Dear Zcash Community,
During a recent Twitter spaces conversation, @zooko and @Dodger expressed their faith in the community to lead the dev fund discussions. Their trust is not only commendable but a testament to the vibrant strength of our community. Yet, with the stakes so high, there’s a pressing need for them to play a more pronounced role. Ignoring the looming risk tied to insufficient funds can imperil Zcash’s future.
To foster an informed dialogue, a few months ago I delved deep into the intricacies of these dev fund discussions, drawing from both data and my experiences. My insights are compiled in this document – initially a personal notebook I now share it to highlight the crucial need for more structured guidance from ECC and ZF.
Key Observations:
- Time Investment: My research spanned days, poring over the transparency reports and engaging with members of the community. It’s a commitment not everyone might be able to make.
- Data Gaps: The reports I accessed were often dated, and while my 15 years of experience guided my estimates, they remain imbued with uncertainties.
- Price Fluctuations: Predicting the ZEC price trajectory is challenging. Banking on speculative market highs is a perilous strategy.
- Need for Organizational Input: The scant guidance from ECC and ZF compounds the challenges. Clear directives are pivotal for well-informed choices.
- The Challenge of Proposals: Crafting a well-rounded funding proposal is intricate, particularly without in-depth insights into ECC and ZF’s operational dynamics.
- A Plea for Transparency: For Zcash’s flourishing future, we need well-structured proposals with transparent cost breakdowns. The responsibility squarely rests on ECC and ZF to enlighten the community.
The stark reality? If the dev fund remains at 20%, both entities may be compelled to halve their workforce from current levels – a move ECC may have already unintentionally begun with the most recently staffing changes. But as outsiders, we’re left in the dark. Without access to pivotal data and with ECC and ZF’s silence, we’re forced to make educated guesses about their future trajectory.
Zcash’s path forward is a collective endeavor, yet leaders like @zooko and @dodger wield unparalleled influence. Their guidance, openness, and commitment can profoundly influence our shared destiny.
A heartfelt appeal to @zooko and @dodger: Our community craves more than just numbers. We yearn for direction, optimism, and lucidity. If Zcash’s lifeline – the dev fund – needs bolstering, please champion its cause. Armed with insights and fueled by passion, we stand ready to rally.