The Crypto Communications Collective Learning Series focuses on timely topics in web3 & crypto PR and communications to support our members and set them up for success in their daily work. Each invite-only session hosts an expert (usually media) for an insightful and transparent discussion guided by perceptive questions from CCC members.

‘Why do opinions matter?’ with Molly Jane Zuckerman was held in December 2023.

Disclaimer

Based on the discussion with Molly Jane Zuckerman, the below monologue was generated. This monologue was based on notes collected during the conversation and is intended for educational use only.

CCC and Molly Jane Zuckerman assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content. The information contained in the article is provided with no legally binding guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness at the reader’s time of viewing.

This article is intended solely to promote the general understanding of the communications industry and the relationship between communications professionals.

“Picture this: I kickstarted my journey as your typical academic soul, yearning for opportunities. Then out of the blue, a pal from Cointelegraph in Russia throws me a curveball – copy editor, writer, journalist – why not? Bitcoin decides to skyrocket to 20K that day, and Cointelegraph realizes they need more English-speaking voices. Suddenly I unintentionally found myself a part of the crypto storyline.

My debut in the crypto journalism arena was a wild ride – scribbling about KFC in Canada embracing Bitcoin for chicken buckets. Little did I know this was my springboard from writing to journalism. I found myself globe-trotting from Russia to San Francisco for interviews, steering newsrooms, and essentially stumbling into gigs – I’ve never even had to apply for a job, the offers just kept comin’.

Wordsmithing consumes only 20% of my week, the rest is a dance of editing, parsing through inbound and outbound pitches, and orchestrating stories. My spidey senses? Oh, they're sharp. I can sense the pulse of a good pitch, even if it's just a one-liner or a draft.

I kickstart the morning by clearing my inbox – the number zero is soothing and aesthetic. Clicking through droves of pitches, I rely on my attuned sense of what makes a compelling opinion piece. Crypto isn’t exactly my thing, as some of you may have read in my column. I love to choreograph pieces that showcase both sides of any issue; it's not about polarization, it's about embracing diverse perspectives. Ultimately the goal is to create a headline that people can either wholly agree or disagree with.

Founders dipping toes into the op-ed pool? Don't bury the opinion under the company's laurels; let the voice of thought shine through. Keep it concise, skip the PR jargon, and let the opinions flow. For me, it's not about accolades; it's about the mismatch in conversation topics, a thought leader stepping out of their domain. You could have raised $1 and your opinion could still be interesting to me.

Blockworks only waltzes with submissions that remain exclusive in perpetuity. And even more importantly, if the byline and the actual author aren't kindred spirits, I might reject it without a word. Don't attempt to hoodwink me – my spidey senses are ever vigilant.

When we ponder the future of crypto media, I offer this sage insight: media, in general, is grappling with a crisis. But fear not, for even if journalism falters, content always prevails, a truth echoed in the realms of ghostwriting and opinion crafting.

So, dearest Crypto Comms Collective, thank you for having me. Let opinions reign and perspectives dance while the crypto narrative unfolds. Until the next chapter, stay curious and stay open.”

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