[TIP-01] Rephrase Question 2.a) & 2.c)

[TIP-01] Rephrase Question 2.a) & 2.c)

Author : Lavi
Section/Question : Section 2 - Tokenomics / Questions 2.a) & 2.c)
Date : March 23, 2022
Link to discussion : Link
Status : Draft

Summary

Question 2.a) and 2.c) are currently not phrased very clearly. We see often times raters mix up initial token allocation and ongoing distribution mechanisms. By rephrasing the questions more accurately, we aim to make it easier to answer them.

Problem Specification

With this TIP, we propose to change the title, the wording of the question, as well as the scoring table for both questions 2.a) and 2.c). Further, we propose to swap the order, so that question 2.b) is put first, in the tokenomics section.

Status Quo: This is the current phrasing of Q 2.a)

a) Is the token sufficiently distributed? (15 points)

The token distribution can be an indicator of a healthy protocol. When the protocol tokens are widely distributed among different stakeholder groups and contributors, this genuinely improves the coordinating capability of the token and strengthens the resiliency of the protocol. Was the initial distribution balanced between relevant stakeholders? Are the tokens distributed over sufficient participants (10, 25, 100 largest addresses)?

Score:

Score Description
12-15 The token distribution effectively aligns stakeholders for the betterment of the protocol
8-11 The token distribution represents the actual stakeholders of the protocol
4-7 The token distribution is unjustifiably skewed towards specific stakeholders
0-3 The token distribution is heavily skewed towards a small number of stakeholders

Status Quo: This is the current phrasing of Q 2.c)

c) Is the issuance/distribution model able to improve the coordination of the protocol? (10 points)

To what extent does the issuance of the token support the advancement and function of the protocol? Are the tokens justifiably being issued? Does the issuance model incentivize the right behaviour? Are all relevant stakeholders benefiting from the issuance model?

Score:

Score Description
8-10 The issuance model of the token incentivizes the right behaviour and improves the protocol
5-7 The issuance model of the token has some incentives that improve the protocol
2-4 The issuance model has limited incentives in place that improve the protocol
0-1 The issuance model does not improve the coordination of the protocol

Proposed Solution

With this TIP we propose to rephrase the two questions as follows (Remark: question 2.a) is now labelled at 2.b), as this change is also requested with this :

b) Initial token allocation (15 points)

Token distribution can be an indicator of a healthy protocol and, if done well, can improve coordination and alignment among different stakeholders. Was the genesis/initial distribution fair and balanced? Are the tokens distributed widely or is the ownership concentrated and skewed toward early insiders? Are vesting schedules aligned with long-term vision?

Score:

Score Description
12-15 Token distribution effectively aligns stakeholders for the betterment of the protocol. Public allocation (e.g. community, public sale, ecosystem, LP rewards, etc.) is significant. Vesting schedules and lock-ups are fair and ensure long-term commitment from the team and investors (>3 yrs).
8-11 Token distribution is reasonable and does a decent job at aligning stakeholders for the betterment of the protocol. Vesting schedules and lock-ups are fair. Public allocation is in-line with industry standards and can be distributed over time to incentivise positive behaviours.
4-7 Token distribution is questionable. Initial allocation is skewed to early insiders (public/ecosystem allocation is <50%), and vesting schedules for the team and investors do not signal long-term focus.
0-3 Token distribution is heavily skewed towards early insiders, with aggressive vesting and short lock-ups (<1 yr).

c) Continuous token issuance & tokenomics mechanisms (10 points)

Most token distribution schedules have built-in inflation. This section evaluates the purpose of that continuous token distribution. Is it justifiable? Does it help improve the coordination and alignment of incentives for the protocol? Does it incentivise positive-sum behaviour? Are the benefits flowing to all relevant stakeholders or just select groups?

Score:

Score Description
8-10 The issuance model of the token incentivises positive-sum behaviour, improves coordination and benefits all relevant stakeholders.
5-7 The issuance model is reasonable, albeit not ideal, and benefits the protocol and stakeholder coordination
2-4 The issuance model has limited incentives in place that improve the protocol and disproportionately benefits select stakeholders.
0-1 The issuance model does not benefit the protocol or key stakeholders.

Vote Specification

FOR: Rephrase the questions as described above

AGAINST: Do not rephrase and keep status quo

1 Like

Rephrases are clearer but I was wondering if some metric in both questions should be provided as a guide e.g. 30% of initial distribution went to public would align with a 4 score.

Additionally I think distribution to stakeholders should be queried where possible e.g. if 60% went to the community what portion of the community would be eligble.

2 Likes

Thanks for the feedback. I agree that it’s very helpful to have specific numbers in the table. Makes it easier for the rater. However, it’s also thin ice: What is the industry standard? What is a good genesis distribution?

Finding the right answer needs more insights and probably an endless discussion. However, to show how it would look like, I gave it a try nonetheless (see number in bold).
One could argue that in the case of genesis distribution there is a clear cut, for which we can state with confidence that it’s not ideal, i.e. as soon as private allocation (early insiders) get >50% of all tokens distributed.
From there we can move up/down to provide guidance on what good/very good allocation should look like. However, since this is very un-scientific but will strongly influence the scoring, I’m not convinced that we should leave it like this. Looking forward to your feedback.

2 Likes

I think your idea for “dynamic guidance” makes the most sense. This article is interesting because provide some starting parameters.

Maybe higher share of DAO/protocol treasury and economic incentives allocation deserve higher score because present flexible part of supply.

1 Like