diff --git a/zip-####-KISZ.rst b/zip-####-KISZ.rst new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4963cb30 --- /dev/null +++ b/zip-####-KISZ.rst @@ -0,0 +1,117 @@ +:: + + ZIP: Unassigned + Title: Keep It Simple, Zcashers (KISZ): 10% to ECC, 10% to ZFnd + Owners: Gordon Mohr (@gojomo on relevant forums) + Status: Draft + Category: Process + Created: 2019-11-14 + License: Public Domain + +Terminology +=========== + +The terms below are to be interpreted as follows: + +ECC + Electric Coin Company, a US-based limited-liability corporation +ZFnd + Zcash Foundation, a US-based non-profit corporation +Halvening + a regularly-scheduled discontinuity where the rate of ZEC issuance halves, + expected first in roughyl October 2020 then next in roughly October 2024 + + +Abstract +======== + +This ZIP proposes: + +After the 1st Zcash Halvening, when the "Founder's Reward" system-bootstrapping +protocol-based development funding expires, continue to direct 20% of new +ZEC issuance to development-related activities for ongoing research, development, +innovation, and maintenance of Zcash. + +Assign half of such funds to the ECC, and half to the ZFnd. Continue this +allocation until the 2nd Halvening. + +Motivation +========== + +There have been many proposals for potential allocations of Zcash block +rewards (ZEC inflation) after the 1st Halvening. Many cluster around similar +broad parameters: + +* 20% of block rewards for continuing development efforts; +* provided to some combination of the Electric Coin Company (ECC), + Zcash Foundation (ZFnd), and other named or to-be-determined entities; +* conditioned on certain new allocation formulas or management practices, + often involving novel entities, personnel, and feedback/deliberation + processes + +However, no existing ZIPs explicitly propose the most simple variation +on this theme - one that maintains maximal continuity with prior practice. +This 'KISZ' ZIP aims to fill that gap. + +Requirements +============ + +This proposal intends to be easy to describe, understand, and implement. + +Non-requirements +================ + +This proposal does not seek to propose any particular course of action +past the 2nd Halvening. + +Specification +============= + +To implement this ZIP, the Zcash protocol and compatible software should: + +* maintain a 20% allotment of new ZEC issuance to development activities + through to the 2nd Halvening event (expected around October 2024) +* formalize a 50-50 relative allocation between the ECC and ZFnd +* deliver these ZEC to addresses provided by the recipients, in a manner + analogous to the original "Founder's Reward" consensus-encoded block + rewards, or any other technically- and/or legally- preferred method + agreed-to by the ECC & ZFnd + +This proposal specifically refrains from adding any new conditions or +procedural formalities, technical or legal, on the delivery of development +funds. + +There is only the expectation that these recipients should continue the +stated missions, practices of transparency, and responsiveness to community +input that they have demonstrated thus far. + + +Discussion +========== + +This proposal primarily differs from similar proposals in two ways: (1) it places +no new comditions/processes on the disbursement of ZEC development funds; (2) it +specifies a fixed, 50-50 division-of-funds between the ECC and ZFnd. + +These differences are motivated by a desire for simplicity and continuity. This +allocation can be implemented technically without novel institutions, processes, +or legal agreements. + +Rather than relying on lists-of-conditions with underspecified enforcement or +dispute-resolution mechanisms, the adequate performance of fund recipients is +expected due to: + +* aligned incentives, especially the fact that the value of all funds received + over 4 years depends completely on the continued health & growth of the Zcash + ecosystem +* proven records of dedication to the Zcash project, and effective efforts on + related projects, by receipient entities & personnel – even in the absence + of formalized funding conditions + +From original "Founder's Reward"-era development-funds, roughly 15% has been directed +to the ZFnd. (Or, about 3 points of the full 20 points of bootstrap-funds.) However, +from its later start, the ZFnd has recently grown its technical, grantmaking, and +organizational capabilities, and wide sentiment in the Zcash community, ECC, and ZFnd +desires the ZFnd grow to a role of equivalent or greater importance as the ECC for +long-term Zcash evolution. Thus this proposal specifies a 50:50 split of future +development funds, rather than continuing any prior proportions.