Welcome to the Journey: Own Your Digital Identity An introduction to Web3 domains and why now is the time to claim your place in the decentralized future What if you could own your digital identity? Two years ago, Web3, decentralization, blockchain, dApps, DeFi—these terms seemed complicated, alien even. Now they're friendly, familiar keys to a future where I have control over my life. I no longer worry about sitting helplessly on corporate and government databases with zero control over what happens to my data. That realization? That was my "aha" moment. Web3 is the great equalizer, and I'm on a mission to learn everything about how it will positively impact my life—and yours. We are the pioneers, and our domain names will be our gateways to the blockchain world—the Metaverse, new services, and apps we can barely imagine yet. The 1990s Called—They Want Their Opportunity Back Imagine how you'd feel now if you'd secured the best .com domains in the 90s. Well, today is the 90s equivalent in Web3. Right now, you can register the best domain names for personal use, business, or investment. Web3 names are at their cheapest today—forward thinkers can lock in those perfect names now. The difference? This transformation is happening at lightning speed compared to the Web2 era. How Do You Get Started? Before anything else, sit down with a beverage of your choice and consider what your perfect Web3 name will look like. A name for your personal life, and another for business maybe. These names will serve as your email address, website address, wallet address, and social media handle—your verifiable digital identity. Take the time and choose a name you'll be proud to carry with you on your Web3 journey. Let me show you what I mean with a real example. Meet Douglas: A Web3 Pioneer in the Skies Douglas B is learning to fly, and his ambition is to become a fighter pilot. He chose douglas.aviator as his Web3 domain. This single name will serve him throughout his entire flying career—from student to professional pilot. Here's what Douglas can do with douglas.aviator: He pays for flight training using cryptocurrency sent directly to his domain (no complex wallet addresses to remember). Each achievement certificate—solo flight, instrument rating, commercial license—becomes an NFT minted to his blockchain domain. These NFTs are immutable, verifiable proof he earned those credentials. No one can fake them. No organization can revoke them. They're his, forever. Douglas uses his Web3 domain to log into decentralized apps (dApps)—blockchain-based applications that aren't controlled by a single company. His digital identity travels with him across platforms, with his credentials and reputation attached. The possibilities for Douglas—and for you—are limitless. What About Your Existing Domains? You might be wondering: what about traditional domains like .com and .org? Are they now dinosaurs with no access to Web3 features? Not at all. Recent blockchain-mirroring technology means your existing traditional domains can be tokenized and brought on-chain, giving you the same versatile Web3 functionality. Your .com can become a crypto wallet address. Your .org gains blockchain superpowers. Best of both worlds. Take Your First Step Now is a great time to explore these possibilities. I recommend checking out two trailblazers in this space: Freename and Unstoppable Domains —both have excellent resources to help you understand the technology. And of course, you're invited to visit Domain Terrier anytime. Browse the TLDs, explore what's possible, and who knows—you might register that perfect domain name before the day is out. We are the pioneers. — The Terrier