Implementing a "Tier Governance Structure" for the DAO

by 0xb2223f4038def8a62a86e3c4b108cdfe00a74c4f (Chillin)

Should the problem/opportunity outlined be refined and taken to the next level?

Problem Statement

The Decentraland DAO is currently facing several issues:

• Concentration of Power: A small number of people with significant Voting Power (VP) can control decisions, which may conflict with the broader community's interests and Decentraland's core values.

• Unorganized Roles: There is no clear structure defining who is funded, how much they receive, and for what tasks. This lack of transparency leads to perceptions of bureaucracy and unfairness within the community.

• Low Community Participation: There is no clear path for community members to get more involved or advance in the organization.

• Too Much Complexity: The grant process is overly complex with excessive steps and rules. So a simple task can take a long time to build.

• Lack of Accountability: It's challenging to hold individuals accountable or remove underperforming members, especially when they operate within teams.

Proposed Solution

The suggestion is to create a Tier Governance System with different levels of participation:

Tier 4: General Contributors

• Who?: Everyone starts here.

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Tier 3: Recognized Contributors

• Who?: Members who have made valuable contributions to the community.

• How to join: VP holders vote to approve/revoke/deny applications.

• Application: Submit a proposal similar to the "Open Call for Delegates" forum discussion where individuals detailed their work and previous contributions.

• Accountability: Can be removed by VP holders if underperforming or acting against community interests.

• Benefits:

  • Eligible for grants up to $5,000 to support their projects (approved by Tier 1 members).
  • Can help nominate candidates for Tier 2 and Tier 1.

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Tier 2: Event Organizers and Specialists

• Who they are: Members who organize major events and special projects.

• How to join: Approval from Tier 1/2/3 members

• Responsibilities:

  • Organize significant community events (e.g., Fashion Week, Music Festivals).
  • Moderate community discussions (e.g., Discord).

• Benefits:

  • Receive a monthly payment of $200 (paid in MANA).
  • Eligible for grants up to $20,000 to support their projects (approved by Tier 1 members).
  • Can help nominate candidates for Tier 1/2.

• Accountability:

  • Can be removed by VP holders.
  • Must maintain active participation and meet project goals.

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Tier 1: Core Developers and Leaders

• Who they are: A group of 10+ highly skilled developers contributing to Decentraland's core infrastructure and managing tasks each day.

• How to join: Decided by Tier 1/2/3 members.

• Benefits: Receive a monthly salary of $2,000 ($1,000 in MANA, and $1,000 vested in MANA for 1 year).

• Responsibilities:

  • Manage the DAO's treasury via a multi-signature wallet (requires approval from 6 out of 10 members for transactions).
  • Approve grants for community projects.
  • Mentor members in lower tiers.
  • Develop and maintain core platform features.
  • Build towards the community vision.

• Accountability:

  • Can be removed by VP holders if underperforming.
  • Must adhere to high standards of transparency and effectiveness.

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GOD Tier (Visionary Leader)

• Who they are: The leader responsible for guiding the long-term vision of Decentraland.

• How to join: Tier 1 members do an annual vote.

• Benefits: Receive a monthly payment of $2,000 (paid in MANA, vested for 1 year).

• Accountability: Can be removed by VP holders or Tier 1 members if underperforming or misaligned with community values.

• Responsibilities:

  • Set the overall direction and strategy for Decentraland.
  • Represent Decentraland publicly.
  • Ensure the security and integrity of the platform.
  • Collaborate closely with Tier 1 members to implement the vision.

Target Audience/Customer Base

• Active Contributors and Developers: Individuals already contributing who seek opportunities to advance and have a greater impact.

• Community Members: Users who wish to be more involved in decision-making and the future direction of Decentraland.

• Voting Power (VP) Holders: Stakeholders and investors who desire a more effective and accountable governance system.

• Prospective Contributors: Newcomers looking for clear pathways to contribute and grow within the community.

Why is this relevant now?

With recent talks about creating an "executive arm," this proposal offers an improved solution while maintaining decentralization values. The purpose of the DAO is to fund people that build the platform.

• Improve Efficiency: The DAO needs a better structure to make faster and more effective decisions. We should be able to tell Tier 1 members what we want and see it built quickly. If it is not built, then members could lose their job.

• Encourage Fairness: By spreading power more evenly, we promote a more democratic and inclusive community.

• Increase Accountability: Clear mechanisms to remove underperforming members ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.

• Simplify Processes: Reducing complexity makes it easier for contributors to participate and for projects to be completed efficiently.

• Foster Growth: A structured system attracts more contributors and retains talent, helping Decentraland to grow and improve.

Implementing this tiered system now will address current challenges and position Decentraland for future success. It aligns with our values of decentralization, transparency, and community empowerment. It also positions Decentraland to potentially operate independently of the foundation entirely.

This proposal is summarized due to technical limitations. To view it complete and vote on it, visit the DCL DAO Governance dApp