Summary

1. About this Report
2. Proposal-Info
3. ANALYSIS
1. ■Impact on the Ecosystem
2. ■Governance Compliance
3. ■Cost-Benefit Ratio
4. ■Transparency and Traceability
5. ■Track Record and Credibility
4. Evaluation
5. Voting

About this Report

vonFlandern has developed a methodology to analyze and evaluate OpenGov proposals as objectively, effectively, and transparently as possible. The goal is to create clear and structured decision-making foundations for our own voting—and to make these visible to the community.

Proposal-Info

PolkaWorld Ops and Maintenance proposal：2025.4 - 2026.3

Track: 33 | Origin: MediumSpender | Amount: 266.652 USDT

Summary of the proposal

Core Issue:
PolkaWorld is requesting funding to continue its community education and engagement activities within the Polkadot ecosystem from April 2025 to March 2026.

Ecosystem Impact:
This initiative is vital for strengthening Polkadot’s presence and understanding in Asia, thereby promoting the global growth and diversity of the ecosystem.

Proposed Actions:
PolkaWorld plans to deliver 288 articles, 72 livestreams, 48 educational videos, 12 interviews, and bilingual social media channels, with a funding request of 266,652 USDT and monthly reporting.

Expected Outcomes:
Increased awareness, education, and participation in the Polkadot ecosystem among Chinese-speaking users, contributing to a more vibrant global community.

■Question 1 of 19

Does the proposal measurably contribute to the long-term development, adoption, resilience, or relevance of Polkadot?

Yes, the proposal significantly contributes to Polkadot's long-term development and adoption by targeting education and engagement within the Chinese-speaking community. Through activities like content creation, livestreams, and educational videos, PolkaWorld enhances awareness and understanding of Polkadot’s technology and governance. This effort is poised to drive greater adoption in a region with considerable growth potential, strengthening Polkadot’s global presence. Additionally, by cultivating an informed user base, the proposal bolsters the network’s resilience, as knowledgeable participants are better equipped to support and sustain the ecosystem. The focus on bilingual content also ensures Polkadot remains relevant in a competitive blockchain landscape by addressing diverse audiences effectively.

Justification

The emphasis on education and community-building directly aligns with Polkadot’s long-term goals of expanding its user base and enhancing network stability. The proposal’s strategic targeting of an underserved market amplifies its impact on adoption and relevance, while the enduring nature of the content supports ongoing resilience.

Score: 8/10

■Question 2 of 19

What sustainable added value does the proposal bring to the Polkadot ecosystem in the long term, beyond the immediate project duration?

The proposal delivers sustainable added value by establishing a lasting educational framework and nurturing an engaged community within the Polkadot ecosystem. The articles, videos, and livestream archives produced by PolkaWorld will persist as accessible resources, benefiting both current users and future entrants. This enduring content fosters a self-sustaining community capable of driving continued growth and participation. Moreover, by connecting Asian and global communities, the proposal encourages long-term collaboration and innovation, reinforcing Polkadot’s position as an inclusive blockchain network with a robust, interconnected user base that contributes to its ongoing development.

Justification

The creation of permanent educational materials and the bridging of community gaps ensure the proposal’s benefits extend well beyond its initial timeline. This focus on knowledge dissemination and relationship-building supports sustained ecosystem vitality and innovation.

Score: 7/10

■Question 3 of 19

Is an existing structural weakness addressed?

Yes, the proposal effectively tackles the structural weakness of limited education and engagement in the Chinese-speaking market. PolkaWorld addresses this gap by offering localized content, such as translations of technical updates and community events, which enhance accessibility and comprehension of Polkadot’s complex features. This approach directly confronts the cultural and informational barriers that have previously restricted Polkadot’s growth in this region. By improving outreach and participation in a key demographic, the proposal strengthens the ecosystem’s global foundation, making it more inclusive and capable of broader adoption.

Justification

The targeted effort to overcome language and cultural obstacles in an underserved market directly addresses a critical shortfall in Polkadot’s outreach strategy. This focused intervention promises significant improvements in community engagement and ecosystem expansion.

Score: 8/10

■Question 4 of 19

Does the proposal promote interoperability, user retention, or parachain development?

The proposal indirectly promotes user retention and parachain development by cultivating a more knowledgeable and active community. Although it does not directly enhance interoperability, PolkaWorld’s educational initiatives deepen users’ understanding of Polkadot’s value and governance, encouraging sustained involvement. This informed user base is more likely to remain engaged and participate in ecosystem activities, such as parachain development and governance decisions. By spotlighting ecosystem projects and updates, the proposal also inspires greater user contribution to parachain-related efforts, fostering a supportive environment for Polkadot’s technical growth.

Justification

While lacking a direct focus on interoperability, the proposal’s educational and engagement efforts lay a groundwork that enhances user retention and indirectly supports parachain development. This foundational contribution is meaningful, though less immediate in its technical impact.

Score: 6/10

■Result category 1

Total score: 29/40 | Average: 7.25/10 (73%)

■Question 5 of 19

Does the proposal clearly fall within the scope of the chosen origin (Treasury, Tipper, Spender)?

The proposal distinctly aligns with the Treasury origin, specifically within the MediumSpender track. PolkaWorld is requesting 266,652 USDT to support its operational activities, which focus on community education and ecosystem engagement. This fits the Treasury’s purpose of funding initiatives that drive Polkadot’s growth and adoption. The MediumSpender track, tailored for substantial yet manageable funding requests, matches the proposal’s budget and scope. PolkaWorld’s established role in delivering educational content and fostering community participation further reinforces its compatibility with the Treasury’s objectives of enhancing the ecosystem through community-driven efforts.

Justification

The Treasury origin is designed to support projects that benefit the Polkadot ecosystem, and PolkaWorld’s activities directly contribute to this goal. The MediumSpender track appropriately accommodates the funding amount, ensuring the proposal is correctly placed within the governance framework.

Score: 9/10

■Question 6 of 19

Are there previous proposals with comparable content, and if so, what were their outcomes?

PolkaWorld has previously submitted proposals with similar content, such as Referendum 573, which focused on community education and engagement. They exceeded expectations in that instance by producing more articles, livestreams, and videos than promised, demonstrating a strong track record. Other Treasury-funded initiatives with comparable goals of community-building and education have also succeeded, addressing key ecosystem needs like engagement in underserved markets. These outcomes suggest that PolkaWorld’s current proposal has a solid foundation and is likely to achieve positive results based on historical precedent and their consistent delivery.

Justification

PolkaWorld’s proven success with similar past proposals, alongside the positive outcomes of comparable Treasury-funded projects, indicates a high potential for this proposal to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem.

Score: 8/10

■Question 7 of 19

Is the governance system being used meaningfully or burdened?

The governance system is being utilized meaningfully through PolkaWorld’s proposal, which adheres to OpenGov’s principles of transparency, accountability, and community empowerment. By requesting funds for educational and engagement initiatives, PolkaWorld addresses a vital ecosystem need while providing a detailed plan and clear objectives. This approach enhances the governance process by fostering informed decision-making and active participation, rather than overwhelming it. Their established involvement in governance, including their role as a Decentralized Voice, underscores their commitment to leveraging the system effectively for the benefit of the Polkadot community.

Justification

The proposal’s alignment with OpenGov’s goals, combined with PolkaWorld’s transparent execution and active governance participation, demonstrates a constructive and purposeful use of the system without adding unnecessary strain.

Score: 9/10

■Result category 2

Total score: 26/30 | Average: 8.67/10 (87%)

■Question 8 of 19

Is the requested amount proportionate to the potential or demonstrated benefit?

The requested amount of 266,652 USDT for PolkaWorld’s operations from April 2025 to March 2026 appears proportionate to the potential and demonstrated benefits, based on their proven track record. Historically, PolkaWorld has exceeded deliverables, producing 324 articles against a target of 288 and 71 livestreams against a goal of 60, while achieving significant engagement, such as 232,164 article views and nearly 2 million social media impressions. This funding supports content creation and community engagement in the Chinese-speaking market, a key growth area for Polkadot, suggesting a strong potential for ecosystem expansion. However, without precise metrics tying funding to specific outcomes, exact proportionality remains difficult to quantify, though their past success supports a positive assessment.

Justification

PolkaWorld’s consistent over-delivery and high engagement demonstrate their ability to generate substantial value. Their focus on education and community-building aligns with Polkadot’s goals of adoption and resilience, particularly in Asia. The requested amount seems reasonable given their history and the scale of their proposed activities.

Score: 8/10

■Question 9 of 19

Is the budget framework reasonable compared to similar proposals?

PolkaWorld’s budget framework, totaling 22,221 USDT monthly, is reasonable when compared to similar proposals, such as the “Polkadot Africa Community Growth” initiative, which sought 15,480 USDT monthly for a smaller scope. PolkaWorld’s breakdown includes 15,000 USDT for salaries, 3,000 USDT for operational costs, 2,221 USDT for marketing and events, and 2,000 USDT for other expenses, reflecting a larger operational scale and established presence in China. While higher than the Africa proposal, this aligns with industry standards for blockchain education and engagement, considering regional cost differences and their six-year history. The comparison is not exact due to differing goals, but the framework holds up as justified.

Justification

The budget supports a broad scope of activities in a high-impact market, consistent with PolkaWorld’s proven delivery. Regional cost variations and their established role in the ecosystem explain the higher amount, though more detail on team size could enhance clarity.

Score: 7/10

■Question 10 of 19

What specific added value does the Treasury or network gain in return for this expenditure?

The Treasury gains significant value from this 266,652 USDT expenditure through PolkaWorld’s focus on education and engagement, critical drivers of Polkadot’s growth. Their planned 288 articles, 72 livestreams, 48 educational videos, and bilingual social media efforts will enhance awareness and participation, especially in Chinese-speaking regions. Past efforts, like co-hosting Dr. Gavin Wood’s JAM Tour, attracted developers and students, fostering innovation and collaboration. This strengthens governance participation, onboards new users, and bridges global communities, amplifying Polkadot’s resilience and diversity. The investment directly supports long-term ecosystem development.

Justification

PolkaWorld’s activities address essential needs by educating and connecting the community, promoting inclusivity and growth. Their proven impact through events and content creation delivers tangible benefits, making this a high-value expenditure for the network.

Score: 9/10

■Question 11 of 19

Were cheaper alternatives considered?

PolkaWorld’s proposal does not explicitly address whether cheaper alternatives were considered, leaving a gap in demonstrating cost efficiency. Their six-year history and 12 consecutive Treasury approvals highlight their unique expertise in the Chinese market, suggesting that alternatives might not match their quality or reach. While this implies they are a leading option, the absence of discussion on other possibilities limits full assurance that this is the most cost-effective approach. Their established position partially mitigates this concern, but transparency on alternatives would strengthen the proposal.

Justification

PolkaWorld’s experience and market presence suggest superior value, potentially outweighing cheaper options. However, without evidence of exploring alternatives, the evaluation remains cautious, acknowledging their strengths but noting the lack of explicit consideration.

Score: 6/10

■Result category 3

Total score: 30/40 | Average: 7.50/10 (75%)

■Question 12 of 19

Is it clearly communicated how and for what purposes funds will be used—including KPIs, milestones, metrics?

PolkaWorld’s proposal for Polkadot Referendum #1522 clearly communicates the purposes of the funds, detailing specific activities such as producing 288 articles, 72 livestreams, 48 educational videos, and 12 interviews over a 12-month period. It includes some key performance indicators, such as targeting over 1,000 reads per article and increasing video views, while milestones are implied through monthly deliverables. Metrics like social media impressions and engagement rates are mentioned, drawing from past performance. However, the proposal lacks detailed KPIs for each activity and specific, granular metrics beyond broad targets, which reduces the clarity needed for fully evidence-based tracking of fund usage.

Justification

The proposal provides a solid overview of planned activities and some quantitative goals, but the absence of comprehensive KPIs and precise metrics for each deliverable hinders the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the funds in a detailed, systematic way.

Score: 7/10

■Question 13 of 19

Are budgets, timelines, and work packages clearly specified?

The proposal excels in specifying budgets, timelines, and work packages. It outlines a monthly budget of 22,221 USDT, broken down into salaries (15,000 USDT), operational costs (3,000 USDT), marketing and events (2,221 USDT), and other expenses (2,000 USDT). The timeline spans from April 2025 to March 2026, with monthly deliverables clearly scheduled. Work packages are well-defined, encompassing content creation, livestreams, educational videos, interviews, and social media management, providing a transparent structure for how the funds will be utilized and tracked.

Justification

The detailed budget breakdown, explicit 12-month timeline, and clearly defined work packages create a robust framework that supports accountability and enables precise monitoring of the project’s progress.

Score: 9/10

■Question 14 of 19

Are there success criteria for later evaluation?

PolkaWorld’s proposal includes partial success criteria, such as aiming for over 1,000 article reads and improved social media engagement, based on targets and past performance data. However, these criteria are not fully developed across all activities, and specific, measurable benchmarks for success are missing for many deliverables. While some goals are outlined, the lack of a comprehensive set of criteria for each aspect of the project limits the ability to evaluate its overall impact and success after implementation.

Justification

The presence of some success targets is a positive step, but the proposal’s failure to provide detailed, activity-specific criteria reduces its effectiveness for thorough, evidence-based evaluation.

Score: 6/10

■Question 15 of 19

Is documentation or reporting planned?

The proposal demonstrates a strong commitment to documentation, with PolkaWorld planning to publish monthly reviews and reports on Polkassembly, including performance data, activities completed, and materials produced. Additional updates will be shared via the Direction channel and comments on their original proposal, ensuring ongoing transparency. This regular reporting schedule provides a clear mechanism for the community to monitor progress and assess outcomes throughout the project’s duration, enhancing traceability.

Justification

The emphasis on consistent monthly reporting and accessible updates establishes a reliable system for tracking and evaluating the project, reflecting a high level of accountability.

Score: 9/10

■Result category 4

Total score: 31/40 | Average: 7.75/10 (78%)

■Question 16 of 19

Have the proposers or involved organizations made verifiable, traceable contributions to the ecosystem?

PolkaWorld, the proposer, has made significant and verifiable contributions to the Polkadot ecosystem since 2019. Their efforts include hosting over 50 offline meetups, producing more than 150 educational videos, conducting over 60 interviews with ecosystem projects, hosting 270+ livestreams, and publishing over 1,500 articles in Chinese. Additionally, they have actively participated in governance as initial council members and Decentralized Voices representatives, voting on 54 proposals in the first cohort and being selected for the fourth. These activities are well-documented through monthly reports and social media engagement, with their English X account achieving nearly 2 million impressions. Their consistent receipt of Treasury approvals and a Web3 Foundation Community Grant further substantiates their impact.

Justification

The breadth and transparency of PolkaWorld’s contributions, spanning community engagement, education, and governance, combined with clear documentation, provide strong evidence of their traceable influence within the ecosystem.

Score: 10/10

■Question 17 of 19

What projects have been successfully implemented so far?

PolkaWorld has successfully executed several impactful projects within the Polkadot ecosystem. Notably, under Treasury-funded Referendum 573, they surpassed their targets by producing 324 articles against a goal of 288, 71 livestreams against 60, 48 educational videos, and 13 interviews. They also co-hosted Dr. Gavin Wood’s four-city JAM Tour in China, drawing 874 attendees, including students and developers from prestigious institutions. Their management of bilingual X accounts has yielded significant engagement, with 1.9 million impressions on English and 819,500 on Chinese. These initiatives highlight their ability to deliver and exceed expectations consistently.

Justification

PolkaWorld’s track record of meeting and exceeding project goals, alongside their success in organizing high-profile events, demonstrates their effectiveness in implementing meaningful projects.

Score: 10/10

■Question 18 of 19

Are there publicly accessible references (e.g., code repositories, publications) or community feedback supporting the proposers’ credibility?

PolkaWorld’s credibility is well-supported by publicly accessible references. They maintain an active YouTube channel with educational videos, a WeChat account for articles and videos, and bilingual X accounts showcasing their work and engagement metrics, such as 1.9 million impressions on English. Their monthly reports, including one from March 2025, detail 45 months of activities. While direct community feedback is not explicitly documented, their repeated Treasury approvals and selection as Decentralized Voices representatives suggest strong community trust. Their governance philosophy is also outlined in their fourth DV cohort application on the Polkadot forum.

Justification

The extensive public documentation across platforms and indirect community endorsement through funding and roles affirm PolkaWorld’s credibility, though the absence of explicit feedback slightly tempers this aspect.

Score: 9/10

■Question 19 of 19

Is the team capable of delivering the promised outcomes?

PolkaWorld’s team demonstrates a high capability to deliver the outcomes promised in their 2025–2026 proposal. Their past performance, such as exceeding deliverables in Referendum 573 and successfully managing the JAM Tour, showcases their ability to handle complex projects. The proposed goals—288 articles, 72 livestreams, 48 educational videos, and 12 interviews—align closely with their six-year history of content creation and engagement. With a budget supporting salaries and operations, and no evident barriers, their experience and proven results indicate they can achieve these targets effectively.

Justification

PolkaWorld’s consistent over-delivery, relevant expertise, and alignment of the proposal with their strengths strongly suggest they are well-equipped to meet their commitments.

Score: 10/10

■Result category 5

Total score: 39/40 | Average: 9.75/10 (98%)