Web3: Building Bridges, Not Gates – The Real Path to Digital Liberation

The promise of Web3 has always been about creating an open and free internet, one that truly serves its users rather than corporate interests. Yet as we navigate this evolving landscape, a troubling pattern has emerged: companies wrapping themselves in the banner of Web3 while actively perpetuating the same closed systems they claim to oppose.

This disconnect between rhetoric and reality became particularly apparent through our experiences at Brego. When major players in the Web3 space consistently turn down partnership opportunities, it reveals a deeply ingrained contradiction. These rejections, while initially disappointing, have illuminated a crucial truth: the gatekeeping mentality that pervades much of the Web3 space fundamentally contradicts its founding principles of user-centricity, decentralization, and inclusivity.

The journey of Web3 has been marked by both promise and disappointment. What began as a revolutionary movement to democratize the internet has, in many cases, devolved into another exclusive club. The prevalence of cronyism and grift has tarnished legitimate initiatives, transforming what should have been a democratic digital revolution into yet another playground for technological elites.

However, amidst these challenges, genuine innovation is emerging. Platforms like Bluesky are demonstrating the true potential of Web3 protocols, offering a glimpse of what’s possible when technology aligns with its stated values. The impending realization that Bluesky is built on blockchain technology could mark a turning point for Web3’s public perception and adoption.

This wouldn’t be the first time we’ve witnessed significant shifts in the digital landscape. Take the xodus phenomenon – while it may not have unfolded exactly as predicted, it signaled a broader transformation in how users engage with digital platforms. Similarly, as more proof-of-concept projects like Bluesky succeed, they create a domino effect that forces even established players to adapt or risk obsolescence.

The challenge of cronyism runs deep, particularly in the technology and entertainment sectors. It’s not merely a surface-level problem but one that’s deeply embedded in these industries’ structures. This reality underscores the importance of building alternative systems and fostering genuine competition. Despite increasing regulatory and structural barriers, the fragmentation of traditional systems isn’t just desirable – it’s essential for meaningful progress.

Our firsthand experience meeting with dozens of Web3 companies has been particularly telling. The stark contrast between widespread rejection and the singular positive engagement – notably from a company with a Black CEO in their American division – highlights the persistent barriers to genuine inclusivity in the space.

The way forward requires more than just technological innovation; it demands a fundamental shift in how we approach collaboration and community building in the Web3 space. True adherence to Web3 principles means actively dismantling gates rather than constructing new ones, creating systems that genuinely empower users rather than simply shifting power from one elite group to another.

As we look to the future, the success of Web3 will be measured not by the number of blockchain implementations or token launches, but by how effectively it breaks down existing barriers and creates genuine opportunities for participation and innovation. The technology exists to make this vision a reality – what’s needed now is the collective will to ensure that Web3’s actions align with its ideals.

The choice before us is clear: we can either perpetuate the exclusive systems of the past under a new technological guise, or we can commit to building the open, inclusive digital future that Web3 originally promised. The path forward lies not in gatekeeping but in bridge-building, creating connections that enable broader participation and genuine innovation in the digital age.

One founder asked, “Where are you from?”

We answered, “Rome, NY.”

They pressed, “Yeah, but where are you from?”

Our response? “America—Bitch. Where are you from?”

That equity and inclusion talk? It rarely materializes in Web3, and we see it for what it is.

Dreams don’t cook the meal; workers, investors, and doers do. Fragmentation of the old systems is essential, but action—not talk—will get us there. If we can’t contribute directly, we can at least be kind and encouraging. And if we can’t do that, then let’s step aside. Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

At the end of the day, our goal is clear: a world where we can bypass gatekeepers and live freely. It won’t be easy—it’ll take immense work and sacrifice—but it’s worth it. Let’s build that future together.