I believe we need to take action now, ahead of the new Stewards and Web3 Development Working Group formation, to ensure a solid foundation. Transparency and efficient communication among Stewards are crucial, and with up to six new Stewards joining, which represents a 100% increase in both members and salaries, we must not risk slowing down this process.
Regarding salary expectations, there is no standardized rate specified on any application, except in AIP-239 for the Governance Working Group. This document, written over a year ago, has since been followed by two budget proposals, neither of which provides detailed breakdowns outside of the DAO Secretary.
For example, AIP-408: Q2/Q3 2024 Governance Working Group Budget includes the following table:
It should be noted that Working Group Stewards control their initiatives and overall grant funds, allowing for adjustments as deemed necessary. AIP-408 addresses this with the following statement:
“It should also be reinforced that Working Group initiatives may be adjusted, and in some cases terminated, due to unforeseen circumstances or at the Stewards’ discretion within reasonable grounds. Examples of reasons that adjustments might be made related to this particular proposal could include, but are not limited to, team member changes, initiative performance, or technical adaptations necessitated by the transition to ApeChain. Any modifications, along with the rationale and details of funding adjustments, will be communicated on a public ApeCoin DAO, or in this case, an ApeCoin DAO Governance Working Group channel along with rationale.”
Finally, as Working Groups are community-funded, the community deserves to know how funds are being spent. If one Steward is working 70 hours per week and another is working only 5-10 hours for the same compensation, the community should be informed for transparency and accountability.
Understanding these nuances will also help them make better decisions on the efficiency of Stewards and our Working Groups as a whole.
AC