Delegated Representative (DRep) Community Workshop in Oslo
On January 20, 2024, the city of Oslo became the center of the Cardano governance discussions at the Delegated Representative (DRep) community workshop. Hosted by Cardano Ambassador Thomas Lindseth and Eystein Hansen, a seasoned Stake Pool Operator (SPO) from ADA North Pool. Funded by Project Catalyst, the Oslo workshop is part of a series of upcoming events in Japan, Colombia, Ghana, and the US.
The workshop’s primary goal was to refine a Code of Conduct for DReps, a document collaboratively crafted over recent months. Rather than being a strict rulebook, this code aims to embody the values essential for a resilient governance system. Here’s the current version of the Code of Conduct.
Despite Oslo’s chilly embrace, 14 dedicated individuals from varied backgrounds – including developers, stake pool operators, and representatives from IOG, Intersect, and the Cardano Foundation – gathered to share their insights and visions.
Motivations of Becoming a DRep
The workshop began with a lively discussion about the motivations for becoming a DRep, using Miro to vote on different ideas democratically. The dominant reason for becoming a DRep, as supported overwhelmingly, was ‘to exercise the ability to change, maintain, and protect the blockchain.’ Another reason listed was that a functioning governance system requires participation and, therefore, a diverse group of DReps.
Streamlining the DRep Registration Process
The discussions then shifted towards streamlining the DRep onboarding process. A consensus emerged that integrating new governance features into existing wallets is crucial for this endeavor. Furthermore, there was a strong emphasis on the need for high-quality educational platforms to equip DReps with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Deep Dive into the Code of Conduct
The heart of the workshop involved an in-depth exploration of the Code of Conduct, mainly focusing on the pillars of Competence, Organization, and Fairness. The participants agreed on the importance of DReps demonstrating competence, suggesting that certifications from Cardano-specific courses could serve as a benchmark. A recurrent theme in our discussions was the need for transparency in governance. The group emphasized that DReps should openly disclose affiliations with projects or stakeholders in the governance ecosystem. A spirited debate unfolded around leveraging quadratic voting to balance the influence of large ada holders, ensuring a fairer representation in decision-making processes.
The image below captures the outcome of discussions on the Code of Conduct, highlighting critical points discussed by participants, such as the importance of transparency and competency in the DRep role.
Tackling DRep Branding and Tool Development
The discussions also ventured into the realm of DRep branding and tool development. There was a consensus that to prevent the DRep role from devolving into a popularity contest among crypto influencers, it’s essential to equip delegators with transparent and informative tools. These tools should showcase a DRep’s performance and facilitate the search for local DReps, reinforcing the community aspect of governance.
Innovation in DRep Tooling: A Speedrun Session
The workshop concluded with a productive speedrun session focused on DRep tooling. Three groups presented their ideas, followed by a vote to determine the most favored concept. While the idea of a vote market raised ethical questions, it was intriguing to see how it sparked debate. Integrating affiliate programs for DReps with wallets to streamline the delegation process was well-received, coming in second place. However, the winning idea was the concept of basket voting, allowing voters to delegate to coalitions centered around issues like sustainability and streamlining the decision-making process for ada holders.
Conclusion: The Power of Collaboration and Future Steps
The Oslo workshop underscored the power of face-to-face collaboration in refining governance systems. It was a reminder that while governance might currently be overshadowed by sectors like NFTs and DeFi, its significance in the long-term health and functionality of the Cardano ecosystems cannot be overstated. As we move forward, a key challenge for the broader community will be equipping ada holders with the tools and knowledge to participate in governance effectively. Only through collective effort and participation can we realize the true potential of decentralized governance.
Key Takeaways:
- The need for a well-crafted Code of Conduct was emphasized, focusing on competence, transparency, and fairness.
- Innovative tooling ideas, like basket voting, emerged, showcasing the community’s creativity and commitment to practical solutions.
- Providing high-quality and user-friendly educational materials to the Cardano Community will be of the utmost importance for a resilient governance system.
Thanks again for coming and the great discussions you contributed to!
