How to get involved?

[carejuice]

Hello, I'm new to the world of cryptocurrency, and I found this community by researching what blockchain was. I am not a tech person, I don't know much about the technical side of computers or languages. I have very basic skills in those areas. I'm more savvy than a lot of people, but I cannot keep up with real professionals in the field. I am very interested in the subject, but am a bit lost as to what I can do to get involved.

I do not have the money to build a mining rig. From what I understand, it's extremely pricey to build anything worth using. I thought about just using USD to buy into a coin, but felt that would be a stupid thing to do, as there are so many different alt coins.

I'm most interested in the trading aspect, and the markets for cryptocurrency. I'd like to learn more about trading through the use of cryptocurrency, and help get my thumbprint placed on this new wave.

I was curious if anyone had any suggestions on where I should start?

[Velkro]

I'm most interested in the trading aspect,

I was curious if anyone had any suggestions on where I should start?

Welcome!
If you are interested mostly in trading start from there. Here on forum there are trading sections that you can learn/discuss trade related topics.
Then you will see if this is what u wanted or you want to jump to more tech side of Bitcoin.
Do what you like most

[leowonderful]

To be more specific, there's plenty of discussion regarding trading in the Trading Discussion section (click for link) and discussion about BTC's future pricing in the Speculation section (click for link).

As for getting coins, buying via USD or fiat is usually a low-fee option to get coins as long as you're transacting with a payment method like a bank wire. A relatively fast exchange you can use to buy BTC with is Gemini (click for link), though there are many, many others out there like Coinbase and Bitstamp. You'll need to complete KYC with most exchanges, though, which usually involves you taking a selfie with an ID in hand.

Alternatively, if you don't want to submit KYC, a P2P exchange like Paxful works fine as well. Not all listings there require KYC (varies by vendor), though you'll usually pay slightly higher fees for vendors that don't require KYC.

[harizen]

Hello, I'm new to the world of cryptocurrency, and I found this community by researching what blockchain was. I am not a tech person, I don't know much about the ~snipped~

Being a tech-savvy isn't a pre-requisite to get involved in crypto. No need to be a technical person too at the start. You will understand slowly how to became a part of crypto environment once you progress. Just relax.

For now, just read and read and read.

Since you are new to this forum, take a time reading first this general information about the forum including do's and don'ts:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=703657.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1689727.0

And a pit-stop thread of some information how to earn bitcoins:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1629118.0

Anyways, you don't need to literally memorizes the whole thing. Like I said, just relax yourself. If you are not comfortable with some of the sample links I have given, you can explore the world wide web by hitting your favorite search engine. Just asked what's on your mind (like TRADING since you want to learn it) and start exploring answers.

[joniboini]

Apart from reading & discussing in trading threads, there are plenty of trading guides that are available on the internet in the form of book, video, or article. A site like Babypips, Investopedia and so on is a good choice to begin your trading journey. After you read some of the guides, practice it by trading on some exchanges.

Any trading book, even though it discussed classical trading on stocks, can be applied to cryptocurrency. The differences between crypto and other assets are its speed & volatility, but the basic, like the chart, volume and so on is the same. Happy learning.

[Lakai01]

Welcome to the forum! Trading sounds very lucrative ("I just have to sell higher than I bought" - the younger me) but its a very tough business. There are plenty of guides in the forum stressing out how important it is to control your emotions during trades, if you have this skill akready you dont need any technical skills to be successful.

[mk4]

It looks like you're still very early on your "crypto journey" *cringe*

Before actually investing in the space, I'd actually suggest that you do A LOT of reading first; and then invest when you think you know enough about bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general, and are confident on how to secure your funds. I really wouldn't suggest against buying early on though, just make sure you just buy very small amounts, just so you could play with some BTC while trying out some wallets.

I suggest reading this article compilation: https://coindesk.com/information

[Sharon121212]

Deducing some advice for you from the post you just made
Try and consider these
*try enroll into a computer literacy train you not being at least OK with technology is bad. Try and gain some fundamental knowledge
*not necessary that you must be a miner. Mining requires knowledge and equipment I think you can keep that aside for now.
*read and search the web. There are articles, book and instructional videos concerning blockchain and cryptocurrency at large try to get engaged with them

[1miau]

Reading to gain more knowledge would also be my first choice, there are very good guides everywhere on the internet, especially for the first steps, how to store your coins safely (security), typical beginner mistakes and of course how to spot scams and don't fall for them.

If you feel comfortable that your knowledge is good enough you can start. If you're not sure somewhere if you are doing a mistake you can always ask here or have a look at the great guides on Bitcointalk, here is a list: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4928968.0

And if you are afraid to invest real money you can offer a service here, like Translations, (BBCode) design or sell goods (but be careful, don't fall for scammers): https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?board=5.0

[carejuice]

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your response!

I plan to do as much research as possible before actually jumping in. I might not know a lot about the subject, but I know how to ~not~ be stupid. I don't really have the kind of money to be stupid with anyway lol. Everything I do in the crypto world will be thought out, and executed with caution.

I think a good place for me to start would be with Alt Coins, instead of going right after BTC. I read something about the USDT coin? Is it possible to spend , say, $50 USD on the USDT coin and then start using it on exchanges to trade into crypto to play with? I guess my biggest issue is actually finding out how to obtain a starting amount of crypto to work with.

The hardware wallet is a very good idea, I will most definitely be purchasing one when I work with higher volume.

I will be reading up on the coindesk article, and then the guides thread here on bitcointalk.

Again, thank you guys very much.

[Becky666]

I think a good place for me to start would be with Alt Coins, instead of going right after BTC. I read something about the USDT coin?

Basically, you can start from altcoins or Bitcoin, it all depends on your choice and determination.
USDT coin can be a starting point but will advise that, instead of the USDT; try Ethereum.

Is it possible to spend , say, $50 USD on the USDT coin and then start using it on exchanges to trade into crypto to play with? I guess my biggest issue is actually finding out how to obtain a starting amount of crypto to work with.

Actually, i can see that your problem is, how to get started with a capital and your capital seem too small, will encourage you to increase the amount to; at least $80 and above, this will have a long way to go in getten you involve.

[mk4]

I think a good place for me to start would be with Alt Coins, instead of going right after BTC.

I'd really really suggest against that. With so much altcoins, and with you being new to the industry, there's a good chance that you'd end up with a scam/shitcoin. Start learning about bitcoin, as it simply is the best we have currently(and I don't see this changing any time soon), and it's pretty much a lot more simple to understand compared to most altcoins at least. Gambling with altcoins is probably one of the worst thing you can do early on.

[Crypto Girl]

I think a good place for me to start would be with Alt Coins, instead of going right after BTC.

I'd really really suggest against that. With so much altcoins, and with you being new to the industry, there's a good chance that you'd end up with a scam/shitcoin. Start learning about bitcoin, as it simply is the best we have currently(and I don't see this changing any time soon), and it's pretty much a lot more simple to understand compared to most altcoins at least. Gambling with altcoins is probably one of the worst thing you can do early on.

I second that, investing in altcoin is definitely unsafe especially you don't have decent or at least enough knowledge, yes some altcoins are lucrative especially when you hear its community but don't fall for that. At least go with btc and try holding it for a month or a week, all depends on the market perhaps it's all up to you how you play with it. A little yet sure profit will do for now otherwise I suggest don't jump in a cliff.

[Lucius]

~snip~

You've been well aware that mining is not for you, because the equipment is too expensive and you should have a pretty cheap cost of electricity to get some profit at the end. Also this is not something you can do with basic skills, a bit more knowledge and expertise is needed.

As for trading, it's not something you can just jump and start making money. It takes time to master some basic skills, and it will take even more time before you become a skilled trader. It is also important to emphasize that all people are not talented for all jobs, so you will see after some time how much it makes sense to deal with it.

I also advise you to be very careful in what coin / token you will invest your money. I suggest you to not look for some exotic ones who promise big profits in short times, but try to focus more on already proven projects which have practical applications and community support.

[r1s2g3]

Look like you got lot of good advice and you look very eager to jump in this crypto space.

Not to intimidate you but just to warn you that there is lot of scammers in cryto space and lot of them never get traced. Below topic will be a good read for you before you start dealing in cryptos.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5125435

[Indamuck]

Welcome to the forum! Trading sounds very lucrative ("I just have to sell higher than I bought" - the younger me) but its a very tough business. There are plenty of guides in the forum stressing out how important it is to control your emotions during trades, if you have this skill akready you dont need any technical skills to be successful.

I was one of those people at the start that thought it was going to be easy money. I was sorely mistaken, most traders end up failing while the exchanges are the only ones that pull in consistent profits.  Remember that every time you sell someone else is buying, so your gain might be someones loss.

[Kavelj22]

If you feel comfortable that your knowledge is good enough you can start. If you're not sure somewhere if you are doing a mistake you can always ask here or have a look at the great guides on Bitcointalk, here is a list: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4928968.0

For a starter, admitting the perspective that this is not a friendly-use forum, i think it's basic to know as much information as possible about the forum [from general to specific] and its functionalities. This should take enough time before deciding what can be done and what not.
The thread above is one of the best forum-guide from where to start, and also this awsome guidline:  Unofficial list of (official) Bitcointalk.org rules, guidelines, FAQ This is a must-read thread for everybody, where you can find a full explanation of:
-Forum rules
-Examples/Explanations of rules
-Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
-Guidelines for threads

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