7 Tips for Selecting TheBlockchainBrief as Your Web3 Strategy Newsletter

Hey there! If you’re checking out TheBlockchainBrief to help with executive decision-making, I've got seven handy tips to make sure you’re looking at some solid editorial quality, regulatory information, data reliability, security insights, and overall deliverability. Plus, I’ll share practical benchmarks, sources, and even a 30-day scoring system to guide you along the way. Let’s dive in!

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Why this matters now

Between U.S. With all the recent changes--like new leadership at the SEC and the introduction of a formal stablecoin law, not to mention Ethereum's Pectra upgrade--things are definitely buzzing in the Web3 space. We've also seen a bunch of Layer 2 projects consolidating around the OP Stack, the growing trend of restaking, and a big uptick in tokenized Treasuries. Honestly, it feels like the signal-to-noise ratio in this world has hit an all-time high in terms of volatility! Hey team! Your leadership crew really needs a newsletter that does more than just rehash old news. We’re talking about something that actually predicts the potential impact, references the right sources, and connects the latest tech advancements to smart business choices. No more recycled headlines, please! (sec.gov).

Here are seven tips we rely on at 7Block Labs to figure out if TheBlockchainBrief (or really any Web3 newsletter) is a good match for strategy work in startups and big companies.

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Tip 1: Confirm you’re looking at the right “TheBlockchainBrief” (brand hygiene and cadence)

It looks like there are at least two properties with pretty similar names.

The website features a laid-back vibe, showcasing "Matej and the team." It dives into a mix of topics related to crypto, providing easy-to-understand explanations along the way. The site puts out blog posts and has an "About/Contact" section, but it doesn't really share much about how often they publish or what their editorial guidelines are. (theblockchainbrief.com). So, there’s this older version of “The Blockchain Brief” from 2018. Back then, they had a different editorial crew--called the Game Theory Group--made up of folks like Boris Revsin and Julian Jung. Plus, they offered a weekly newsletter subscription that was pretty cool! This seems a bit out of date and might not really show how things are going with the team right now. (theblockchainbrief.million.studio).

Here’s what you can dive into this week:

• Could you please send me the latest masthead? Also, let me know how often you want things to go out--like, are we sticking to “Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m.” or something similar? m. ET, weekly”). Hey, could you grab me an archive link? I’m looking for one that shows a steady schedule for the last 8 to 12 issues. Thanks! Could you send over two complete, recent samples along with your editorial style guide? I'd love to check out your sources policy, corrections policy, and how you handle labeling for sponsored content too. Thanks!
• To make sure everything’s up-to-date, let’s double-check three claims from the latest issue against the primary sources--like the SEC, the EF blog, and some reliable trade publications.

Red flags to watch: We've all seen it before: mismatched author profiles, old evergreen articles mistakenly tagged as "Latest," and those SEO-heavy pages packed with irrelevant links. It's frustrating, right? These patterns seem to be a bit too generalized compared to the original analysis, and they probably won’t really cut it for what the executives need. (theblockchainbrief.com).

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Tip 2: Require primary-source, data‑first coverage of the big 5 themes driving Web3 roadmaps

When you pick a strategy newsletter, make sure it regularly connects to solid, trustworthy sources that cover at least these five key themes. It’s also super important that they break down the implications in a way that makes sense for the business world.

1. So, here's the scoop on Ethereum's core roadmap: The Pectra mainnet upgrade went live on May 7, 2025. This upgrade brought some cool account improvements and made some tweaks to the validators. Keep an eye out for updates on wallets and processes coming your way because of these changes! A good newsletter should definitely include a link to EF's announcement. It’s important to break down what your teams need to test as well, so everyone’s on the same page! (blog.ethereum.org).
2. So, let's talk about the L2 consolidation scene. The OP Stack's "Superchain" is really dominating when it comes to L2 transactions these days. According to Messari, Base is ahead in both activity and sequencer revenue for 2025. It's an exciting time to keep an eye on these developments! When it comes to strategy, there are a few key areas to focus on: picking the right vendors, figuring out how to model fees, and setting timelines for interoperability. (messari.io).
3. Restaking and shared security: EigenLayer is experiencing some impressive growth, with its total value locked (TVL) skyrocketing from $10 billion to $15 billion by 2025. This surge, along with the activation of AVS, is really shaking things up when it comes to security and yield expectations for applications and infrastructure buyers. It's exciting to see how these developments could impact the landscape! In your newsletter, make sure to break down the Total Value Locked (TVL) and highlight some of the main Automated Valuation Services (AVSs). It’s also a good idea to touch on the financial aspects for operators, including the potential risks involved. (theblock.co).
4. Tokenized RWAs (Treasuries onchain): In our newsletter, let’s keep an eye on the RWA market dashboards and highlight some key funds, like how BlackRock's BUIDL just crossed the $1 billion mark in assets under management. It's also important to break down the settlement and collateral workflows that our treasury and risk teams need to think about. (theblock.co).
5. U.S. When it comes to policy and market structure, you'll definitely want to get the scoop on the GENIUS Act, which is all about federal stablecoin regulations. It’s also important to keep an eye on how the SEC is changing its approach now that there’s new leadership in place. And don’t forget about the ins and outs of ETF mechanics, especially things like in-kind creations for Bitcoin and Ethereum. It’s a lot to juggle, but staying on top of these updates will really help you navigate the landscape! A solid briefing pulls information straight from trusted sources like the SEC, CRS, or the White House. (congress.gov).

Give TheBlockchainBrief a test: Alright, take a look at the latest issue and see if it mentions the EF Pectra post for any technical claims. Also, check if they reference Messari or OP Stack for L2 metrics, and don’t forget to look for updates on EigenLayer from The Block or Blockworks. Lastly, keep an eye out for any mentions of tokenization from RWA.xyz or other reliable sources. For each theme, you can score between 0 and 2 points. Here’s how it breaks down: 0 means there’s nothing there, 1 means it’s mentioned but not really explored, and 2 means it’s solid and gives you useful, direct links to dig deeper.

Aim for at least an 8 out of 10 in each of the five themes before you present anything to the execs.

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Tip 3: Demand regulatory clarity that translates to concrete to‑dos (GENIUS Act, SEC posture, ETFs)

In 2025, U.S. crypto policy materially changed:.

• Stablecoins: So, the GENIUS Act was signed into law on July 18, 2025, and it comes with some pretty important rules. It requires that all stablecoins have a full 100% liquid reserve backing. Plus, issuers need to share details about their reserves every month, so there's a lot more transparency. It's also worth noting that there will be specific oversight for those who are allowed to issue these coins. Whenever you dive into stablecoins in your newsletter, be sure to link back to the CRS and the actual text of the statute--they're your best resources! (reuters.com).
• There's been a shake-up in the SEC leadership: Paul S. Atkins officially took on the role of SEC Chair on April 21, 2025. In those early days of 2025, he made some big moves, like dropping major enforcement cases, including the one against Coinbase. He also kicked off a Crypto Task Force to focus more on creating rules rather than getting stuck in legal battles. Hey there! When you're putting together your newsletter, make sure to separate policy from politics. Oh, and don’t forget to reference the official SEC releases as well. It’ll give your readers clear insights and keep everything credible! (sec.gov). Alright, so here’s the scoop on ETFs: it’s super important for capital markets teams to really get how they work behind the scenes. Recently, the SEC gave the green light for in-kind creations and redemptions for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, along with the approval of Ether ETF options. These moves are going to shake things up, especially when it comes to arbitrage, spreads, and hedging strategies. Definitely something to keep an eye on! (coindesk.com).

Hey, could you reach out to TheBlockchainBrief and ask them to whip up a one-page overview on the "GENIUS Act impact" for our CFO? It’d be super helpful to include things like the issuer eligibility checklist, reserve asset policy, how often we’ll need to disclose information, and the banking/treasury workflows. Thanks a bunch! Make sure they’re pointing to the CRS and the original text, and not just some secondary summaries. (congress.gov).

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Tip 4: Insist on security intelligence your CISO can use on Monday

A good newsletter should do more than just share headlines. It needs to take those potential threats and break them down into actionable steps for prevention.

It's wild, but by mid-2025, thefts have already surpassed the entire total for 2024. This surge is largely fueled by that $1. There’s been a massive $5 billion hack on Bybit, and it looks like it’s been linked to North Korea. On top of that, we’re seeing a real uptick in attacks on individuals, like compromised wallets and even some pretty intense physical coercion. It’s a pretty wild time out there! In your briefing, make sure to cover a few key points: first, you’ll want to measure the scale of the situation. Then, identify the types of actors involved. Lastly, don't forget to suggest some controls, like signing policies, travel standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices for keeping hardware wallets secure. (chainalysis.com).

• Check out Chainalysis baselines to keep an eye on stolen funds year-over-year. It's interesting to see how the flow of money has been moving away from Bitcoin and leaning more towards stablecoins in illegal activities. Plus, don’t miss the latest trends in wallet takeovers--those patterns are really starting to emerge! There's a solid newsletter out there that references Chainalysis' reports along with some reliable coverage. (chainalysis.com).

Hey, I’ve got a suggestion for TheBlockchainBrief! How about adding a weekly “Security Signal” section? It could feature the biggest exploit of the week, a quick rundown of what caused it, the chains that were impacted, any indicators of compromise (IOCs), along with the relevant contract addresses. Plus, it would be super helpful to throw in a couple of mitigation strategies. What do you think? Check their results against Chainalysis data to make sure everything lines up correctly. (chainalysis.com).

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Tip 5: Verify enterprise‑grade email ops and deliverability (or you won’t read it)

When you’re working on getting a newsletter into executive workflows, making sure it lands in the right inbox is super important. Benchmarks and requirements:.

So, looking ahead to 2025, it seems like the average open rates for newsletters are sitting at around 49% across different publishers. And when it comes to clicks, we’re seeing a median click rate of about 7%. Pretty interesting stats, right? 5% (not CTR-to-open). If TheBlockchainBrief shares any performance metrics, you can use these as a quick way to gauge how things are really going. (glueletter.com). If you're looking to send bulk emails through Gmail or Yahoo in 2024, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind. First up, make sure you set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC (aim for p=none or better). You’ll also want to include a one-click unsubscribe option, following RFC 8058 guidelines. And let's not forget: keeping your complaint rates super low--ideally under 0--is essential. Happy emailing! 3%. Could you reach out to TheBlockchainBrief and ask them to verify the domain authentication and the complaint rates? Also, it would be great if they could share their List-Unsubscribe headers. Thanks! (support.google.com).

• BIMI: So, here's the scoop! Starting in 2024, Gmail decided to support Common Mark Certificates (CMC). If TheBlockchainBrief starts using BIMI/VMC, you'll spot a little verified checkmark on both web and mobile versions for VMC. This is pretty handy because it helps build trust with executives and offers some solid protection against phishing attempts. (workspaceupdates.googleblog.com).

Practical test: Sure thing! Here’s a quick list of 10 email addresses that include a mix of Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and corporate options:

1. john.doe@gmail.com
2. jane.smith@yahoo.com
3. mike.jones@outlook.com
4. company.name@corporate.com
5. emily.brown@gmail.com
6. sam.wilson@yahoo.com
7. chris.johnson@outlook.com
8. hr@business.com
9. katie.davis@gmail.com
10. support@enterprise.com

Feel free to tweak any of these to better suit your needs! Keep an eye on monitor placement using Postmaster Tools and run seed tests for four issues in a row. If you notice a sudden increase in spam rates, like above 0%, it could be a sign that something's off. If the sender can’t show that they’ve got DMARC alignment or if it’s below 3%, then don’t include it in the executive distribution list. (support.google.com).

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Tip 6: Look for commercial independence and clean sourcing (no hidden shills)

Decision-makers really want straightforward conflict disclosures and smooth ad experiences. Examine:.

When it comes to sponsored placements and affiliate links, make sure you’re keeping an eye out for things like casino or CFD ads, or those generic “get rich” schemes. These just don’t vibe with the interests of our enterprise readers. When it comes to outbound “authority” links, it’s super important to check if they’re citing reputable sources like EF, SEC, Messari, or The Block/Blockworks, instead of just random blogs you find online. For instance, if you’re tackling a top-notch topic about restaking, you’d want to reference solid sources like The Block/Blockworks for updates on EigenLayer milestones and make sure to link to official protocol documentation rather than just social media posts. It makes all the difference! (theblock.co).

• If you're looking for some inspiration on newsletters, check out The Block’s lineup of focused newsletters like Data & Insights, Funding, and their L1/L2 content. They're great examples for figuring out how to structure your own and curate sources effectively. Think of it as a standard for measuring quality. (theblock.co).

Pass/Fail: Hey, could you reach out to TheBlockchainBrief and ask them for their written conflicts policy? Also, let’s get some info on their rules for sponsor labeling while we’re at it. Thanks! If it's not available, consider it a procurement risk.

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Tip 7: Run a 30‑day scoring sprint before you commit (our rubric)

Check out this handy framework we use with our clients! Give TheBlockchainBrief a spin in some real work situations before you suggest it to the higher-ups.

1. Source quality (0-10)

• At least 70% of claims come from solid sources like the EF blog, SEC releases, official documents, and trustworthy trade publications. Make sure to take off points for any claims that aren’t backed up by regulations or protocol milestones. So, here's what you can look forward to: expect to see Pectra activation coming from EF, Superchain metrics being reported by Messari, and EigenLayer's total value locked (TVL) insights courtesy of The Block and Blockworks. Keep an eye out for the GENIUS Act updates from CRS/statute, and don't forget to check out the ETF mechanics being covered by the SEC and other major outlets. It's going to be an interesting time! (blog.ethereum.org).

1. Executive relevance (0-10)

• For every issue, try to link at least one headline to a specific business decision. For example, you could connect the “GENIUS Act: payments acceptance policy” to our CFO, or “Pectra: wallet/test plan” to the CTO. And don’t forget about “RWAs: treasury collateral options” for the Treasury team! Could you please include a quick summary box that shows the owner and the due date? Thanks! (congress.gov).

1. Security depth (0-10)

• For each major exploit story, let’s come up with a practical way to mitigate the issue. Don't forget to include links to forensics and indicators of compromise (IOCs) too! Check out Chainalysis metrics to really get a grip on the risk factors at play. They provide some solid context that can help you understand what's happening. (chainalysis.com).

1. Understanding market structures (0-10). Let's break down some of the recent policy changes and how they connect to the market. First off, the SEC's stance under Gary Gensler has been pretty interesting lately. It’s definitely influenced how things are moving in the market. Then there’s the whole deal with ETFs and their in-kind processes which have a big role to play too. Don’t forget about how exchanges and clearinghouses are affected by all these shifts. It's a lot to take in, but it's all intertwined! (sec.gov).
2. Technical accuracy (0-10) Let's break down the Ethereum roadmap and talk about what's going on with account abstraction. So, first off, there's a lot of buzz about EIP-7702 and ERC-4337, and it's super important to understand how they fit together.

EIP-7702 is all about enhancing the Ethereum experience, focusing on account abstraction, while ERC-4337 is more about making sure that this new feature is compatible with existing systems. It’s like they’re two sides of the same coin, each addressing different aspects of improving user interactions on the network.

And then we have Pectra, which has been making waves lately. They’ve actually shipped some interesting stuff that ties into all this. It’s really exciting to see how these changes are coming together and shaping the future of Ethereum. Hey, just a heads up - it’d be great to see some bonuses if we can point out those trends in gas-sponsored UserOps and how people are jumping on board with smart accounts. Let’s back it up with some actual numbers, too! (theblock.co).

1. Inbox reliability (0-10)

• For our four-week seed tests, we're aiming for an inbox placement rate of 95% or higher when it comes to business domains, and we want to keep the complaint rate below zero. You’ve got a 3% rate for that one. Plus, it’s got the one-click unsubscribe feature from RFC 8058, and it’s DMARC aligned too. (support.google.com).

Let's set the passing threshold at 42 out of 60. If you're looking for something more laid-back, TheBlockchainBrief is a great go-to for casual reads. Just remember, it’s not the best source for making big executive decisions!

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What “great” issues look like in 2025 (concrete examples you can ask for)

Alright, let’s dive into Ethereum Pectra! So, Ethereum has been making waves in the crypto world for a while now, and it's always fascinating to see the evolution of blockchain technology and its applications.

Ethereum Pectra is an exciting new project that’s built on the Ethereum blockchain. If you’re wondering what makes it special, let’s break it down. At its core, Ethereum Pectra aims to enhance the decentralized applications (dApps) ecosystem. It’s all about improving performance, security, and user experience.

One of the standout features of Pectra is its innovative consensus mechanism. Unlike traditional methods, which can be slow and energy-intensive, Pectra focuses on efficiency. This means faster transaction speeds and lower fees for users. How cool is that? With those improvements, it opens up a world of possibilities for developers looking to create seamless dApps that don’t break the bank.

Another big plus is the enhanced security measures that come with Pectra. Security is always a hot topic in the crypto space, and Pectra takes it to heart. The project integrates advanced cryptographic techniques to safeguard user data and transactions. It’s like having an extra layer of protection that gives users peace of mind while they navigate the decentralized world.

Now, let’s chat about the community aspect. Ethereum Pectra understands that a strong community can make or break a project. That’s why they’re focusing on building an inclusive space for developers, investors, and users alike. They encourage feedback and collaboration, so everyone feels involved in the journey. In other words, if you’re passionate about blockchain tech, there’s a good chance you’ll find your place within the Pectra community.

On top of all that, Pectra is making strides in sustainability. With climate change being a pressing issue, Pectra is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. They are implementing strategies to minimize energy consumption and promote eco-friendly practices, which is something we can all get behind, right?

To wrap things up, Ethereum Pectra is shaping up to be a remarkable addition to the blockchain landscape. With its focus on efficiency, security, community building, and sustainability, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. If you’re interested in the future of decentralized apps and the evolution of Ethereum, Pectra might just be what you’re looking for. So, whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or just curious about what’s next, this project has a little something for everyone. Exciting times ahead! So, what’s different now? What’s not working anymore? And by the way, who’s in charge of the internal test plan? Hey there! Just wanted to share some useful links and info with you. First up, be sure to check out the EF blog and the Ethereum.org website--they're both packed with great resources.

Also, if you’re diving into the technical side, don’t forget to take a look at the tools that might be affected. This includes bundlers, paymasters, and validator operations. Keeping an eye on these will definitely help you navigate everything smoothly. Happy exploring! (blog.ethereum.org).

• Let’s break down restaking, complete with some stats to back it up: Let’s dive into EigenLayer! Right now, the Total Value Locked (TVL) is looking pretty solid. We’ve also got some exciting new Application-Specific Validators (AVSs) popping up, which is always fun to see.

Don’t forget about the operator stake minimums--like the recent adjustments to EigenDA, which are definitely worth a mention.

Of course, when we talk about all these changes, we can’t skip over the balance between governance and centralization. It’s a real juggling act, right? There’s a lot to consider as the landscape keeps evolving. Connect this to how you go about finding and selecting DA providers. (theblock.co).

• OP Superchain update: Hey there! Just wanted to highlight a few things: keep an eye on the share of L2 activity, what Base is up to, and how sequencer revenue is shaping up. Also, don't forget about the upcoming changes in interop and mempool--those could really change the fee landscape.
  (messari.io).
• RWAs for treasury: Let’s break down tokenized Treasuries (we call them BUIDL) and stablecoins, shall we?

First off, when we talk about assets under management (AUM), BUIDL has some impressive numbers that really stand out. In comparison, stablecoins have been dominating the scene, but it’s interesting to see how these two stack up against each other.

Now, when it comes to onboarding, BUIDL requires a bit more from you. You’ll need to go through KYC, which is handled through Securitize--not the simplest process, but hey, it’s all about keeping things secure, right? On the flip side, stablecoins usually have a more straightforward entry point, making them accessible to a wider audience.

As for where these tokens actually live, both BUIDL and stablecoins primarily operate on Ethereum. It's worth mentioning that Ethereum’s versatility makes it a popular choice for these types of digital assets.

So, in a nutshell, both BUIDL and stablecoins have their perks and quirks, and knowing what each brings to the table can help you navigate the space a bit better! Include RWA.xyz snapshots. (theblock.co).

• Policy digest: Hey there! Here’s a quick rundown of the GENIUS Act compliance checklist, along with the SEC rulemaking calendar. You’ll find handy links to the Congressional Research Service, SEC releases, and even a White House fact sheet. Check it out! (congress.gov).
• Security corner: Alright, let’s break down the Bybit incident. So, here’s the scoop: it involved some unexpected movements of funds, totaling quite a hefty sum. The key players or actors in this situation were linked to specific transactions that raised some eyebrows in the crypto community.

Now, when it comes to how they’re tackling these issues, Bybit isn’t just sitting back. They’ve got some solid mitigations in place. First off, there’s their MPC (Multi-Party Computation) policies, which help spread out the risk and keep things secure. On top of that, they’re also focusing on travel operational security (opsec), which is all about making sure their teams are safe and smart about their travels, especially when dealing with sensitive stuff. So, they’re definitely taking steps to learn and improve from this whole situation! (chainalysis.com).

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Emerging best practices to insist on (so the newsletter compounds value)

• Whenever you can, try to use first-party sources. So, we've got a mix of resources here, like EF, SEC, and the CRS/LoC. Don’t forget the protocol docs; they’re super helpful! And when it comes to reliable analytics, you can always count on Messari, RWA.xyz, and Chainalysis. No substitutes. (blog.ethereum.org).
• Use quantified thresholds:
• Example: “Use GlueLetter medians as a health check--if your executive list sees <35% opens and <5% click rate, the issue didn’t land; iterate subject line and lead. ” (glueletter.com).
• Think of email authentication as just the basics of what you need to do. Alright, so here’s the deal: you want to make sure you're all set up with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to keep your email game strong. And don’t forget about the one-click unsubscribe feature from RFC 8058--super handy for your subscribers! Plus, try to keep those complaints as low as possible--ideally under 0. Just makes everything run smoother, you know? 3%. Whenever you can, go ahead and request BIMI, VMC, or CMC. These can really help lower the chances of getting hit by phishing scams! (support.google.com).
• Make sure to break down the numbers on trending issues: When it comes to account abstraction, make sure you take a good look at the actual UserOps that have been measured, keep an eye on how paymaster spending is trending, and don’t forget about the number of smart accounts out there. It’s all about the details--no vague talk here! (panewslab.com).

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A realistic 2‑week pilot plan

• Days 1-2: Grab a couple of the latest issues of TheBlockchainBrief and check out their editorial policy. Set up some seed list tests for Gmail, Yahoo, and those corporate emails. (support.google.com).
• Days 3 to 5: Go ahead and fact-check five claims for each issue using the primary sources, like Pectra, Superchain, EigenLayer, RWA, and SEC/GENIUS. Go ahead and score it based on that 60-point rubric! (blog.ethereum.org). Alright, so for days 6 to 10, we need to kick off an executive pilot. Let’s get a quick one-slide summary ready to send over to the CFO, CTO, and Product teams. Don’t forget to include who’s in charge and when it’s due! Let’s gather some thoughts on how clear everything is and whether the action items make sense. Your input is super important! Alright, here's the plan for days 11 through 14: We need to dive into the seed test metrics. Check out how things are looking with placement, any complaints we’ve received, and those unsubscribe headers. After that, we’ll figure out what our next steps should be. Let’s make sure we’re on the right track!
• Let's make the newsletter our main go-to strategy.
• You can keep this as a backup for your weekly brief or something like that.
• Politely say no and think about a different option.

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Bottom line

The Blockchain Brief could really make a difference if it stays up to date, references reliable sources, meets delivery standards, and translates all those complex on-chain and policy shifts into actionable insights for businesses. Make sure to check out those seven tips and the scoring framework before you start using that info for any big executive decisions. It’s really important to validate it first!

If you're looking for some support to kick off your 30-day evaluation, 7Block Labs is here to help!

• Take a look at our newsletter sources and make sure everything's getting delivered properly.
• Set up a weekly internal brief that's ready for execs. This should compare TheBlockchainBrief with EF, SEC, and analytics sources to ensure everything aligns. Hey there! Just a heads up, you'll need to keep an eye out for wire alerts related to Pectra follow-ups, OP-Stack interop changes, restaking risks, and the latest milestones for GENIUS Act compliance.

When it comes to things like regulation, treasury, and security, just settling for “good enough” won’t cut it. You really have to push for signals that are verifiable and of enterprise-grade quality.

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