The Polkadot blockchain, a rising star in the Web3 space, is facing a heated debate about inclusivity and fair treatment for Asian-led projects. Accusations of a “highly toxic” environment and biased grant allocation processes have emerged, raising concerns about diversity within the Polkadot ecosystem.
Asian project leaders like Victor Ji, co-founder of Manta Network, allege facing significant hurdles compared to their Western counterparts. Ji describes an initial welcoming environment from the Web3 Foundation, followed by a distancing after securing funding. He points to complex internal politics, exclusive groups, and difficulties obtaining grants as major roadblocks.
Harold Yu, founder of DIN, echoes these sentiments, criticizing the grant application process as overly complex. Both Ji and Yu claim a stark contrast exists between their experiences and those of European and US projects, which they believe receive larger grants with greater ease. This perceived disparity has fueled frustration and accusations of unfair treatment within the Asian developer community.
It’s important to note that these criticisms target the ecosystem’s culture and practices, not Polkadot’s impressive technology itself. Ji acknowledges Polkadot‘s strong foundation but emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach.
Adding fuel to the fire is Polkadot’s recent financial report. The report reveals a significant expenditure of $87 million in the first half of the year, with a staggering $37 million going towards marketing alone. This high spending has drawn criticism from the community, who believe the returns haven’t justified the costs.
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Furthermore, with the current spending rate, Polkadot’s funds are projected to last only two years. This raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem and its ability to support diverse projects, particularly in light of the current controversy.
The Polkadot situation highlights a critical issue in the rapidly evolving blockchain space: ensuring equal opportunities for all participants regardless of origin. As the debate unfolds, it will be crucial for Polkadot to address these concerns and implement changes that foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all developers, especially those in Asia.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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