Abstract

This proposal introduces Phase 1 of a structured upgrade to the CVP system, aimed at increasing participation, reducing Sybil influence, enhancing transparency, and improving resource allocation. The proposed changes include adjusting governance voting minimums, introducing batch voting, implementing a fast-track option, and launching structured outreach initiatives such as AI-generated project summaries and AMAs. These changes will make CVP voting more meaningful and scalable while setting the foundation for future improvements.

Additional discussion can be reviewed in the [Temp Check] CVP Upgrade Proposal.

Purpose

The goal of this proposal is to align the CVP system with the long-term success of high-quality dApps launching on Metis by:

• Increasing participation in CVP eligibility votes to boost community engagement and awareness.
• Reducing Sybil votes to ensure governance reflects genuine community sentiment.
• Improving transparency and safety for Metis users researching new projects.
• Optimizing how marketing resources are allocated to maximize ecosystem impact.

Background

The current CVP system is a gatekeeping mechanism for projects requesting marketing support and resources from the Metis Foundation. However, several challenges have emerged:

• Sybil attacks (fake wallets, low-value votes) distort results and artificially help projects reach quorum.
• Governance fatigue is a growing issue, as tokenholders struggle to vet an increasing number of projects.
• Unclear expectations around marketing support have led to misconceptions that passing CVP automatically guarantees promotional backing from the Metis Foundation.

This proposal seeks to implement immediate improvements to address these issues while laying the groundwork for future enhancements.

Proposal

Phase 1: Immediate Upgrades to the CVP System

The following structural and outreach changes will be implemented:

1. Structural Changes

1.1 Voting Minimums

• Set a minimum of 0.1 METIS to participate in CVP votes.
• Reduce quorum from 500 to 400 unique wallets.
• Reduce Token Quorum from 10k METIS to 5k METIS, ONLY for CVP votes. All other voting types remain unchanged.
• Rationale: This makes Sybil attacks more expensive while ensuring a low barrier for governance participation. A 0.1 METIS threshold ensures that voters have at least minimal alignment with the Metis ecosystem. Additionally, reducing token quorum for CVP votes only balances adjusting for market conditions with minimizing risk of capture and centralization.

1.2 Batch Voting

• Group votes into batches of 3–5 projects, held on a set schedule (e.g., monthly or bi-monthly).
• Rationale: Reduces governance fatigue, making it easier for tokenholders to review projects in a structured manner.

1.3 Fast-Track Option

• Allow projects to opt out of batch voting and outreach initiatives if they prefer an immediate vote.
• Rationale: Provides flexibility for projects confident in their ability to meet quorum independently.

2. Outreach Initiatives

2.1 AI-Generated Podcast Summaries

• Each project in the eligibility vote batch will have an AI-generated podcast episode summarizing its key details.
• Implementation:
• Projects will submit relevant documentation (pitch decks, summaries). The AI-generated podcast will be shared on Metis governance channels.
• Rationale: This enables token holders to easily research projects without extensive manual effort.

2.2 Project Showcases (AMAs & Shill Sessions)

• Projects will have structured opportunities to present to the community before votes are held.
• Implementation:
• Live AMAs/shill sessions will be scheduled before each batch vote.
• Recordings will be made available for asynchronous participation.
• Rationale: Provides direct engagement between projects and the Metis community, increasing transparency and engagement.

3. Marketing Resource Clarification

• Clearly communicate that passing CVP makes a project eligible for marketing support but does not guarantee it.
• Rationale: Ensures projects understand that marketing support is allocated based on strategic priorities rather than automatically granted.

Next Steps & Future Considerations

If approved, these changes will be implemented immediately and monitored for effectiveness. The following conditions will determine readiness for future upgrades:

• Voting participation: Quorum (400 wallets, 5k METIS) is consistently met without additional interventions beyond the structured outreach initiatives.
• Sybil mitigation: The percentage of Sybil votes falls below 10%.
• Community engagement: AMA participation and podcast listening rates indicate meaningful interaction.
• Effectiveness review: If the Phase 1 adjustments fail to produce the desired outcomes, the strategy will be revised before advancing to future phases.

Longer-term enhancements such as tiered verification, community-led safety audits, and additional security features will be considered in subsequent phases but are not part of this proposal.

Conclusion

This proposal introduces structured, low-overhead governance improvements to increase participation, reduce Sybil votes, enhance transparency, and optimize marketing resource allocation. By implementing these immediate upgrades, the CVP system will become more scalable and aligned with the growth of high-quality projects in the Metis ecosystem.