The Chopping Block: The Ethereum Foundation Manifesto + Who Really Runs Crypto?

A heated conversation on the Ethereum Foundation’s CROPS mandate: defend Ethereum’s sanctuary role or prioritize growth and builder support—what should stewardship look like?

Key Takeaways

EF’s CROPS mandate reframes Ethereum as a ‘sanctuary’ (censorship resistance, privacy, security) and ignited debate over whether the Foundation should steward economic growth or stay defensive.
Builders favor Base, Arbitrum, and Solana for funding and early traction; few new startups launch on Ethereum L1 due to perceived platform risk and lack of go-to-market support.
Community critique targets EF communication: vague PDF releases, frequent renames, and inconsistent messaging—recommendation: a single annual story and clearer outreach to developers.
Practical advice: EF should amplify proven medium/top projects, avoid token shilling, and provide hands-on support—network introductions, VC pitches, and operational help.
Balance planning horizons: defend long-term research while prioritizing shipping usable products; adopt a ‘Goldilocks’ roadmap that funds realistic multi-year bets without ideological overreach.
Permissionless ethos remains central—anyone can build—but stewardship requires EF to actively protect both Ethereum’s values and the ecosystem’s economic growth.

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