With the recent $OP & $HOP Airdrop hiccups & the criticism surrounding them, I figured it’s once again time to discuss some of the toxicity that seems increasingly more prevalent, especially in this current market. 

First of all, let’s talk about the fundamental nature of contemporary airdrops. If you’ve been around for a while you can skip the history lesson here. For neophytes to the space, understanding the genesis of the culture of retroactive airdrops can sometimes get lost in the noise. Though crypto airdrops have been around for sometime, the retro-reward governance model is usually credited as being started by Uniswap in 2020. Trying to maintain the continuity of decentralization was hardly anything new but, as anyone around in the ICO-boom days can attest, a better way was needed. The idea of giving ownership over to the very people who were already users & supporters seemed so simple, elegant, & fair. Though, as with all human endeavors, greed & exploitation followed swiftly.

When Uniswap gave everyone who used V1 400 UNI tokens each, it was a total game-changer. It was unexpected to most & was also the last time a protocol would have the element of surprise at that level. Users began trying to anticipate if/when an airdrop would take place. The malicious sought ways to exploit airdrops for maximum financial gain. This is done most commonly through the “Sybil” attack. The practice of using multiple wallets to increase allocation of a potential airdrop. (A reference to the book/film about a woman with multiple personalities.) Because of this protocols have had to get creative with eligibility criteria. This always leads to complainoors complaining. 

Anyone that has been here for more than a minute will tell you, the best strategy to qualify for airdrops is to actually be a user and/or contribute in some way. That said, gaming the system is something that people are always bound to try. If you choose to go that route though, you are gonna be disqualified frequently. In my (among many other’s) opinion this is tantamount to cheating & you forfeit the right to complain when you lose. It will be difficult to find a sympathetic ear anywhere. 

The culture behind Web3 is one that seeks to stay inclusive, decentralized, & democratic. If you spend any length of time here & help build a few things you begin to understand why so many hold these ideals & strive to guard them at all costs. Do we always get it right? Not hardly, but we are trying to create something that is better & more fair than everything that came before. Everyone with pure intentions is welcome to join in. Try to add value to the space & I assure you, rewards will follow. 

@erixink