Everybody has something to say. The issue is most don’t know how to say it.
Today, we’re diving into the world of op-eds. People think this side of the media is just venting what you think about a specific topic, project, or person. But it’s much more than that.
In crypto, where everybody has a hot take, your opinion needs to be more than just hot air. Op-eds need to be a well-crafted, well-written, and thought provoking piece that makes editors sit up when it lands in their inbox.
If you want them to take notice, start by taking notes here.
What’s an Op-Ed Anyway?
An op-ed isn’t just a fancy name for any opinion piece.
Op-ed actually stands opposite the editorial page, meaning it is where outside voices get to shine. Since in today’s world everything is digital, this idea of opinions living on a physical piece of paper on the other side of what the editorial says is a bit hard to visualize, but essentially it’s just a place where you can boost your ideas – or grandstand them – in 800 words or less.
It’s not in the media’s interest, however, to publish any old opinion. There’s rules.
Here’s what Molly J. Zuckerman from Blockworks, who used to champion the publication’s opinion section, has to say about this from a journalist perspective:
Opinions, Not Explanations
Here’s where most people trip up: they confuse explaining with opining.
“This is why RWAs are important” might sound like an opinion, but if you’re just summarizing facts, you’re missing the point – and wasting the precious minutes an editor has to decide whether your piece has legs to get published.
Here’s a pro-tip: If your piece could be mistaken for a Wikipedia entry, it’s not an op-ed.
Spice it up!
Tap into the Zeitgeist
Look around you. What is everybody talking about? Because at the intersection of that debate, whether you have a foot in it or not, is where the next op-ed lives.
A good op-ed is like a mirror into the current moment:
- It offers a unique angle on hot topics
- It reflects what everyone’s talking about
- It makes readers see the issue in a new light
And that’s where you can get your moment to shine. To make people feel one of three things: OMG, WTF, or LOL about a topic that’s already getting tossed around like a wine cooler on a hot day in summer.
But remember: You’re not just adding to the noise. You’re offering a fresh tune in a crowded concert.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Hitting you with a hard truth: No one’s going to read your 2000-word manifesto.
People nowadays read in short form. We have, for better or worse, become accustomed to how social media feeds us information. Read the headline, maybe the intro, and onto the next. So if a reader is going to stare down a piece that’s going to take them 14 minutes to read, they’re gone.
Editors are the same. They want concise, punchy pieces that pack a wallop in 500-700 words.
Pro-tip: If you can’t summarize your main argument in a tweet, your op-ed needs trimming.
Show Different Perspectives
A stellar op-ed doesn’t just preach to the choir.
It acknowledges other viewpoints, even if it disagrees with them. This shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just shouting into the void.
A real op-ed takes a stand, offers a fresh perspective, or challenges the status quo. It should hopefully grab a couple of perspectives, mash them together, and produce something that hasn’t been thought of before. That’s a classic thought leadership play.
Remember, the idea is for people to have one of three reactions: OMG, WTF, or LOL.
Real World Wins: Client Op-Eds That Got Picked Up
- “Ecosystem health is the missing link to blockchain’s long-term success“, by Anoop Nannra, co-founder and CEO of Trugard Labs.
- “Verified Doesn’t Mean Secure: The Dangerous Illusion of Trust in Web3“, by Jeremiah O’Connor, co-founder and CTO of Trugard Labs.
- “AI’s GPU obsession blinds us to a cheaper, smarter solution“, by Naman Kabra, co-founder and CEO of NodeOps Network.
- “Decentralized AI is the only path to ethical and transparent data collection“, “Growing Ethical Data Drought Could Derail the Next Leap in AI Development” and “Decentralized Cloud Infrastructure Needs To Go Mainstream To Mitigate Single Point of Failure Risks“, by Dr. Max Li, founder and CEO of OORT.
- Also, 2 opinion pieces of our own:
- “Hibernating when the market slows down? Think twice about your crypto PR strategy“, by Afik Rechler, co-founder, Chainstory.
- “No, a Sponsored Labeled Crypto Press Release Is Not An Alternative to Editorial Coverage, PR Pro Says“, by myself, co-founder, Chainstory.
All are followed by the same playbook: timely angle, real opinion instead of just informing the reader, and clean and punchy writing that editors wanted to publish.
The Public’s Podium, Not the Newsroom’s Soapbox
Despite what most people think, the op-ed section is for the newsroom to chant its own opinions.
It’s a platform for the public – staring at you – to share their take on whatever might be doing the rounds today on Twitter. And again, you’re not reporting the news, you’re commenting on it. Take what’s happening, look for opinions that diverge from the mainstream, and then form your own.
When you think of it that way, it’s not all that hard.
Craft a Killer Opener
Your first sentence should grab readers by the collar and not let go.
There’s 6 different ways you can get someone to lean into your piece, and they all start at the top.
Open with:
- A moment in time
- A weird, unique insight
- A controversial opinion
- A vulnerable statement
- A thought-provoking question
- One strong, declarative sentence
Use a provocative statement, a surprising fact, or a vivid anecdote. Remember, you’re competing with cat videos and endless scrolling. Make every word count.
End with a Bang
Your conclusion should leave readers thinking, nodding, or even a bit riled up. Remember: OMG, WTF, or LOL.
End with a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking question. Make sure it echoes your main argument and leaves a lasting impression.
Crafting a compelling op-ed is an art form that combines passion, insight, and skillful writing.
It’s about offering a fresh perspective on timely issues, sparking conversation, and maybe even changing minds. Remember, in the world of op-eds, it’s not just about having an opinion – it’s about expressing it in a way that makes people sit up and listen.
So, next time you’re fired up about an issue, don’t just rant on social media. Channel that energy into an op-ed. Who knows? You might just change the conversation.
About the author
Table of Contents
Podcast
THE BUILDOOOR
Telling the stories of the buildooors in crypto
