[DAO:132b359] Determining maximum pause duration for projects delayed

Governance
1

by 0x858343382132b9ab46c857a7d52fdbafc039f784 (Zino)

Problem:
In our governance process, we’re facing a crucial decision regarding the duration of pauses in the vesting contracts used for projects funded through the Grants program.
The current vesting contract allows for two types of pauses:

  • Preemptive Pause by Grant Support Squad: Triggered if the Grant Support Squad identifies an objective concern and sends the case to the Revocations Committee. This pause period cannot exceed 30 days, during which the Revocations Committee may request further information, extending the 6-day response period but not exceeding 30 days total. Art. 9 point 5 - Revocations Committee framework.

  • Pause Requested by Grantee Due to Delays: Currently, there is no specified maximum duration for this type of pause.

Proposal: The Grant Support Squad recommends a three-month pause duration.
If a project requires an extension beyond this period, it should undergo a review by the Revocations Committee to assess the need for a new vesting contract.
If the period of time ends without catch up, the vesting contract will be sent to the Revocations Committee
We want the community’s opinion on what the maximum pause duration should be in this scenario.

Additional valuable Information: To provide further context, we have examples of past pauses (before the creation of the Revocations Committee) that demonstrate the need for flexibility and community input:

case A) The Uncensored Library in Decentraland was paused in October 2022 and is now, after 12 months, requesting the release of remaining funds, as the project is supposed to be on track (the GSS will review the case).

case B) Polkadot - Substrate integration and education - BUITL: was paused 8 months ago and is now requesting the release of remaining funds due to project progress (similar case as Uncensored Library).

case C) CROSSVERSE: A cross-metaverse play, learn, explore-to-earn game experience was paused in November 2022 due to an existing blocker. 4 months later, the Worlds Feature was presented, allowing the project to continue development.

  • 1 month
  • 3 months
  • 6 month
  • Other option (please, specify in the forum)
  • Invalid question/options

Vote on this proposal on the Decentraland DAO

View this proposal on Snapshot

2

I am glad to see this kind of proposal.

I fully support the ability to pause grants. Life happens, projects can face unexpected delays. The pause gives grantees a chance to get assistance if necessary, make staff changes, realign their roadmap, etc. 3 months seems ideal. If the project needs more time, that can be negotiated through the Revocations Committee on a case-by-case basis.

The problem I see with having no limit to the pause, is that now a grant who has remained inactive for 12 months is asking for funding again. A LOT changes in the Web3/Crypto space in 12 months. Not just the price of Mana, but also in tech and developments. After a full year, and descent into a bear market, is this project something the community still sees value in?

I like that the Revocation Committee is looking into the additional funding of these grants… I would also propose that after a set duration, perhaps the grants are returned to the community and re-voted on, to see if each project still holds value in the current state of the DAO health/bear market. So perhaps pauses are allowed in steps:

First pause: 3 months, enacted by DAO
Next pause: Revocations Committee can determine 3-6 months based on individual circumstances
Next step: Proposal must return to community vote for continued funding

This allows for room for a pause, but also lets us adjust for the ever-changing dynamics of Web3.

For example, the Uncensored Library was proposed on April 18th, 2022, when Mana was $2.02, and correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe this was passed with a self-vote of 3.8 million mana, back when voting on your own proposals for clients when you hold millions of vp that those same clients delegate to you was not questioned. :thinking:

I think the community will be watching the outcome of this specific proposal ^ very carefully.

1 Like
3

Agreed! Exactly! 100%

4

Agree with Canessa… I don’t think it’s right for a project that has been paused for so long to continue without a community vote. I believe we should be able to pause for 3, extend for another 3 months and the community should decide, after 6 months if the project should continue.

5

Determining maximum pause duration for projects delayed

This proposal is now in status: FINISHED.

Voting Results:

  • 1 month 1% 58 VP (7 votes)
  • 3 months 99% 5,537,771 VP (34 votes)
  • 6 month 0% 0 VP (0 votes)
  • Other option (please, specify in the forum) 0% 0 VP (0 votes)
  • Invalid question/options 0% 0 VP (0 votes)
6

Determining maximum pause duration for projects delayed

This proposal has been PASSED by a DAO Committee Member (0xfb1afa4dc069ffb47b19dbee196045d508fcd5a2)

7

Thank you @CheddarQueso and @Canessa for your feedback
I’m sending you a draft including the steps that you have suggested. Would be great if you could check it during the following days so we can escalate the poll to a draft :slight_smile:

have a great new year!
Zino