Addressing the recently revisited proposal of the ATX DAO airdrop, I want to highlight the merits of such an initiative and why it not only aligns with our organization's ethos but also sets a precedent of recognizing the efforts of our community's contributors.
Broadly speaking, the benefits of the airdrop can be summed up in two main categories: early contributor rewards and governance rights.
Rewarding Early Contributors
Rewarding Early Contributors: At the core of ATX DAO is a community of innovators and pioneers, those who have invested their time, skills, and resources to shape the organization into what it is today. We should not lose sight of the fact that their contributions laid the groundwork for our current operations and the DAO's future prospects. The proposed airdrop is not just about extra voting power—it's about recognizing and rewarding these early contributors for their commitment and dedication. It is a gesture of gratitude that aligns with our values of camaraderie and shared success.
Financial Inclusion: While it is true that some of our members have enjoyed financial benefits from their involvement with the DAO, many have not had such opportunities. An airdrop serves as a token of appreciation to those members who have consistently participated in the DAO's governance process and contributed to our organization, yet have not received financial returns. It underscores the principle of equitable distribution of rewards, emphasizing that all members' contributions—irrespective of their monetary gain—are valuable and appreciated.
Governance Rights
Decentralization is the lifeblood of our DAO, and we understand that any move that could be perceived as undermining this principle requires careful consideration. However, the proposed airdrop would not lead to voter centralization, but rather, it would ensure a fair representation of those who have been actively involved in the growth and governance of ATX DAO.
Scale of Influence: Even with the proposed airdrop, the balance of power within ATX DAO will not shift drastically. Even if all current members receive an additional NFT, this will not result in a monopoly of power. The maximum an individual member could wield is three votes, a capacity only held by twelve genesis members. The vast majority of our members will have either one or two votes, maintaining a diverse and distributed decision-making process.
Democracy in Diversity: It's crucial to remember that diversity is a strength in a democratic process. Having a mix of voting powers among our members—those with one, two, or three votes—enhances the variety of perspectives and influences that shape our DAO's decisions. We are not centralizing power; rather, we are ensuring our early contributors have a slightly amplified voice in recognition of their foundational role in the organization.
Experienced Decision Making: Those members who have been with us from the beginning have a deep understanding of our organization's vision, ethos, and operations. Their additional voting power simply acknowledges their experience and knowledge, which can guide the DAO in making well-informed decisions. Just as senior board members in traditional organizations often have more influence due to their expertise and experience, our early contributors' enhanced influence is a testament to their familiarity with the intricacies of ATX DAO.
Future-Proofing: As our membership grows and more people get involved in ATX DAO, the relative influence of the airdrop will diminish over time. Moving to a Nouns style auction for future members will not lead to higher concentration of power among early contributors because there won't be more airdrops. This ensures that while we reward our early contributors now, the future remains open and balanced for new members who wish to get involved and make a significant impact.
As we move forward, let's remember that the airdrop clause in the initial Bluebonnet round proposal is not an exercise in concentration of power but a means to recognize and honor the tireless efforts of our early contributors. It is a manifestation of our respect for their dedication, a celebration of our shared successes, and an embodiment of our commitment to remain an inclusive and decentralized organization.
Lastly, I want to clarify that the perspective I have presented in favor of the proposed airdrop reflects my personal viewpoint, shaped by my understanding and interpretation of our organization. My main intention is to articulate the potential benefits of the airdrop and to contribute to the ongoing discussion. However, the final decision is not mine, nor should it be. Our strength as a DAO lies in our collective wisdom and our shared commitment to democratic decision-making. I believe in the ability of our members to thoughtfully weigh all arguments, engage in open and respectful dialogue, and ultimately make a decision that best aligns with the collective interests of our community.
