index.qmd

# Welcome {.unnumbered}

This Almanack represents an attempt to document cryptocurrency and Web3 knowledge without the conflicts of interest that plague our industry. Just as Henry Varnum Poor created his Manual of Railroads to bring transparency to America's railroad boom, this Almanack aims to bring clarity to the cryptocurrency industry.

## Why This Almanack Exists

The cryptocurrency industry suffers from a unique problem: those with the deepest knowledge often have the strongest financial incentives to mislead others. Protocol developers promote their own chains, influencers pump their own holdings, and "researchers" serve those who pay them. Meanwhile, crucial information remains locked behind paywalls and exclusive groups.

This Almanack breaks that pattern by providing:

- Comprehensive knowledge from basic concepts to advanced strategies
- Independent analysis free from token-holder influence
- Technical depth that doesn't sacrifice accessibility
- Practical guidance for both users and developers

## How to Use This Almanack

Whether you're seeking financial sovereignty or building the future, this Almanack offers multiple paths:

**For Those Seeking Independence**  
Start with ["Regular Person's Path to Independence"](./content/independence/independence.qmd) to understand how to safely participate in the cryptocurrency ecosystem without falling prey to scams or losing your funds.

**For Technical Minds**  
The ["Technologist's Path"](./content/technical/overview.qmd) provides deep dives into cryptography, blockchain architecture, and protocol design patterns. Consider starting with ["Web3 Terminology"](./content/intro/terms.qmd) to establish a common vocabulary.

**For Market Participants**  
The ["Digital Assets"](./content/financial/tokens.qmd) section offers frameworks for analyzing digital assets, understanding market structures, and evaluating protocols.

## Living Document

This Almanack is version controlled through Git and continuously updated by community contributions. Every technical claim is justified, every strategy explained, and every risk clearly stated. You're reading an early draft, dated December 2024.

## Contributing

Knowledge critical to digital independence should be freely accessible. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0, ensuring it remains open while preventing commercial exploitation. Learn more in our ["Contributing"](./contributing.qmd) section.

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Begin your journey with the topics listed in the navigation menu, or proceed systematically through each section. Welcome to your guide to digital independence.