Open Letter to Crypto Skeptics
Building Bridges to the Future with Facts, Not Fear
In a world rapidly embracing digital innovation, cryptocurrency has emerged as a polarizing topic. It’s a realm filled with as much potential as it is with apprehension. Recently, I encountered a reflection of this divide in a professional interaction that served as a profound reminder of the need for open, informed dialogue.
A financial education empowerment guest scheduled for my show, decided to cancel their appearance just hours before recording, citing their discomfort with cryptocurrency (I don’t do crypto), and reluctance to expose their audience to a topic they didn't fully embrace. Their decision, rooted in caution and a protective instinct for their audience—albeit abrupt, resonates with a broader sentiment shared by many. It’s a sentiment I once intimately understood.
I was once a skeptic too. In 2017, when a friend started talking about this magic digital money and the underlying software-based means of organizing, democratizing and securing data, I viewed the digital currency world through a lens tinted with extreme doubt and suspicion. I am a lawyer trained in the art of issue spotting and risk mitigation. So, mine was a long journey from skepticism, curiosity, to understanding that led me to where I am today - a proponent, educator, and advocate for the potential of digital finance.
The guest’s decision to step back from our planned discussion opened an opportunity for reflection and education, not just for them but for the broader community navigating these uncertain waters.
In my response to the guest, I aimed to bridge the gap between hesitation and understanding. It was an attempt to gently invite them, and by extension others who share their reservations, into a space of learning and open discussion—truly a lost art in this age of extreme division, discontent and distrust.
My goal was not to convert, but to converse; to replace fear with knowledge, and apprehension with informed curiosity.
This open letter is more than just a response to a canceled interview. It’s a call for dialogue in an area of emerging technology that, despite its complexities and challenges, holds significant potential.
It’s an acknowledgment that skepticism can be a starting point for learning, and cautious curiosity can lead to empowered understanding. In sharing this, I hope to extend an invitation to all well-meaning skeptics to explore the world of cryptocurrency, not as blind proponents, but as informed, critical thinkers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This is an open letter to you.
Dear Skeptic,
Thank you for your candid message, and I completely respect your decision to cancel our interview. It’s important to feel fully informed and comfortable when collaborating with others on platforms that don't, at first glance, align with your values (topics like cryptocurrency), especially when guiding an audience that trusts and values your opinion.
I appreciate your willingness to continue consuming my content and your openness to learning more about this evolving topic. In this spirit, I’d like to offer you a copy of my book, “Digital Money Demystified.” It includes forewords by Arlan Hamilton (Backstage Capital and author of Your First Million), and nationally renowned money coach expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox (author of Bounce Back: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience), both of whom bring unique and valuable perspectives to the subject and share their own crypto-skeptic journey.
I believe that your concerns and hesitations about crypto are shared by many, including those in your audience. Engaging in a conversation about these misgivings could be incredibly beneficial, as it reflects a journey many are on or contemplating. The crypto space, much like any other financial domain, benefits greatly from diverse voices and perspectives, especially those that advocate for caution and critical engagement.
Remember, your skepticism and protective stance towards your audience’s future in finance is not only valid but necessary. It’s these very concerns that drive meaningful and educational discussions. As you rightly pointed out, people often fear what they don’t understand, and your voice could play a crucial role in demystifying these fears.
While the topic of crypto is indeed here to stay, the narrative around it continues to evolve. Your insights as someone initially hesitant yet open to learning more could be incredibly powerful for listeners navigating similar feelings.
If in the future you feel more comfortable discussing these topics, or if you wish to use my platform to voice your concerns and questions about digital finance, my door is always open. I believe that your participation could add immense value to the conversation, helping to guide others who might share your reservations.
In the meantime, I’m here as a resource for any questions or discussions you might have. Let’s stay in touch, and I hope we can collaborate in some capacity down the road.”
Let’s continue to build bridges out of facts, not fear. And let that conversation begin with us. Share your thoughts in the comments.
Dr. Tonya M. Evans, author of Digital Money Demystified, is a tenured full professor at Penn State Dickinson Law with a co-hire appointment at the Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences. She also serves on the Digital Currency Group board of directors. She writes, speaks, consults and teaches on a range of topics involving intellectual property and new technologies. For more information, visit ProfTonyaEvans.com and AdvantageEvans.com.