- Introduction
I am just an ASTR holder, an ordinary user without knowledge of Web3 norms, blockchain technology, or specialized expertise.
However, I feel that the current DAPPS STAKING mechanism is not beneficial for ASTR.
This is a conceptual proposal, but I hope it can spark discussions and contribute, even a little, to the development of ASTR.
Also, I’m not fluent in English, so please forgive any mistakes.
- Problem Statement
The original purpose of DAPPS STAKING was to create a system that directly rewards DAPPS developers, provides incentives to choose ASTR as their development chain, and attracts and fosters numerous developers and DAPPS.
But what is the current reality?
- DAPPS that don’t commit to ASTR
- Dormant, zombie DAPPS
- DAPPS operating across multiple chains
These types of DAPPS dominate, and there are very few flagship DAPPS for ASTR or innovative, engaging DAPPS that truly commit to ASTR. The leading DAPPS in terms of votes are part of the core team, which isn’t even a DAPP.
Shouldn’t the costs of attracting DAPPS already operating on other chains be covered by grants or treasury funds instead?
Why has this happened?
- The goal has shifted from “creating” DAPPS to simply “collecting” them.
- The absolute amount of rewards is so small that it cannot be considered meaningful development support.
- The ASTR brand is not compelling enough to attract developers.
Additionally, the current role of ASTR is to support Soneium in the background.
Given this reality, the nature and purpose of DAPPS STAKING should be reimagined as follows.
- Proposal
I propose transforming DAPPS STAKING into a venture capital-like mechanism that provides seed funding to new developers and teams.
Conceptual Framework
(1) Requirements for Funded Developers:**
- Must be a startup creating something new.
- Upon DAPP completion, must deploy it on either Substrate or Sonium.
(2) Operational Role Allocation:**
- SONY/SONEIUM should handle promotion and advertising (Startrail and ASTR should not).
- Use the same format as DOT’s parachain auction, where votes lock ASTR, and staking rewards are given to voting holders.
(3) Rewards:**
- Rewards should be paid in ASTR tokens.
- Rewards should be provided as a one-time lump sum for seed funding, not distributed daily.
- The reward amount should be a minimum of $200,000 USD, comparable to seed or Series A funding levels.
(4) Expected Outcomes:
- The SONY/Soneium brand will attract developers.
- Many native DAPPS committed to ASTR will emerge.
- ASTR will be used as a base currency.
- ASTR holders will receive staking rewards through voting.
- ASTR holders will be encouraged to participate in the ecosystem.
This approach could foster startups with the potential and passion seen in projects like NEROX that commit to ASTR. By combining Sony’s influence with ASTR’s unique mechanisms, it may unlock the original value of the chain as a platform.
Especially for ASTR, securing utility and an essential position within Sonium is critical. By using ASTR to fund developers gathered by Sonium and ensuring their commitment to ASTR, ASTR can become the base currency and establish itself as Sonium’s most critical partner.