Layer 2s as cultural extensions of Ethereum
The article argues that Ethereum’s Layer 2 solution serves to promote the diversity of Ethereum, not only technically but also culturally.
The main points are as follows
- there are not only technical differences in blockchains, but also cultural differences. Culture affects protocol changes, openness, quality of developers, user acquisition, legitimacy, etc.
- there are various subcultures of etherealists: crypto-punks, regenerativeists, speculators, etc.
- layer 2 provides a place for subcultures to have resources and to operate effectively in the real world. Each Layer 2 has unique cultural characteristics in terms of user acquisition, technology development, and community building.
- this layer 2-centric approach aims to strike a balance between diversity and cooperation. It also creates healthy competition.
- challenges include echo chambering, convergence to a single culture, and competition in the wrong direction.
- these challenges require ecosystem-wide efforts, including designing incentives for collaboration.
The author stresses the need to further develop these ideas in order to capitalize on Ethereum’s strengths as a multidimensional ecosystem.
According to the article, there are three main subcultures of ethereum.
- cypherpunk (Cypherpunk)
- Emphasize open source development and a DIY attitude
- Build the infrastructure and tools of Ethereum, but remain neutral on their use
- Historically privacy has been a priority, but not so much in Ethereum
- Recently, a new crypto-punk movement “Lunapunk” has emerged that emphasizes privacy
- regenerationalist (Regens)
- Emphasis on building technology with a regenerative approach
- Rooted in Vitalik Buterin’s interest in political science and social science
- Engage in governance experiments to reinvigorate, improve, and replace contemporary institutions
- Characterized by experimental nature and interest in [public goods (i.e. goods or services such as parks or highways)
- speculator (Degens)
- Users who pursue only speculation and wealth accumulation
- To escape the framework of contemporary neoliberal capitalism, we use fads and buzz to get rich.
- Sarcastic, supercilious, and often take very big risks
Each of these groups has its own area of activity, taking advantage of Ethereum’s flexibility. Crypto-punks participate in ethereum’s core R&D and privacy software, regenerativeists participate in Gitcoin grant rounds and post-funding for public goods, and speculators trade meme coins, NFTs, and game.
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