Originally posted on the Ledgerback Substack Newsletter on Sept. 27, 2019.

Hi everyone!

We wanted to notify you of some updates we have seen in the Distributed Governance (DGov) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) sectors in the past 2 - 3 weeks and our initial thoughts.

First, Level K is testing out Futarchy.

Our initial thoughts: We are interested in how Futarchy could be applied to both the community and political realm. With the introduction of blockchain, there is finally an option to test out Futarchy in a closed loop system and provide some much needed research on the benefits and drawbacks of this market-based (specifically prediction markets) approach to governance.

Second, token bonding curves are an interesting approach to tokenomics.

Our initial thoughts: We are also extremely interested in token bonding curves, especially their usage for redistribution of non-rivalrous goods such as music, and potential applications for co-operative and social enterprises.

Third, does quadratic voting mesh with one-person one-vote principles?

Our initial thoughts: Quadratic voting can mesh with the 1 person 1 vote principle if we conceptualize the 1 vote as divisible, such that it can be split into pieces (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, …), and thus quadratic voting can be applicable because the matters to be voted on can be considered to equal 1 vote in total for each person, i.e., 1 person.

Fourth, Consensys recently released the DeFi Score framework for assessing risk in DeFi protocols and products.

Our initial thoughts: Consensyss’ DeFi Score framework is pretty awesome and it is nice to see the researchers at Consensys developing frameworks and guidance for DeFi market players and enthusiasts in the early stages of the DeFi market.

Drawing inspiration from the DeFi Score framework, we are also working on a DGov Score framework for Distributed Governance.

Fifth, Resonate Cooperative’s CEO Patrick recently resigned from his position and will be replaced by Rich Jensen.

Our Initial Thoughts: It is sad to see Resonate Founder and CEO Peter Harris leave but this makes us more emboldened by his vision for a cooperative music streaming platform, his push to make the dream come true to empower musicians, and understanding that everyone needs a life-work balance (especially Founders).

From all of us at Ledgerback, thank you Peter Harris for all your work on Resonate and the Platform Cooperativism movement, and we wish you and your family all the best.

Sixth, we are working on new surveys

We are working on a couple surveys we hope to release in the next 2 - 4 weeks to flesh out some areas we are currently researching in the blockchain and cryptocurrency markets and platform cooperativism.

Seventh, the editing continues on the Automated Music Licensing Research Paper

We are close to getting a pre-print for Part 1 of the Automated Music Licensing Approaches research paper. The editing has set us back a bit but we believe that focusing on making the paper better will make up for any delays in publication and submission.

Thank You for Reading!

Stay tuned for further updates from Ledgerback Cooperative as we research, analyze and innovate in the field of decentralized and open thinking and systems.

If you would like to join us, send an email to [email protected] about your interest in applying to become a co-operator.