Designed for Speed and Simplicity Modern crypto users expect efficiency. SwapCult delivers: - fast execution times - minimal steps - optimized swap routing Transactions are typically completed within minutes, depending on network confirmations, allowing users to move assets quickly without delays or friction. A Better Approach to Privacy What sets SwapCult apart isn’t just the absence of KYC it’s the consistency of that promise. While many services offer privacy under certain conditions, SwapCult is designed to provide a more reliable and uninterrupted experience, even as the broader industry evolves. There are: - no hidden requirements - no sudden verification requests - no dependency on stored user data This creates a level of trust and predictability that is increasingly rare in the current landscape. Growing Demand for Anonymous Crypto Transactions As the crypto space matures, user priorities are shifting. More individuals are seeking: - self-custody over centralized storage - privacy over data exposure - simplicity over complex workflows This shift is reflected in the rapid growth of instant swap platforms and privacy-focused tools. SwapCult has already processed over $150M+ in swap volume, signaling strong demand for solutions that prioritize anonymity and control. The Bigger Picture The future of crypto isn’t just about new tokens or faster chains it’s about how users interact with value. Platforms that reduce friction while preserving core principles privacy, ownership, and accessibility are becoming increasingly important. SwapCult fits directly into that future. Final Thoughts SwapCult isn’t trying to replicate traditional exchanges. Instead, it offers something fundamentally different: A streamlined, privacy-first way to move between cryptocurrencies instantly, securely, and without compromise. For users who believe crypto should remain permissionless and private, platforms like SwapCult are not just useful they’re essential. About SwapCult SwapCult is an instant crypto swap platform and non-custodial exchanger that enables anonymous cryptocurrency swaps without accounts or KYC verification. With support for major blockchain networks and more than $150M+ in total swap volume, SwapCult is emerging as a trusted solution for fast, private, and cross-chain crypto transactions. 🌐 https://swapcult.com
Ethereum leverage surges to 75% on Binance; Here’s what it means
Leveraged positions in Ethereum (ETH) on Binance have climbed to a new all-time high, with more than 75% of positions now using leverage. As of March 20, data from CryptoQuant shows that Binance’s Estimated Leverage Ratio (ELR), which measures the ratio between open interest and exchange-held reserves, has reached elevated levels. In practical terms, this means that for every 1 ETH held on the exchange, traders have built positions equivalent to roughly 3 ETH through leverage. With a large share of exposure now concentrated in derivatives rather than spot holdings, price action becomes increasingly sensitive to changes in positioning, funding, and liquidation flows rather than underlying demand. ETH estimated leverage ratio on Binance. Source: CryptoQuant ETH leverage-driven structure raises volatility risk The increase in leveraged positioning suggests that Ethereum’s recent upside is being supported by derivatives flows. While this can sustain price expansion in the short term, it also introduces structural fragility. In highly leveraged environments, relatively small price moves can trigger cascading liquidations. If ETH fails to maintain upward momentum, long liquidations could accelerate downside, particularly given the imbalance between open interest and available spot liquidity on the exchange. Ethereum price gains on extreme leverage Ethereum has gained more than 9% in March, trading at approximately $2,146 at the time of writing. The move aligns with rising leverage on Binance, which remains the dominant venue for derivatives trading. However, broader participation appears to be weakening. Ethereum’s 24-hour trading volume across all exchanges has declined by 16.6% to around $22.12 billion, as per data from CoinMarketCap. ETH price performance 30D. Source: Finbold The divergence between rising price and declining volume reinforces the view that the current move is being driven by leveraged positioning rather than sustained spot demand. Under these conditions, price stability becomes increasingly dependent on the continuation of leveraged flows. #ETH $ETH