Starknet is ditching off-chain polling, and it will make tokens count

Starknet is set to hold its first on-chain vote on Sept. 10. Hopefully, it will set a precedent for protocols to follow going forward.

Blockchain protocols and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO) argue that, as a rule, conducting activity on-chain is best. However, the vast majority of us are still voting off-chain. That’s right — we’re turning to Web2 single-operator-run votes to facilitate our permissionless happy place.

It feels frustrating. My experience at Starknet is echoed across our space. I desperately wanted permissionless on-chain voting used for governance from the very first day. But it just hasn’t been possible.

DAO and protocol governance has required a painful tradeoff until now. Hold votes off-chain in favor of cost and inclusivity, or stick to your principles, go on-chain and watch the gas deter a broad swath from voting at all. Decentralization with a voters’ participation charge isn’t the future we envisioned.

Starknet is set to hold its first on-chain vote on Sept. 10. Hopefully, it will set a precedent for protocols to follow going forward.
Blockchain protocols and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO) argue that, as a rule, conducting activity on-chain is best. However, the vast majority of us are still voting off-chain. That’s right — we’re turning to Web2 single-operator-run votes to facilitate our permissionless happy place.It feels frustrating. My experience at Starknet is echoed across our space. I desperately wanted permissionless on-chain voting used for governance from the very first day. But it just hasn’t been possible.DAO and protocol governance has required a painful tradeoff until now. Hold votes off-chain in favor of cost and inclusivity, or stick to your principles, go on-chain and watch the gas deter a broad swath from voting at all. Decentralization with a voters’ participation charge isn’t the future we envisioned.Read more