SP VR:
As clarified by @nick.eth at the start of the thread - to qualify for operating as a provider, a project must not only utilise ENS but also actively enhance ENS*. A good portion of the shortlist play valuable roles within the broader ecosystem and it is important to note that not allocating votes to them is due to their proposals being outside the scope of this specific EP.
*this enhancement can be nuanced dynamic to a degree
Voting Strategy Overview
My aim was to balance the impact of shortlisted projects with their funding requests, taking into account both the significance of their current contributions to the ENS ecosystem, their projected scope of work and the efficiency of their budgeting effort.
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Selected Projects
(I have chosen to present them in no particular order vs sliding scale in terms of support)
A great tl;dr of all proposals is here -
Blockful ($300,000 p.a.):
- Why: Great to see the evolution from a student-led initiative (thanks for that insight @avsa) to a dedicated blockchain development team (we should cover this in the ENS DAO Journal). Their focus on improving ENS base contracts for efficiency and user experience has proven very meaningful. I feel they are on a promising trajectory to offer valuable contributions.
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NameHash Labs ($600,000 p.a.):
- Why: The work on ENS registration tools and services - notable of course are the modular tools like NameKit and NameGuard that create a broader application potential within the ENS ecosystem. Solid delivery track record was also key in my consideration.
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resolverworks.eth ($700,000 p.a.):
- Why: A consistent contributor with a very thorough proposal focused on ENS labs’ resource enhancement, L2 rollout, and subdomain infrastructure. The ongoing commitment of the team and well scoped out proposal would justify their higher funding level.
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eth.limo ($500,000 p.a.):
- Why: Key to decentralised web access, already playing a critical role in ENS’s utility and infrastructure since 2021. Consistent delivery track record in line with the ask so happy to support them in continuing their work.
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Unruggable ($400,000 p.a.):
- Why: Their significant ongoing technical contributions, especially in L2 support and account abstraction, are vital for ENS’s security and infrastructure. Add Prem´s reputation (and ENS Fellow status) and technical expertise to this and it´s an easy decision combined with the financial ask.
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Wildcard Labs ($300,000 p.a.):
- Why: Long-term contributors with a solid track record in ENS development including tools like Avatarsync, ensregistry, ENS-Redirect, Optinames, and the Wildcards Protocol.The request is very cost effective given their history of consistent contributions.
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ENS Anti-Abuse Tools ($100,000 p.a.):
- Why: Addresses a critical need for maintaining the security and integrity of the ENS ecosystem. Their focus on safeguarding ENS against abuse is an essential piece for the ecosystem’s health and trustworthiness. Less technical but I do believe diversity is important and the ask is the lowest in the lineup so an opportune combination for experimentation.
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1W3 ($500,000 p.a.):
- Why: Providing a no-code interface together with customisable templates and enhanced content integration features has actually led to notable user adoption, with 1500 users creating over 2000 websites. The ENS Website Resolver Chrome extension and ENSrecords.xyz add to the overall usability of ENS domains so I felt the ask and the continuation of work is justified.
Mild outliers:
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unicorn.eth ($200,000 p.a.):
- Why: This is slightly out of scope but it does blend traditional web applications with ENS. Broadening ENS’s appeal and usability is something that´s always on the table so better bridging between the two webs is one endeavour we shouldn´t really forget about.
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Ethereum Follow Protocol ($500,000 p.a.):
- Why: Again, slightly out of scope here but it does add a unique dimension by building a social graph for ENS users. The project has the potential to again enhance the ENS community’s engagement and interaction and the team does have a good track record in delivery.
Edit: I did adjust my initial vote to include two other projects (all reflected here)