Gatekeeping in Web3
Web3 promises openness. But most projects still operate like closed startups.
Access is limited. Decisions are private. Contributors are welcome to help, but not to lead, propose, or share ownership.
Gatekeeping shows up in subtle ways:
Contribution systems are informal or nonexistent
Core roles are filled through private chats, not open calls
Smart contracts are controlled by multisigs with no public input
Governance exists on paper, but not in practice
These patterns block the very people protocols are meant to serve.
Common forms of gatekeeping
Access to work
No clear path to contribute or earn recognition
Decision-making
Closed groups control strategy and execution
Token allocation
Distribution favors insiders or private rounds
Governance
Voting is symbolic or limited to select holders
Gatekeeping limits innovation. It discourages new contributors and slows down growth.
Web3 should not copy the failures of Web2. It should do better, with systems that are open, fair, and built on transparent rules.
Axynom was built with this in mind. Anyone should be able to show up, contribute, and become part of the protocol, without needing permission.
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