One does not just create a DAO. 

I’m talking about a real deal DAO here. One that is programmed into the blockchain, that has no off button, where a malicious actor can exploit the system and run off with the money.

Indeed, to fork the Moloch framework, and invite anyone who cares to join could be disastrous - or no one would simply show up.

We all know it, we just don’t talk about it.

Truth is, to start fully functioning DAO is scary as hell. Which is why we have a lot of communities and pre-DAOs in the space right now.

We start with community because that gives a sense of safety and belonging. After a sense of community is cultivated we graduate to pre-DAO status, where we start to structure what an actual DAO might look like. Most will never make it out of the pre-DAO phase because it’s simply too difficult (and not from a technological perspective) to build out the philosophical, cultural, tokenomics and governance framework.

If we want to create DAOs that are sustainable, let’s be deliberate with where we are in the process.

Saying we’re a DAO, when we’re actually a growing community or pre-DAO only creates confusion - and makes it easy for us to hide.  **

PS. I’m running an open source tool experiment called the DAO Design Canvas. It exists for DAO creators like us, who want to create meaningful experiences for our contributors. Learn more here.**

One does not just create a DAO. 

I’m talking about a real deal DAO here. One that is programmed into the blockchain, that has no off button, where a malicious actor can exploit the system and run off with the money.

Indeed, to fork the Moloch framework, and invite anyone who cares to join could be disastrous - or no one would simply show up.

We all know it, we just don’t talk about it.

Truth is, to start fully functioning DAO is scary as hell. Which is why we have a lot of communities and pre-DAOs in the space right now.

We start with community because that gives a sense of safety and belonging. After a sense of community is cultivated we graduate to pre-DAO status, where we start to structure what an actual DAO might look like. Most will never make it out of the pre-DAO phase because it’s simply too difficult (and not from a technological perspective) to build out the philosophical, cultural, tokenomics and governance framework.

If we want to create DAOs that are sustainable, let’s be deliberate with where we are in the process.

Saying we’re a DAO, when we’re actually a growing community or pre-DAO only creates confusion - and makes it easy for us to hide.  **

PS. I’m running an open source tool experiment called the DAO Design Canvas. It exists for DAO creators like us, who want to create meaningful experiences for our contributors. Learn more here.**