Barter Bloc is a peer-to-peer marketplace where people exchange hobbies, passions, and skills using time, not money. It’s part timebanking, part community, and 100% built for everyday growth.

This past weekend, Barter Bloc did exactly what it was built for: connecting people through shared passion, mutual respect, and the radical idea that time is currency.

‍♟️ Exchange 1 – Teaching Chess

On Saturday, I taught a 1-hour introductory chess session to a new member of the Bloc. We walked through the basics of piece movement, how to think about early control of the board, and spent most of our time diving into the Italian Opening: one of the cleanest, most tactical openings for White, and my personal favorite.

We wrapped the hour with a casual game, applying what was learned. It wasn’t just about memorizing moves, it was about unlocking a mindset of focus, patience, and strategy. And the best part? This wasn't a transaction. It was a shared moment of growth (plus a little smack talk).

📝 Skill Given: Chess Strategy
🕒 Time Traded: 1 Hour
📍 Virtual
🎯 Taught: Piece movement, Italian Opening, practice game

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My Barter Bloc session was very eye-opening. Jon is very knowledgable in chess, which goes to show how well this app does with connecting you to people who are good at their hobbies. I was able to learn a lot without paying an arm and a leg, just a Barter Point! - Dontavious

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‍🍎 Exchange 2 – Learning iOS App Development

The next day, I was on the other side of the table as a student. I connected with an iOS developer who works at Apple. For one hour, we broke down app architecture, prototyping, and the tech stack they use to ship quality mobile experiences. He even gave recommendations on where Barter Bloc can go and its potential to thrive on the App Store. I asked questions, took notes, and walked away with a better understanding of how to improve the foundation of my own platform.

This wasn’t a lecture, it was a jam session between builders. And like the day before, no money changed hands! Just time, energy, and knowledge.

📝 Skill Received: iOS App Development Fundamentals
🕒 Time Traded: 1 Hour
📍Brooklyn, NY
🎯 Covered: Development process, app architecture, tools used

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It was awesome meeting with Jon and giving a quick crash course on iOS development. It's great to give back to the community and Barter Bloc makes that easy! - Praveen.

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🔗 Why This Matters

Barter Bloc isn’t just a platform, it’s a permission slip to grow without waiting on money, credentials, or the “right” time.

It’s about access, trust, and the belief that anyone can teach and anyone can learn.
This weekend, I taught. I learned. I reinvested my time directly into my growth.
That’s the loop we’re building: one hour at a time.

We’re still early, but these are the moments we’ll look back on and say: this is when the Bloc started becoming a movement.

Want to be featured in an Exchange Spotlight?

Share your experience, a photo, and what you learned with the community: Submit to contact@barterbloc.io

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