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Rejected
Requested:
2.80K KSM

#198 OpenComm - The Communication Layer Of Web3 - Milestone 1

Proposer:
DQd4...cMRi
 
in Democracy
Beneficiary:
(2,800.00 KSM)
17th May '23
(Edited)
opencomm
communication

TL;DR: Subsocial is consolidating siloed discussions in the ecosystem, as well as enabling users to chat on-chain about any entity or resource, such as proposals, markets, and accounts. This communication layer will be open and accessible by anyone and any application, improving information flow and availability in the ecosystem.


Currently, communication in the Polkadot ecosystem is not only largely stuck in Web2, but it is siloed and segregated. Governance discussions take place off-chain, projects have to rely on Discord and Telegram to interact with their communities, and suboptimal solutions are implemented for connecting these Web2 accounts to users’ Web3 accounts. Furthermore, by forcing communities to live off-chain, user engagement with dapps is lowered.

At Subsocial, we spent three months researching the needs of the ecosystem, and began implementing the foundation for Polkadot’s Open Communication Layer. We realized that, although Web3 communities, and their communications, should be moved on-chain, there was too much friction with actually using a blockchain for this.

To address this problem, we created Grill.chat as a proof of concept for OpenComm, showing how easy it is for users to start communicating on-chain. The onboarding process is even faster than Web2 apps that we are used to, as you don’t even have to create an account; you just send your first message and an account is automatically generated for you.

With OpenComm, all governance discussions will take place on-chain, and the content and messages will be freely accessible by anyone. This means we could have ten different governance platforms, all connected to the OpenComm social layer, allowing anyone to access the full breadth of Polkadot’s governance discussions, despite their UI/UX preference.

This can be expanded to any project in the ecosystem, and does not apply to just governance discussions. NFT fans could discuss a specific NFT on Singular or Kodadot, accessing a single unified chat from different applications. Sports betters could anonymously discuss Zeitgeist prediction markets on-chain, directly from the PM webpage. Multiple projects are currently working to integrate OpenComm.

Please read the full proposal for all of the relevant details including full context, milestone breakdown, budget, etc.

This topic was previously posted on the Polkadot Forum for some preliminary discussion, but please let us know what you think here.

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Proposal Failed

The approval was lesser than the threshold for this track.
Summary
Failed
29.6%Aye
AyeNay
70.4%Nay
Ayes(232)
28.16K KSM
Nays(5)
67.11K KSM
Support
17.53K KSM
Voting Details
Approval0.00%Threshold0.00%
Support0.00%Threshold0.00%
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Users are saying...
Based on all comments and replies

Overall 50 % of users are feeling optimistic. The Subsocial team's commitment to Polkadot is evident through their continued delivery of useful products despite budget constraints, including SUB.claudio@eccde79b6ad1453a865a504c8 acknowledges the frustration but supports the team with an Aye and encourages users to share experiences with OpenGov treasury proposals through a survey form for potential service assistance.

Overall 16 % of users are feeling neutral. The topic has been discussed earlier on the Polkadot Forum with initial feedback sought. Further opinions are now requested to be shared in this current platform.

Overall 33 % of users are feeling against it. The text discusses a problem regarding insufficient token listing leading to funding issues in a project. It suggests that internal solvency is crucial and recommends approaching Polkadot treasury. However, there are concerns about the application process requiring user numbers and activity based on market feedback.

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DQd4...cMRi
 
 
17th May '23

This topic was previously posted on the Polkadot Forum for some preliminary discussion, but please let us know what you think here.

CYBORG
 
 
18th May '23
(Edited)

You guys haven't listed your token yet !! This is a big factor for your funding issue. You should be internally solvent to sustain your project long term. Plus you need to take this matter to polkadot treasury. Nay from my side.

FLKB...svZR
 
 
19th May '23

Voted Aye

I would have voted Nay for this if I didn't understand the personal situation with the Subsocial team, but I do.

While it is frustrating for users who crowdloaned not to get their SUB yet, it is coming (likely this summer) and we have to remember the team had held a public sale during a bear market when not many were willing to invest anymore and therefore didn't get that much funding and Substrate devs are very expensive! Some even charge $100 an hour, yet they continued delivering products on a budget and they're useful! Sub.id, Grill Chat & more to come. This tells me that the team are committed to Polkadot and to help the ecosystem.

I may not have much of a voice here or power in terms of voting but I am supporting the team with an Aye

Good luck!

Claudio

HnF9...GRbP
 
 
23rd May '23
Voted Nay

I voted against it, not being able to apply for funding with just one app. The application must have the number of users and activity, which depends on the feedback from the market. I voted for Nay, although I don't have much ksm.

Hide replies
EcqV...gVz2
 
 
29th May '23

@eccde79b6ad1453a865a504c8

This is a wrong take, As they presented proof of concept and it has real users and the product looks good.

Yes there are concerned on scalability but so as every web3 project. The project will get funds if they demonstrated some POC and they did.

HUj6...GLD6
 
 
13th Aug '23

Hello,

We are in the process of validating a true need for a service to assist teams with crafting and completing successful treasury proposals, so they can focus on building. We would love to hear about your experience with this proposal. If you are willing to take a few minutes, please fill out this form about your experience with the OpenGov treasury proposal process: https://forms.gle/MwDij4adXEQd7Um79

Feel free to leave out any details that your team is not comfortable with sharing, but the more info you can provide, the better we will be able to assess the potential need for our services.

For more info, follow us on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/OpenGovAssist


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#495 Open debit card for developers powered by Kusama
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Open debit card for developers powered by Kusama

Requested: 120.7K USD * 4.36% (buffer price) (19.9 KSM/USD — EMA7) = 6,331 KSM

TL;TR

This is 3 minutes summary for the proposal, part of our pitch in 17/02 AGG Agg pitch here the slides

Why?

Today, issue debit cards for web3 projects is process that involves huge investments, strict compliance requirements and operational overhead that couldn't be paid by many developers.

We're building an Open API to issue debit cards and then build financial bridges for everyday use cases on Kusama (for example, paying for your lunch or sending money to your loved ones); think of it as a web3 Stripe powered by Kusama.

Holders, consider this: an increase in volume on the Kusama chain will eventually create demand for the token, driving up hopefully prices.

What?

We provide all the operational, development, and financial team expertise to provide a compliant, non-custodial card infrastructure for Kusama users.

You can expect us to deliver:

  • First stage (this proposal): Launch a developer-friendly API to enable Kusama apps to launch prepaid debit cards as easily as with one line of code.

How it works?

Our Partners

  • Pomelo + Visa (Debit card issuer): Pomelo is a pioneering fintech transforming card issuance in Latin America. Its cloud-native, API-driven platform lets banks and fintechs launch secure, scalable cards rapidly. Partnering with Mastercard and Coastal Community Bank, Pomelo modernizes payments and drives financial inclusion.
  • Truora (KYC/KYB): Truora is a Latin American startup simplifying user verification and fraud prevention. Its API-driven platform offers background checks, digital identity, and KYC tools to help businesses onboard customers securely, reduce fraud, and boost conversion
  • Bancolombia (Our Bank): Bancolombia is Colombia’s largest bank, boasting 146+ years of trusted service. With 30M+ customers, extensive branch and ATM networks, and innovative digital solutions, it drives financial inclusion, supports sustainable growth, and champions economic progress across Latin America.

Documentation

  • API Documentation: here you will find a preview in how it will work, you can create your own identities and also cards, if you want to test it please contact us.

Card Features

  • Funds are non-custodial in Asset-hub.
  • Top-up via dUSD via Polygon, Etherium, Asset-hub + 10+ chains.
  • You can add this card to Apple or Google Wallet.
  • Worldwide shipping for Physical Card.
  • Cash ATM withdraws.
  • As developer you can issue debit cards and earn up to ~1.3% from customers purchases cheaper, compliant and easier than ever before.

Benefits for Kusama

  • All balances for the debit cards would be on-chain, ensuring transparency and increased chain volume.
  • Calling all developers and builders! We're taking Kusama to new heights by partnering with more real world startups.
  • Visa provides card infrastructure via Pomelo (https://pomelo.la/es/).
    • Our agreement with Pomelo is established in Colombia, but you can get access to the card worldwide (you only need a passport to verify your identity).
  • Today, we want to support dUSD and KSM via Asset Conversions in Asset Hub.
    • In the future, we’ll be able to enable other coins/tokens created in the ecosystem to be used in daily use cases. For example, you could make a token in Asset Hub, create a pool (YOUR_TOKEN/dUSD), and then use that token to pay for your bus ticket.
    • With our customers and operation only, we will increase the volume on chain by ~700K USD monthly

How is it different from Polkadot Pay, Polkadot App or Nova Wallet debit card?

Actually, we're not competing —we're here to enable innovation. Think of us as an open API for debit card issuance for web3 projects, helping more projects/wallets/dapps to connect their users with their money. Here's what that means:

  • Integration Made Simple: Our platform lets dapps and apps add debit card functionality without the heavy investments or operational overhead.
  • Building Together: Instead of competing, we empower services to enhance their offerings. We provide the foundation, and you build on top of it.
  • Expanding Regional Reach: We also support regional growth. For instance, if Polkadot Pay or Nova wants to extend their services into new regions like Latin America, our solution can simplify and accelerate that process.

In short, we're not here to replace existing services—we're here to support and enhance them. Our focus is on making it easier for any platform to offer debit cards, thereby driving innovation and growth across the board.

Here, If you want a more detailed comparison

How far are we?

We have been working on the relationships and legal requirements to launch these debit cards for over a year; today, we’re in an advanced integration process for friends and family and with the regulatory requirements to do it.

About us

  • David Barinas: CEO + Sr Engineer - Former YCombinator S19 Founder (Valiu 300K users + 6.2M raised).
  • Ole Tobias: COO + Product Managment - MSc in Technology Management, former Technology Consultant at Deloitte, and ex-COO of Efficence AS.
  • Roy Parrish: Chief Legal Officer - LATAM & North America | Strategic Oversight of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
  • Katherin Lopez: Head of User Research and Deals seeker / Ex Littio (YCS19) Ex Valiu (YCS19).
  • Luis Polania: / Head of Financial Operations Ex Littio (YCS23) Ex Valiu (YCS19).

Traction

  • Today, our monthly volume is ~253K USD, which we plan to migrate to Kusama via dUSD.
  • Startups will work with us until today:

Expenses Breakdown

  • 45.7K USD License = 30K USD x 19% Colombian VAT + 10K USD Collateral for Visa
  • 75K USD = 2.5K USD x 5 Members Full time x 6 Months

Total: 120.7K USD

Discussion Channel & Website

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us on our channel to discuss them with the community.

FAQ

  • Why funding us?

We are an experienced team with a proven record of building Web3 products. Now, we want to use Kusama in everyday cases worldwide.

  • Which regions are excluded?

    Due to Visa terms and conditions, the following regions are excluded.

    • Afghanistan
    • Albania
    • Belarus (Republic of Belarus)
    • Bosnia & Herzegovina
    • Burundi
    • Cambodia
    • Cameroon
    • Central African Rep
    • Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
    • Congo (the)
    • Croatia
    • Cuba (Republic of Cuba)
    • Eritrea
    • Hait
    • Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran)
    • Ira
    • Lebanon
    • Liberia
    • Libya
    • Mali
    • Mozambique
    • Myanmar (Burma)
    • Nicaragua
    • Nigeria
    • North Korea (DPRK - Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
    • Pakistan
    • Palestine (State of)
    • Philippines
    • Russia (Russian Federation)
    • Somalia
    • South Sudan
    • Sudan (the)
    • Syria (Syrian Arab Republic)
    • Yemen
    • Zimbabwe
  • Why is the web app in the second stage?

    What’s cool about having our open API for Kusama Apps first is that other teams in the ecosystem can create frontends. These could be part of Nova Wallet or external web apps, for example. We want to be enablers for the whole ecosystem, this must be a different discussion!

  • Whats the relationship with Virto?

BloqueDAO is a Virto-spinoff established as a self-governing DAO in Kreivo. We’re leveraging on the Kreivo technology to support non-custodial management of the funds every user tops-up in their Kusama Pay cards.

  • Would you be open to having your license or partnerships verified?

We're open to being independently verified by any member of Kusama. However, because our documents include non-disclosure agreements, we cannot share them publicly, though we can provide them privately.

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Deciding