Introduction
As Polygon 2.0 is set in motion, a slew of enhancements and governance structures are being introduced to steer the network towards a more decentralized and community-driven ethos. Central to this endeavour is PIP-29, a proposal that unveils the Polygon Protocol Council, a governance body tasked with overseeing crucial upgrades to Polygon's system smart contracts. This blog sheds light on the intricacies of PIP-29 and the formation of the Polygon Protocol Council.
What is PIP-29?
Imagine you’re on a ship, and PIP-29 is the captain steering that ship towards uncharted territories. It’s not just any proposal; it’s a blueprint for a 13-member council ensuring that the ship (Polygon's smart contracts) stays on course, avoiding any stormy weather that might come its way【1】.
Introducing the Polygon Protocol Council
Just as a council of wise elders guides a community, the Polygon Protocol Council guides Polygon’s voyage into its 2.0 era. This council, boasting minds from giants like Coinbase and the Ethereum Foundation, is the torchbearer of decentralization and community-led decisions【2】.
Why is this Important?
Ever thought about why a well-oiled machine runs smoothly? It's the meticulous attention to its parts. Similarly, the Polygon Protocol Council oversees the crucial parts (smart contracts) of Polygon, ensuring a robust and secure ecosystem. The ripple effect? A stronger governance framework not just for Polygon, but the Ethereum ecosystem at large【3】.
Principles for Member Selection
The inaugural members of the Protocol Council were chosen based on alignment with Ethereum’s values, operational resilience, and technical and governance competence, among other criteria, ensuring no single entity holds undue sway over the council's decision-making 【4】.
Meet the Council Members
Jordi Baylina (Polygon Labs): A technical maestro, Jordi's expertise in blockchain technology provides a strong foundation for decision-making within the council.
ZachXBT: Known as an "on-chain sleuth" and a "rug-pull detector," ZachXBT's expertise in identifying potentially malicious on-chain activities is a valuable asset to the council.
Viktor Bunin (Coinbase): With a strategic mindset honed at Coinbase, Viktor navigates the intricate waters of blockchain governance.
Liz Steininger (Least Authority): Representing Least Authority, Liz brings a strong focus on security and ethical considerations to the council’s deliberations.
Jerome de Tychey (EthCC): Besides his extensive community involvement through EthCC, Jerome is the founder of Sandbox, contributing a blend of community engagement and entrepreneurial insight to the council.
Mariano Conti (Independent): Formerly the Head of Smart Contracts at MakerDAO, Mariano’s extensive experience in smart contract development and governance is a boon to the council.
Anthony Sassano (The Daily Gwei): Known for his daily deep dives into Ethereum's ecosystem through The Daily Gwei, Anthony provides a fresh and informed perspective on the potential intersections between Ethereum and Polygon.
Zaki Manian (Sommelier Finance): A financial strategist from Sommelier Finance, Zaki’s financial acumen provides a nuanced understanding of blockchain's financial aspects.
Mehdi Zerouali (Sigma Prime): With a background in cybersecurity from Sigma Prime, Mehdi’s role is pivotal in ensuring the security integrity of Polygon's smart contract upgrades.
L2Beat: Specializing in Layer 2 solutions, L2Beat aligns Polygon’s upgrade strategy with the evolving Layer 2 landscape.
Gauntlet: With a forte in blockchain analytics and testing, Gauntlet ensures that decisions are data-driven and thoroughly vetted.
Mudit Gupta (Polygon Labs): Another brain from Polygon Labs, Mudit’s technical prowess is indispensable in ensuring that the council's decisions are technologically sound and forward-thinking.
Justin Drake (Ethereum Foundation): Representing the Ethereum Foundation, Justin's deep understanding of Ethereum-based protocols guides Polygon's interoperability and upgrade paths.
Each member brings a unique blend of experience, expertise, and a shared vision for a decentralized, community-driven Polygon.
Conclusion
With PIP-29 in action, the Polygon Protocol Council stands for decisions made by the community, moving us nearer to the goal of decentralization that blockchain aims for. This council is a sign of Polygon's dedication to building a future where the community has a strong say in the direction towards Polygon 2.0.
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