GOVERN DOT! - Newsletter Edition 91
In this week’s edition:
Editorial: Govern vibes, the latest in governing Polkadot, and recapping lingo content.
Top Story - DOT is DAO: unlike other ecosystems, governance is not an afterthought. Let’s get into how the world’s largest DAO is getting things done.
Featured Report - Open for DOT Lingo: as a treasury-funded initiative, WagMedia is open to cultivating content in other languages.
Wag Roundup: News from our Finders Program between March 13th and March 19th.
Extras: Credits and anything else.
The full newsletter can be enjoyed via this link.
Editorial
What is up, my friends!
Despite bearish readings, the pro-crypto government in the land of the free remains optimistic. We’ve seen symbolic moves like a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the end of Operation Choke Point 2.0, and executive pitches to government officials. Building on this momentum, we witnessed the passing of the Genius Act this past week, which paves the way for stablecoin regulations.
Moving on to governance within Web3, the week saw some major CROntroversy and also SOL general lack of understanding. Sure, things can get wild and hyper in vaulted permissionless systems, but isn’t this the essence of Web3? Like, aside from the cringe, does it make sense for a decentralized protocol to endorse a permissioned centralized government?
This brings us on to the top story of the week, where we’ll be taking a closer look at the latest governing in the world's largest DAO. While things have occasionally been wild, governance certainly isn’t an afterthought.
For our featured report, we’ll be turning our attention to non-Anglo content. Amid some recent funding struggles for foreign language content initiatives, WagMedia continues to be a viable option.
Dodow, Chief Editor
Top Story of the Week - DOT is DAO
Written by yay.oi
What’s passin’, voters? Nothing on Solana, by the looks of it. It certainly is enlightening observing primal attempts at governance from the high horse of the world’s largest DAO. It seems even our cringe game is less deletable.
Now we have a founder baffled by the concept of on-chain governance enacting protocol upgrades, and a key opinion leader obliged to jump ship. Solana’s failed proposal to adjust inflation parameters has highlighted a glaring fault in its governance model.
While successful in its own inflation adjustment referendum, and with thousands of referenda under its belt, those in the Polkadot DAO know that on-chain governance does not come easily. It can, and needs to, evolve over time in response to its stakeholders’ wishes.
In Polkadot governance this week, the Hyperbridge x Bifrost proposal, requesting almost $3.5M to incentivize multi-chain DOT and vDOT liquidity, was approved by a landslide, with almost 100% approval. It’s the Polkadot DAO’s biggest spend yet for 2025, but a bold new plan spearheaded by Tommi Enenkel (Alice und Bob) could see some even bigger spending on the horizon.
After meeting with over 100 ecosystem agents in Hong Kong and Denver this year, Tommi has formulated a shared strategy for the growth of Polkadot. The vision Make Web3 a reality, the mission Make Polkadot the best place to build Web3!
The plan aims to attract more developers to the ecosystem by ensuring that building on Polkadot is easy, powerful, fast, and fun. Tommi has formulated six programs to drive growth and execute this vision, each would have its own program manager and budget...................…….
Check out our full newsletter for the full story.
Featured Report - Open for DOT Lingo
Written by Dodow
While English-language content dominates WagMedia’s creator economy and supports the Polkadot narrative on mainstream socials, the Wag mission has always welcomed content in other languages. English may cater to global audiences, but it can’t always fully address the preferences of media for certain demographics.
In our recent report celebrating Chinese content in the Polkadot ecosystem, we highlighted that cultural nuances and social impact can only truly be addressed in the native language. Furthermore, it’s important to recognize that distribution channels and methods of social engagement can vary.
Historically, the Polkadot DAO has given the opportunity for ecosystem agents to address the needs of different demographics. However, the recent sentiment of OpenGov has not been as favourable when it comes to funding. Perhaps a mix of market conditions and more appropriate funding initiatives like the Marketing Bounty, Events Bounty, and WagMedia justifies this shift.
After all, the Wag mantra is about helping tell Polkadot’s story, one creator at a time. Creators are encouraged to tap into their own creative ideas while prioritizing substance, authenticity, and smart engagement, all principles that apply regardless of language. It may be just a matter of time before we nurture our next Dotcast, which was originally supported through WagMedia.
In the past, WagMedia catered to over 18 languages, with rewards determined through peer review. Ikhaled currently leads our non-Anglo program and selects reviewers for each submitted piece of content. Additionally, given advancements in translation tools, the emphasis is now on original lingo (i.e., non-English) content.
Currently, our non-Anglo program is steadily gaining momentum in content submissions, with some creators returning after participating in the Spanish Bounty. We have also encouraged AIWeb3 to share content, as they are still without funding..............……...
Wag Roundup
Written by yay.oi
The growth of major stablecoins issued on Polkadot has reached record levels. The outlook looks promising, with easier access through integration with centralized exchanges and very low transaction fees.
Thanks to the ongoing work of Velocity Labs, Copper is expanding its institutional-grade digital asset custody offerings to include Polkadot Asset Hub and parachain tokens.
With the latest Snowbridge update, ERC-20 tokens can now be bridged directly between Ethereum, Hydration, Moonbeam, and Bifrost.
Peaq's tremendous growth continues, reaching an impressive milestone of 2.5 million wallets with access to 50 DePINs across 20 industries.
After surpassing its Evaluation Round target, Xcavate’s fundraise on Polimec has progressed to the Funding Round, which will last for 14 days. Funding will be approved if participants commit at least 33% of the $250K target.
The Bifrost BNC token is now live on Ascendex. Deposit at least 1 BNC by March 24th for a chance to share in a 20K BNC prize pool.
With almost 100% approval, the 795K DOT multi-chain DOT and vDOTmulti-chain liquidity incentives campaign proposed by Hyperbridge and Bifrost has passed by a landslide.
Take a pudgy peek at the first gameplay trailer for Mythical’s upcoming mobile release Pudgy Party.
It looks like the NFL has a new rival, as Mythical also dropped the first gameplay trailer for FIFA Rivals this week.
Ajuna’s Big Ballz of Bajun game has surpassed the massive milestone of one million mints.
The latest episode of the Decentralized Mic series, released on March 18th, featured Bill (Web3 Foundation), Joyce (Parity), and Lane (NEAR) comparing the governance approaches of Polkadot, Ethereum, and NEAR.
Extras
Awesome cover art created by SKULLZ.
For all you budding creators out there, don't hesitate any longer – join us now! There are plenty of rewards awaiting your creativity.