(2021-09-20) The Eightfold Path To DAOism

The Eightfold Path to DAOism. Throughout this DAO boom, there has been little clarity on what these new organizations really are.

A programmable blockchain, like Ethereum, enables applications to run on a decentralized trust system

In truly decentralized systems, no one needs permission to join in on this action

So what does the above have to do with DAOs? The public blockchain and its native currency, also known as the base layer, act as a cozy blanket of trust that applications can be built on.

From our observations, these are the features that permit DAOs to flourish and build towards a sustainable future.

1 Automation at the Center, Humans at the Edges

There are some tasks that a protocol cannot perform on its own. It will require a human user to feed it inputs, within the bounds of the protocol’s automated rules—humans at the edges.

2 Open Source and Blockchain-Based

maintain a level of trust and prevents centralization over time

3 Independent Parties

Even though the participants are legally independent, they share values, goals and incentives

4 Internal Capital

Tokens are key for DAOs, because they bootstrap and fund the development of the protocol and its ecosystem

5 Governance

The governance function of the token promotes long-term value and growth. It gives token holders the power to change the rules of the system when necessary and allocate the resources of the ecosystem through a decision making process.

6 Enable a Bottom-Up Structure

Bottom-Up does not mean leaderless

Orca Protocol

This does not rule out the inclusion of top-down design. Actually, it is an essential part of intention-setting within the community. Founders can share their vision of what the protocol can become, and entice and inspire the community to follow that vision

7 Membership is Open

Participation is rewarded and keeps the system running according to its vision and rules.

8 Collusion is A Bug

Closing Thoughts

Orca Protocol is proudly building tools for DAOs to reach their full potential by uncomplicating collaboration. Orca’s key tool is the pod primitive, a modular and flexible body to manage participation, shared assets, and organizational permissioning.


Edited:    |       |    Search Twitter for discussion