by Jacek Korneluk

It all started when I joined a few projects on Discord. That is when I first came across the magic term “Original Gangster” (OG).

The rest is a short story, hopefully an interesting one.

Have a good read.

Discord was nothing I had not tried before. I was on it many years earlier, but the idea of using it to be part of Web3 community, have something to say about the project, and even make a significant impact, was completely new to me.

Discord was no longer Gamers only platform, it was also Web3 and blockchain enthusiasts’ tool, and a paradise.

So, I felt in love with Discord, joining multiple Web3 dedicated servers.

Very soon after, I created my own server for Spektrumlab, and I felt fully in! But still, no OG.

The title was surprisingly awesome. I was very proud of it, and I am still mentioning this honour on many occasions.

It mobilises me to be more active on community forums, or attend in-person events, and proves that I am a fully recognised part of something big and existing.

Big even it is still emerging, not commonly noticed, or totally accepted.

It may have all up and downs periods in the digital ecosystem circle. Who said that being an almost gangster is easy?

But, at the end of the day, what is wrong with being the promoted and accepted almost gangster?

Just work hard to handle your duties and enjoy your privileges!

Not everyone gets to be an OG. It is not just a label or a meaningless term.

It is a huge mark of respect, a sign that you were there before everyone else caught on. It means you did not just follow the hype. Instead, you saw the potential very early (sometimes at the seed stage) and became part of something before it blew up or went full throttle.

So, how did I go from being an outsider to holding the OG role (three times) in different emerging technology projects?

Let me clarify it a bit more for you.

It started with a one tweet I noticed. Someone was talking about an NFT project, and people in the comments were talking about having the Original Gangster role in the project’s Discord.

They made it sound like an exclusive VIP club, like they had access to something the rest of us did not. That got my attention immediately.

I clicked the Discord link and joined. At first, I had a very blurred understanding of what was going on. The chat was moving incredibly fast. People were talking in a mix of slang, using native jargon and technical terms as well.

Moderators (mods) were dropping hints about OG spots still being open. It felt like walking into a secret meeting where everyone already knew each other except me.

But I did not leave. I stuck around, observed, and slowly started getting involved. Step by step, little by little, but in a consistent and persistent way. That is the way I like it!

It pays back as it usually does. It is also one of my secret tactics and proven strategies when learning and dealing with emerging technologies.

I strongly recommend it to you, Dear Reader! Your choice, you can take it or leave it!

Initially, I used to think OGs were just the first people to join a community. But I quickly realised that being OG is not just about being early. It is also about being valuable.

Here’s what I learned:

You have to engage – If you are just sitting there reading messages, no one notices you. OGs actually contribute by answering questions, sharing ideas, welcoming new people, and “breaking so-called ice”, especially at the beginning of the project server. I have noticed that I am quite good with it, so I gave it a go and broke as much ice as was possible on many occasions.

It is about trust – People respect OGs because they helped shape the community, not just because they joined first. Trust is an incredibly important parameter, applying to real life and also encoded on blockchain.

You need to be consistent – Some people run for OG and then disappear. That is not how real OGs move. You have to stick around and constantly show your presence.

Also, be interactive, ready to help if such help is needed.

Help “newbies” (nobs), and sometimes even devs! You never know who may need your advice or help. That is the secret beauty of being a proper OG.

Once I understood that, I started putting in real effort. And that is when things started to significantly change for me.

I have a vivid memory of the first time I got the almost gangster (OG) role. I was not expecting it. I had been active in a couple of NFT projects, one streaming project, and a local Web3 initiative named WaWeb3.

As always, I was asking a lot of questions, apparently good questions, as they said.

By doing that, I was helping new members to feel more comfortable and also giving feedback on early concepts to bosses and devs as well.

One day, a moderator of an early-stage streaming project (I will not mention the project name because it went later to almost nothing) messaged me: “We appreciate your contributions, do you want OG?”

As you can guess, I said Yes, and I acquired my first Almost Gangster status. Lucky day for me, you may say.

From there, I started applying the same approach in other projects.

Some communities gave OG roles based on how much you engaged, some had invite-based OG programs, and others rewarded people who participated in early tests or events and gave useful feedback.

It was not always easy-peasy for me. Some projects had insane competition for OG spots, and I missed out plenty of times. But when I got in, it always felt worth it.

Soon after the streaming OG, I was recognised by NFT Staxx project, and what most important, I was one of the first OGs at WAWEB3.

I am particularly proud of that one, as it started locally in Perth, Western Australia (where I am based), and it is now getting internationally (globally as some like to say).

I am still supporting all WAWEB3 initiatives if only invited, and as much as I can.

So, what does being an OG actually get you?

Early access – You usually get first dibs on minting NFTs, testing products, or accessing exclusive channels or events. I received beautifully crafted and historically valuable NFTs from STAXX invaders. I also acquired the precious WAWEB3 – Swanessa.

A collection of 5 Swanessas allowed me to access many discounted events or even granted free access to the big one! Also, my name was mentioned publicly as an OG during a significant Web3 and Blockchain conference.

Better opportunities – Being Almost Gangster (OG) can mean direct access to project founders, developers, and other high-level people. VIPs included.

Recognition – Many people actually listen to what you say in the community. You are making a real impact and contribution to change. Even without knowing that.

Almost Gangsters have a responsibility too. If you are one of them in a community, people expect you to help guide new members, answer questions, and not abuse your status.

Some people try to flip those roles for profit, or shill something. Nevertheless, the majority of real OGs, with good spirits and characters, help the community grow and even prosper.

Helping others to survive in faith and grow is what the real Almost Gangsters do!

And this is what makes OGs stronger, delivering mutual benefits for You and me!

Of course, not every Almost Gangster is so good and legit. Some projects hand out OG roles to anyone who asks. Others sell it, making it meaningless. Unfortunate but true. Life is not always perfect, so it is not surprising that some OGs are too.

And then there are scammers who pretend to be OGs just to take advantage of newcomers. They often “shilling”, for me, it is a disgusting word. I mean, get paid to promote other projects, or their personal agendas for personal profit only.

I have seen Discord servers where fake leaders hyped up rug pulls (scam projects) and convinced people to invest, only for the project to disappear overnight. This is why real almost gangsters matter.

Real OGs help people navigate safely through these spaces and avoid getting scammed.

As I mentioned earlier, if you want to get into such a role in a new project, it is not so complicated, but it does take effort. This is what worked for me:

Join early – The best OG opportunities happen before a project gets big. Find projects when they are still small. Best in the early stages.

Get involved – Do not just seat in the Discord watching. Talk, ask questions, and offer value. Show them you are active and exist.

Find your way to contribute – Maybe you are good at writing, making memes, or helping new members. Projects notice people who add value.

Stay consistent – Some people push through for OG, initially strive, and then vanish. That is not how you build real credibility.

There are often new opportunities in AI, blockchain, gaming, and decentralised social networks. The people who are paying attention now may be the next OGs, I can say.

The OG culture in Web3 and emerging technologies is not going away in my honest opinion (IMHO).

But the way people earn it is changing.

With AI, DAOs, and decentralised communities growing, OGs will still play a big and important role, but projects might start rewarding skills and contributions more than just being early.

One thing is for sure. The new projects are launching all the time, and the next big thing is probably being built right now.

The next OGs are the people who are getting involved today.

So, are you going to just watch from the sidelines, or are you going to be one of us?

The Almost Gangster, I mean.

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