Hi everyone, I’m just jumping into the conversation now, but I wanted to share some thoughts. I really resonate with this proposal and fully agree that finding a clear “north star” for the DAO is crucial for guiding us in the right direction.
The main objective here should be to set this DAO apart from others, attracting more users, developers, and investors. But how can we achieve that? I think the key to finding our north star is to look back at our roots. I’ve been on Arbitrum since day one, and I’ve seen how things have evolved—and, in many ways, how we’ve lost some of the advantages that made Arbitrum unique.
When Arbitrum first emerged, it offered a rare opportunity: a low-cost, high-speed alternative to mainnet Ethereum where EVM developers could experiment quickly and without paying exorbitant fees for contract deployments. This fostered a culture of rapid experimentation, making Arbitrum the go-to chain for innovation. Many of the successful projects that are still thriving on Arbitrum today were born during this period. But as other low-fee chains began to emerge, promising similar opportunities, we started to lose that unique advantage and culture of experimentation. Arbitrum, once the hub of innovation, became just another option in a crowded space.
The point I want to make is that at the end of the day, users follow opportunities—real opportunities to innovate and make money—not just vague branding or marketing. Focusing too much on marketing may not be the answer, because word-of-mouth and reputation naturally build around solid opportunities and successful projects. While slow, steady growth might not grab headlines, fostering a space where true innovation and experimentation can thrive will ultimately set us apart in the long term.
So, how can Arbitrum stand out in today’s competitive landscape? Should ARB artificially boost incentives to attract users, like through programs like STIP? Or should it focus on positioning itself as the premier chain for innovation—offering programs that reward groundbreaking projects? I believe it’s about creating opportunities for creators to experiment and succeed (or fail) without the fear of financial ruin. One idea could be to introduce retroactive funding for innovative projects, even if they don’t immediately gain traction. This would not only shape the user experience but also introduce new dynamics into the competitive landscape.
Given that we haven’t seen much true innovation in DeFi lately, Arbitrum could take the lead by reigniting that spirit of experimentation. We need to encourage more creators to push boundaries and incentivize them to experiment openly.
In short, I think Arbitrum needs to get back to what made it different from other L2s and lean into that original spirit of innovation. The DAO should play a role in helping steer the chain in this direction, creating a space where new projects and ideas can flourish. If ARB wants to stand out today, it’s all about returning to those roots. Let’s make Arbitrum great again!