
Bitcoin has gone from being an obscure internet experiment to a financial juggernaut. It’s now a household name, boasting a market capitalisation nearing $1.9 trillion. Backed by governments, embraced by institutional giants like Tesla, and integrated into economies like El Salvador’s, Bitcoin is no longer a niche asset—it’s a global phenomenon.
But here’s the thing: not everyone can afford to buy a whole Bitcoin or even a sizable fraction. That’s where Bitcoin faucets come in.
Bitcoin faucets act as beginner-friendly tools that introduce people to the cryptocurrency world. They allow users to earn small amounts of Bitcoin (known as satoshis) in exchange for completing simple tasks like solving captchas, watching ads, or answering quizzes. It’s a low-stakes way to dip your toes into the Bitcoin ecosystem, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
For many, faucets serve as a gateway to understanding how Bitcoin works—helping users set up wallets, make transactions, and engage with blockchain technology.
Key Things to Know:
- What Are Bitcoin Faucets?
- A faucet is a website or app that gives out free Bitcoin to users in exchange for performing simple actions.
- Why Were Faucets Created?
- They started as a way to raise awareness and adoption of Bitcoin when it was relatively unknown.
- Who Can Use Faucets?
- Anyone with internet access, a crypto wallet, and the ability to complete tasks can participate.
- How Much Can You Earn?
- Earnings are typically small (a few satoshis per task) but can add up over time, especially as Bitcoin’s value increases.
- Are They Safe?
- Most faucets are legitimate, but it’s important to use trusted platforms to avoid scams.
Bitcoin faucets don’t just hand out satoshis—they give people a firsthand understanding of Bitcoin’s power and possibilities.
The Surge in Global Bitcoin Adoption
Bitcoin’s appeal as a decentralised, inflation-resistant store of value has skyrocketed, driving both institutional investments and governmental endorsements. Together, these trends are reshaping Bitcoin’s role in the global financial system.
Institutional Investments
Corporate giants are making massive bets on Bitcoin, cementing its status as “digital gold” and a hedge against traditional market risks.
Key Highlights:
- Tesla’s $1.5 Billion Bet:
- Tesla made headlines when it revealed a $1.5 billion Bitcoin investment in early 2021. This move signalled that even blue-chip companies see Bitcoin as a viable asset for balance sheet diversification.
- MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Stash:
- MicroStrategy, a business intelligence company, holds over 152,000 BTC (worth approximately $5 billion as of late 2024). CEO Michael Saylor has been a vocal advocate, calling Bitcoin “the most secure investment of our time.”
- BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Filing:
- BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, filed for a Bitcoin ETF, potentially opening the door for mainstream institutional and retail investors to access Bitcoin via regulated financial products.
- PayPal and Square Integration:
- Companies like PayPal and Square now allow users to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin, further normalising its use in everyday transactions.
These moves highlight the increasing confidence major players have in Bitcoin as a long-term asset, signalling its transition from speculative investment to an integral part of global finance.
Governmental Endorsements
Countries around the world are adopting or seriously considering Bitcoin as a legal tender or reserve asset, driven by its potential to boost financial inclusion and hedge against economic instability.
Key Highlights:
- El Salvador’s Bitcoin Experiment:
- In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.
- Benefits: Increased tourism, reduced remittance costs, and improved financial access for its unbanked population.
- Challenges: Adoption remains slow among some citizens due to volatility and technological barriers.
- Central African Republic (CAR):
- Following El Salvador, CAR declared Bitcoin as legal tender in 2022. The move aims to attract foreign investment and modernise its financial systems.
- Russia’s Crypto Regulation Shift:
- Vladimir Putin labelled Bitcoin “unstoppable” and supported its use in international trade to bypass sanctions.
- Russia’s stance underscores Bitcoin’s growing utility as a tool for economic resilience.
- Prospects in Argentina and Turkey:
- Countries facing severe inflation, like Argentina and Turkey, are exploring Bitcoin as a hedge against currency devaluation, driving grassroots-level adoption.
Bitcoin’s rising legitimacy among both private corporations and national governments signals a major shift: it’s no longer just a speculative asset but a critical tool in the global economic playbook.
Understanding Bitcoin Faucets
Crypto faucets are a simple yet powerful concept that has played a key role in making cryptocurrency accessible to millions of people around the world. They act as both educational tools and stepping stones for new users to experience Bitcoin firsthand.
Definition and Functionality
A Bitcoin faucet is an online platform that gives out small amounts of Bitcoin (known as satoshis) to users for completing simple tasks. Think of it as a “drip-feed” system that introduces people to cryptocurrency in exchange for engagement.
How They Work:
- Task Completion:
- Users are rewarded for performing actions such as:
- Solving captchas.
- Clicking on ads or links.
- Watching videos.
- Completing surveys or quizzes.
- Users are rewarded for performing actions such as:
- Payouts:
- The Bitcoin earned is typically deposited into a user’s cryptocurrency wallet or a micro-wallet designed to store small, frequent payouts.
- Revenue Model:
- Faucets generate income through ads or affiliate links and share a portion of their earnings with users.
Key Features:
- Low Barrier to Entry: Anyone with a smartphone or computer and an internet connection can participate.
- Educational Benefit: Users learn how wallets, transactions, and the Bitcoin network work while earning their first satoshis.
Historical Context
Bitcoin faucets have been around since the early days of cryptocurrency, serving as a critical tool for driving adoption.
- The First Faucet:
- In 2010, Bitcoin developer Gavin Andresen created the first Bitcoin faucet.
- Purpose: To raise awareness about Bitcoin by giving away 5 whole BTC per user—an astronomical sum by today’s standards.
- Early Adoption Era (2010-2013):
- Faucets gained popularity as Bitcoin’s value was still relatively low, and the ecosystem was nascent.
- They provided an easy way for tech enthusiasts and curious users to get their hands on Bitcoin without buying it.
- The Boom Period (2014-2017):
- As Bitcoin’s price climbed, faucet rewards were adjusted to smaller increments (satoshis).
- Thousands of faucet websites emerged, each offering unique reward structures and payout methods.
- Modern Faucets (2018-Present):
- Most faucets today reward users with satoshis equivalent to a fraction of a cent.
- Advanced platforms have gamified the experience, integrating challenges, leaderboards, and bonuses to increase user engagement.
Impact on Bitcoin Adoption:
- Faucets introduced millions of users to Bitcoin, sparking interest in blockchain technology.
- They democratised access to cryptocurrency, especially in regions where buying Bitcoin is difficult due to regulatory or economic constraints.
While faucets today are less lucrative than in Bitcoin’s infancy, they remain valuable tools for education, financial inclusion, and grassroots adoption.
Bitcoin Faucets as Tools for Financial Empowerment
Bitcoin faucets have become more than just a source of free satoshis—they’re an essential gateway for people to explore the cryptocurrency space without needing prior knowledge or financial resources. By offering a hands-on, risk-free introduction, faucets empower users with financial literacy and access to Bitcoin.
Accessible Entry Points
One of the biggest barriers to Bitcoin adoption is the cost. As Bitcoin’s price climbs, many people feel they’ve been priced out of owning even a small fraction of it. Faucets address this challenge by allowing anyone to earn Bitcoin for free.
How Faucets Create Accessibility:
- No Initial Investment Required:
- Faucets allow users to earn Bitcoin without buying it, making cryptocurrency accessible to those who can’t afford to invest.
- Low-Risk Entry:
- Faucets remove the fear of losing money in a volatile market, letting users dip their toes into Bitcoin safely.
- Empowering the Unbanked:
- In regions with limited access to banking systems, faucets act as a financial bridge.
- Users can earn, store, and transact with Bitcoin, bypassing the need for traditional banking infrastructure.
- Broad Reach:
- With just an internet connection, anyone worldwide can participate, levelling the playing field for financial inclusion.
Faucets provide a starting point for individuals in low-income regions, students, or those hesitant about cryptocurrency investment.
Educational Opportunities
Bitcoin faucets don’t just distribute satoshis—they create opportunities for users to learn about Bitcoin and blockchain technology in a practical, engaging way.
Learning by Doing:
- Understanding Wallets:
- Faucets often require users to set up a Bitcoin wallet to receive payments.
- Through this process, users learn the basics of public and private keys, wallet security, and storage options.
- Getting Familiar with Transactions:
- Earning and withdrawing Bitcoin introduces users to transaction confirmations, network fees, and blockchain transparency.
- Real-Life Blockchain Exposure:
- Interacting with a faucet shows users how the blockchain records and verifies transactions.
- This hands-on experience demystifies complex concepts, helping users grasp the potential of decentralised systems.
- Incentivized Learning:
- Some faucets incorporate quizzes and challenges about cryptocurrency, rewarding users for expanding their knowledge.
Example Use Case:
- A first-time user from a low-income region starts with a faucet, earns small amounts of Bitcoin, learns to send and receive payments, and eventually becomes proficient in using Bitcoin for savings, remittances, or online transactions.
Bitcoin faucets act as stepping stones for millions of people, combining financial empowerment with essential education. They are more than just earning tools—they’re instruments of economic inclusion and learning.
Promoting Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets
In emerging markets, financial exclusion remains a significant challenge. Millions of people lack access to basic banking services, leaving them without the tools to save, invest, or participate in the global economy. Bitcoin faucets have emerged as an innovative solution to bridge this gap, offering a way for underbanked populations to engage with digital finance.
Bridging the Banking Gap
The Problem:
Over 1.4 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, according to the World Bank. Reasons include:
- Lack of accessible banking infrastructure.
- High fees associated with opening and maintaining accounts.
- Distrust in centralised financial institutions.
The Solution:
Bitcoin faucets provide an easy entry point into the world of decentralised finance (DeFi), bypassing many of the barriers of traditional banking.
How Faucets Enable Financial Inclusion:
- Access Without Borders:
- Faucets only require an internet connection and a crypto wallet, eliminating the need for physical banks or identification documents.
- Zero-Cost Entry:
- Users don’t need money to start; they can earn small amounts of Bitcoin for free and begin participating in the crypto economy.
- Self-Custody of Funds:
- With Bitcoin wallets, users have full control over their earnings, avoiding risks like asset seizure or bank failures common in unstable economies.
- Savings and Microtransactions:
- Satoshis earned via faucets can be saved or used for microtransactions, allowing users to experience and benefit from global, borderless finance.
Case Studies: Communities Benefiting from Faucets
1. Venezuela – Coping with Hyperinflation
- Challenge: Venezuela’s hyperinflation has rendered its national currency nearly worthless, making it difficult for citizens to preserve their wealth.
- Faucet Impact:
- Platforms like FreeBitcoin have allowed Venezuelans to earn and save satoshis as a hedge against inflation.
- Users use their Bitcoin to purchase necessities via peer-to-peer networks or crypto-friendly merchants.
2. Nigeria – Empowering the Unbanked
- Challenge: Nigeria has a high rate of unbanked adults due to limited banking infrastructure and mistrust in institutions.
- Faucet Impact:
- Bitcoin faucets have provided Nigerians with a simple way to access Bitcoin and participate in DeFi platforms.
- The knowledge gained from using faucets helps users explore additional income opportunities like remittances and crypto trading.
3. India – Educating Rural Populations
- Challenge: A lack of financial literacy and resources in rural India limits access to modern financial tools.
- Faucet Impact:
- Faucets like SatoshiHero and Cointiply have introduced rural communities to cryptocurrency in a hands-on way.
- Educational initiatives tied to faucets help users understand the value of digital assets and blockchain technology.
4. Kenya – Enhancing Digital Payments
- Challenge: Many Kenyans rely on mobile money services like M-Pesa but lack exposure to global digital assets.
- Faucet Impact:
- Bitcoin faucets act as a bridge to crypto, empowering users to diversify their income and explore alternatives to local fiat systems.
These examples showcase the transformative power of Bitcoin faucets in improving financial inclusion, providing a lifeline to individuals and communities often excluded from the global economy.
Navigating Market Volatility with Faucets
Bitcoin’s price volatility is notorious. While this can be a goldmine for experienced traders, it’s intimidating for beginners who fear financial losses. Bitcoin faucets act as a solution by offering users a way to engage with Bitcoin without investing their own money, thereby easing them into the ecosystem while minimising risk.
Low-Risk Exposure
Faucets provide a unique opportunity for people to experience Bitcoin without financial exposure, making them an ideal starting point in a volatile market.
How Faucets Minimise Financial Risk:
- Free and Accessible Bitcoin:
- Faucets let users earn Bitcoin for completing simple tasks, eliminating the need to purchase it outright.
- No out-of-pocket expenses mean users can engage without worrying about price drops.
- Risk-Free Experimentation:
- Newcomers can learn how wallets, blockchain confirmations, and transactions work without fear of losing money.
- Mistakes made while managing satoshis from faucets have no major financial consequences.
- Exposure to Long-Term Value:
- Over time, the Bitcoin earned from faucets could appreciate, allowing users to benefit from its potential growth without upfront investment.
- Small accumulations mitigate the psychological pressure of market timing.
By offering a way to gain experience without risking savings, faucets provide a safe on-ramp to Bitcoin, especially for those sceptical about its volatile nature.
Building Confidence
Faucets not only help users avoid financial loss but also teach them the fundamentals of Bitcoin, building their confidence to navigate the crypto world.
How Faucets Build User Confidence:
- Learning the Basics:
- Faucets walk users through wallet setup, basic transactions, and security practices.
- These hands-on lessons demystify the process and remove the fear of the unknown.
- Familiarising with Market Behavior:
- By earning and holding small amounts of Bitcoin, users can observe how its value fluctuates over time without stress.
- Understanding these trends helps users prepare for long-term investment decisions.
- Incremental Engagement:
- Faucets encourage slow and steady participation, allowing users to gradually become comfortable with Bitcoin instead of feeling overwhelmed.
- Realising Practical Use:
- Users learn to send, receive, and even spend Bitcoin earned from faucets, seeing its real-world utility firsthand.
Example:
A user hesitant to invest $50 in Bitcoin might start with a faucet, earning a few satoshis weekly. Over time, they’ll learn to store it in a wallet, monitor its value, and even use it for microtransactions. This builds trust in the technology, making them more confident about potential future investments.
Through faucets, users can gain familiarity with Bitcoin’s volatility and functionality, equipping them with the knowledge and assurance needed to navigate the market confidently.
The Role of Leadership and Policy in Bitcoin Adoption
Global Bitcoin adoption isn’t just driven by market demand—it’s heavily influenced by leadership endorsements and government policies. Statements from influential figures and regulatory developments shape public perception, boost legitimacy, and either accelerate or hinder adoption.
Influential Endorsements
When world leaders and influential figures speak about Bitcoin, their words carry significant weight, influencing its global acceptance and adoption.
How Leadership Endorsements Boost Legitimacy:
- Vladimir Putin’s Endorsement:
- The Russian President has referred to Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as “unstoppable,” recognising their potential in international trade.
- This statement reinforces Bitcoin’s role as a decentralised, borderless currency immune to sanctions or central control.
- El Salvador’s Leadership:
- President Nayib Bukele has championed Bitcoin, making it a legal tender in 2021 and encouraging citizens to use it for everyday transactions.
- This move has brought global attention to Bitcoin’s potential as a national currency and a tool for financial inclusion.
- Tesla’s Elon Musk:
- While not a political leader, Elon Musk’s tweets and actions (such as Tesla’s $1.5 billion Bitcoin investment) have heavily influenced Bitcoin’s market perception and adoption.
- Fidelity and BlackRock’s Leadership Moves:
- Institutions led by influential figures have also endorsed Bitcoin through actions like filing for Bitcoin ETFs, signalling their confidence in Bitcoin’s future.
Statements like these add credibility, making Bitcoin less of a niche financial instrument and more of a mainstream asset.
Regulatory Developments
Government policies play a crucial role in either accelerating or impeding Bitcoin adoption.
Key Global Developments:
- El Salvador – Pioneering Legal Tender:
- In 2021, El Salvador became the first country to declare Bitcoin legal tender.
- Citizens can pay for goods, services, and even taxes using Bitcoin, supported by government-distributed wallets like Chivo.
- United States – Regulatory Clarity on the Horizon:
- Ongoing discussions about Bitcoin ETFs and the SEC’s stance on cryptocurrencies could open doors for mainstream adoption.
- State-level regulations, like Wyoming’s pro-crypto laws, encourage innovation and attract blockchain businesses.
- European Union – MiCA Framework:
- The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework aims to standardise regulations across member states, providing clarity for businesses and consumers.
- It’s expected to create a more secure environment for Bitcoin use and adoption in Europe.
- India – Taxation as Recognition:
- While the Indian government hasn’t legalised Bitcoin, its move to tax crypto earnings at 30% indicates de facto recognition of digital assets.
- China – Contradictory Signals:
- Despite banning crypto mining and transactions domestically, China remains one of the largest holders of Bitcoin, reflecting its strategic interest in controlling crypto’s global impact.
- Russia – Bitcoin in International Trade:
- Russia has explored using Bitcoin for international trade to bypass sanctions, showcasing Bitcoin’s utility beyond just an investment vehicle.
Impact of Leadership and Policy:
- Positive endorsements and clear regulations reduce scepticism and make Bitcoin more accessible to institutions and individuals.
- Countries with pro-Bitcoin policies, like El Salvador, create blueprints for others considering similar moves.
- However, restrictive policies, such as outright bans or heavy-handed taxation, can stifle innovation and slow adoption.
Bitcoin’s adoption is as much about policy and leadership as it is about the technology itself. Statements and regulations from influential entities determine how quickly—and where—Bitcoin becomes a truly global currency.
Challenges Facing Bitcoin Faucets
Bitcoin faucets are a great starting point for new users, but they face several challenges that could limit their effectiveness and longevity. From economic sustainability to security risks, these hurdles need to be addressed to ensure faucets remain a valuable tool for Bitcoin adoption.
Sustainability Concerns
The long-term viability of Bitcoin faucets hinges on their ability to generate revenue and maintain user interest in a changing crypto landscape.
1. Declining Rewards:
- As Bitcoin’s price rises, the cost of rewarding users increases, making it less profitable for faucet operators.
- Many faucets have significantly reduced the number of satoshis they distribute, leading to user dissatisfaction.
2. Reliance on Ad Revenue:
- Most faucets depend on ad revenue to fund payouts, but this model is increasingly under strain:
- Users often ignore or block ads, reducing revenue streams.
- Advertisers may avoid faucet platforms due to concerns over low engagement or fraud.
3. Competition from Other Earning Models:
- Newer earning methods, such as play-to-earn games and staking, are overshadowing traditional faucet models.
- Users are gravitating toward platforms that offer higher payouts or additional benefits like gamification.
4. Operational Costs:
- Running a faucet involves transaction fees for sending satoshis to users, hosting costs, and anti-fraud measures.
- For smaller faucet operators, these costs can outweigh the benefits, leading to closures.
To stay sustainable, faucets need to innovate—introducing gamified features, increasing partnerships, or diversifying their revenue streams.
Security Risks
Bitcoin faucets are a prime target for fraud and cyberattacks, which can erode user trust and platform integrity.
1. Scams and Fake Faucets:
- Many fraudulent platforms disguise themselves as faucets but steal user data or funds instead.
- This tarnishes the reputation of legitimate faucets and discourages users from participating.
2. Exploits and Bots:
- Some users employ bots or scripts to exploit faucet rewards, draining resources unfairly.
- This makes it harder for genuine users to benefit and increases costs for faucet operators.
3. Phishing Attacks:
- Fake faucets often trick users into entering private keys or wallet credentials, compromising their funds.
- Educating users about wallet security and avoiding suspicious sites is crucial.
4. Transactional Risks:
- Faucet payouts, often small in size, can be vulnerable to network congestion or high fees during periods of Bitcoin price volatility.
How to Mitigate Security Risks:
- For Users:
- Always use reputable faucets with strong community backing and verified track records.
- Avoid sharing private keys or wallet credentials with any faucet or website.
- For Operators:
- Implement CAPTCHA systems, anti-bot measures, and user verification tools to prevent abuse.
- Use micro-wallet services to process payouts securely and efficiently.
Educating Users:
Security awareness is critical. Teaching users how to spot scams, secure their wallets, and verify legitimate faucets is essential for sustaining the trust and safety of the faucet ecosystem.
Bitcoin faucets face a dual challenge of staying financially sustainable and protecting users from security threats. Overcoming these hurdles requires innovation, user education, and robust operational practices. By addressing these concerns, faucets can continue to serve as a valuable tool for onboarding new Bitcoin users.
The Future of Bitcoin Faucets in a Growing Crypto Ecosystem
Bitcoin faucets have been instrumental in introducing users to cryptocurrency, but their role is evolving as the crypto ecosystem matures. With advancements in technology and broader adoption, faucets have the potential to adapt and thrive in new ways.
Technological Innovations
The future of Bitcoin faucets depends on leveraging technology to enhance user experience, security, and sustainability.
1. Gamification for Engagement:
- Faucets are incorporating gaming elements such as levels, leaderboards, and rewards for milestones to keep users engaged.
- For example, faucets like Cointiply use gamified features to encourage regular participation and increase retention.
2. Micro-Payment Efficiency:
- Second-layer solutions like the Lightning Network are making Bitcoin transactions faster and cheaper.
- Faucets could adopt Lightning Network payments to distribute rewards instantly with minimal fees, enhancing usability.
3. AI and Anti-Fraud Measures:
- Machine learning can help identify and block bots or fraudulent activities more effectively.
- By securing the faucet ecosystem, operators can ensure that legitimate users receive their rewards.
4. Integration with DeFi (Decentralised Finance):
- Faucets could evolve into platforms that reward users with Bitcoin and other DeFi tokens.
- Users could directly stake their faucet earnings into DeFi protocols, earning additional income.
5. Enhanced User Education Tools:
- Faucets could include interactive tutorials or quizzes on blockchain concepts, rewarding users for learning.
- This would combine education and engagement, helping users deepen their understanding of crypto.
Integration with Broader Financial Systems
As Bitcoin adoption grows, faucets could play a key role in onboarding users into the broader crypto ecosystem and bridging traditional finance with decentralised systems.
1. Faucets as Entry Points to Crypto Banking:
- Faucets could partner with crypto-friendly financial institutions to help users transition from earning satoshis to using them in real-world applications, such as remittances, savings, or payments.
2. Partnerships with Merchants:
- Integration with online and offline merchants could allow users to spend faucet earnings directly on goods and services.
- This would showcase Bitcoin’s utility as a medium of exchange, not just a store of value.
3. Cross-Platform Integration:
- Faucets might integrate with crypto wallets, exchanges, and payment apps, enabling seamless transitions from earning to trading or spending.
- For example, faucet earnings could be auto-deposited into interest-bearing crypto accounts.
4. Support for Emerging Economies:
- In regions with limited financial access, faucets could collaborate with NGOs or local governments to promote financial inclusion through Bitcoin.
- Initiatives could target unbanked populations, providing them with small, regular earnings that contribute to economic empowerment.
5. Faucet Rewards in a Multi-Token World:
- As the crypto space diversifies, faucets might expand beyond Bitcoin to reward users with other popular cryptocurrencies or tokens, increasing their relevance in a multi-token ecosystem.
The Vision for Bitcoin Faucets
In a maturing crypto ecosystem, faucets have the opportunity to evolve from simple Bitcoin distribution tools into platforms that educate, empower, and integrate users into the broader decentralised economy. By adopting technological innovations and collaborating with financial systems, faucets can maintain their relevance and expand their impact as Bitcoin continues its journey to global adoption.
Conclusion
Bitcoin faucets are more than just tools for earning free satoshis—they’re gateways to the cryptocurrency world. They empower individuals by providing a low-risk, accessible way to learn about Bitcoin, participate in the crypto ecosystem, and gain financial literacy.
For users in emerging markets, faucets bridge the gap left by traditional banking systems, offering a foothold into a decentralised financial future. They’ve proven to be a vital on-ramp for Bitcoin adoption, enabling users to experience cryptocurrency firsthand without the financial hurdles often associated with entering the space.
As Bitcoin continues its global rise, faucets will play an essential role in:
- Educating the next wave of users.
- Introducing Bitcoin to unbanked populations.
- Helping individuals navigate volatility with confidence.
Looking ahead, innovations like integration with DeFi, gamification, and partnerships with broader financial systems could further enhance their relevance. Faucets have the potential to evolve into key platforms for fostering Bitcoin adoption, providing education, empowerment, and financial inclusion.
Bitcoin faucets aren’t just part of the past—they’re critical to the future of Bitcoin’s journey toward global acceptance. They offer a glimpse into the transformative power of cryptocurrency for anyone willing to take the first step.