Hi,

This is Tomi, a Polkadot Ambassador from Finland.

On our journey to futher decentralization, should it be customary to tip those who represent Polkadot in the media?

Before I can teach the OpenGov process for others, I wanted to test it out myself and thus created [a Small Tipper proposal](https://polkadot.polkassembly.io/referenda/60) for my participation in a crypto Podcast called Hopium, a small citizen journalism initiative outside of "the Dotsama bubble".

Please [go vote](https://polkadot.polkassembly.io/referenda/60) and comment below your reasoning.

Should media representation be compensated?

...now that I have your attention, ;)

Polkadot OpenGov is a completely unique mechanism for decentralized treasury management. Other chains could learn a lot from us.

[Project Catalyst](https://projectcatalyst.io/) is a "decentralized" innovation fund for projects building on Cardano. We could learn a lot from their successes and mistakes.

There is a community organization called Catalyst Swarm whose coordinator would like to do some cross-pollination of ideas and cross-chain learning. Show your interest by commenting here if you would like to participate in an online session or two.

Cheers,

Tomi

PS. *it's not.

Cardano is better* than Polkadot...

Let's connect Polkadot with startup founders in Slush 2024!
&nbsp;
Challenge: As Polkadot enthusiasts, we know the transformative power of this technology. But outside the blockchain bubble, Polkadot's potential remains undiscovered by many entrepreneurs and investors. This presents a critical opportunity: <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://slush.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; background-font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slush 2024</a>, Europe's largest startup event, happening November 20-21 in Helsinki.
&nbsp;
Mission: Imagine thousands of tech-savvy individuals exposed to the possibilities of Web3 and Polkadot's pioneering infrastructure. We can unite Polkadot with Slush's vibrant network, empower founders to build the future with Web3, and position Polkadot as a leading force in the startup ecosystem.
&nbsp;
Join the Brainstorm!
To make this impactful collaboration a reality, we need your ideas and expertise. Share your thoughts on:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Engaging Activities: From interactive demonstrations and roundtable discussions to compelling workshops and engaging side events, what can we do to captivate investors and founders?</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Meaningful Connections: How can we facilitate organic interactions between Polkadot and the Slush community, both online and offline?</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Impactful Messaging: What narrative will resonate with tech entrepreneurs and investors, showcasing Polkadot's unique value proposition?</li>
</ul>
Together, we can create a partnership that benefits both Polkadot and the broader Web3 ecosystem. Share your ideas in the comments below, and let's bring Polkadot to the forefront of Slush 2024!
&nbsp;
Expected outcome: This partnership could have a huge direct impact on Polkadot. We can reach thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, volunteers and media representatives at once. These new people, coming mainly from outside of the crypto bubble, would inject vitality and diversity to the ecosystem and increase the reach and quality of Polkadot. Ideally, Polkadot is portrayed as the most visible blockchain partner in the Slush Network.
&nbsp;
Key metrics to measure:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">% of Slush-goers recognizing the Polkadot brand afterwards.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;"># of additional articles, news, videos and blog posts published about Polkadot.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;"># of entrepreneurs and teams from the Slush network ready to build on Polkadot.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">$ value of investments flowing into Polkadot-related projects.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;"># of new OpenGov proposals from the contacts originating in Slush.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Budget: It&rsquo;s too early to say how much this all would cost, but depending on what&rsquo;s included and how big we want it to be, it could be anywhere between 50-500K &euro;.
&nbsp;
Key Points:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Opportunity: Slush 2024 offers access to thousands of potential collaborators and investors.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Mission: Increase Polkadot's visibility, attract promising startups, and solidify its position as a builder-friendly blockchain.</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Your Role: Share your ideas on engaging activities, fostering connections, and crafting impactful messaging. </li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Join the Movement: Contribute to shaping a proposal for Polkadot OpenGov and help make this vision a reality.</li>
</ul>

<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background- text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration- display: inline !important; float: none;">Better yet, if you're interested in joining the core team, comment below and let's collaborate! Once we have a good enough plan and a dedicated core team of 3-5 people, we'll write up a proper proposal for OpenGov. In the meantime, we'll check available partnership opportunities and related costs with the Slush organizers.
I am ready to act as a kickstarter, connector and storyteller to get things started, and I can be your boots on the ground, but I need you to roll up your sleeves and bring in your ideas. Let's build momentum! Share your thoughts in the comments below or contact me directly. This won't fly without you.
&nbsp;
Tomi Astikainen
Polkadot Ambassador, Finland
astikainentomi(at)gmail.com PS. Check out the <a href="https://youtu.be/eXPDqghRLXA?si=hhpa9PwwVilLGsnS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Slush 2023 Aftermovie</a> for the vibes!

Slush 2024: bring a cadre of investors and founders to Polkadot.

Could there be a wortwhile reason to spend 1-2% of the treasury to gain visibility in a major sports events (or series of events)?
Which one is more efficient way of gaining brand recognition among the masses, a 30 second ad in the Super Bowl or an annual sponsorship of a team that the whole world is watching?
Check out the <a href="https://polkaverse.com/12600/pink-sponsor-for-a-pink-club-83423">teaser in Polkaverse</a> and participate in the discussion!

Is it okay to spend 5,000,000 USD worth of treasury money for one proposal?

Would it be time to introduce a milestones based release of funds? Coming from highly structured Project Catalyst, for me it is unfathomable that the proposers get all their requested funds at once. Sure, if they don't deliver they lose their reputation but it is the common treasury that takes the hit.

Lack of accountability

Dates: November 19-22, 2024&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ask: 112,078 USDT (<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Rv2zNRBrzCACKsI6wUcaXld33WGBEwLbZp5HlksjlNM/edit?usp=sharing">Budget</a>)
Full proposal: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J-NK2wult_geVn8qLOWt7v8OwhwdgBoOnko0ZittiDQ/edit?usp=sharing">Polkadot at Slush 2024</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Discussion: <a href="https://forum.polkadot.network/t/polkadot-at-slush-2024/9053">Polkadot Forum</a>
Problem: Polkadot has a notable lack of exposure in the entrepreneur and investor networks outside the blockchain circles and marginal recognition among those startup founders who would benefit from building their solutions on Web3 rails.
Solution: Located in Helsinki, Finland, <a href="https://slush.org/">Slush</a> is Europe&rsquo;s premier startup event and the largest concentration of VC money, offering a unique opportunity to connect with a broad audience of tech entrepreneurs and investors, enhancing Polkadot&rsquo;s visibility and reach.
Approach: A high-profile team of Polkadot networkers (Lucy, Six, G&aacute;bo, Luuu, Zo&eacute;, Strindbergman, Polkadot Agent, Jimmy, Max, Filippo and Bill) will find the most promising people among the founders and investors that gather at Slush. To support their efforts, a digital marketing campaign is carried out beforehand and two events are arranged. Half of the networkers will host a Polkadot-exclusive Web3 panel for people interested in emerging tech (AI, XR, Web3). The other half hosts a Finnish-style sauna event for international investors, highlighting the benefits of Web3 and Polkadot. Active networking continues for three days, with the goal of reaching 100 high-potential, qualified leads.
This initiative is a new way to boost Polkadot visibility outside our ecosystem. It happens during an event but it&rsquo;s not only promotion, sales or plain relationship building. This can be seen as:
<ul>
<li>A marketing initiative to create awareness and increase interest among the 13,000 Slush participants, portraying Polkadot as one of the official partners.</li>
<li>A business development initiative to create new opportunities for the existing ecosystem teams and help new teams enter the Web3 space.</li>
<li>An investor relations initiative attracting new capital in-flows into the ecosystem.</li>
</ul>
Ecosystem engagement: Investment opportunities from within the Polkadot ecosystem are pre-collected and shared with interested investors. The lasting relationships we build will increase the capital in-flows, media exposure, teams of builders and new tech talent within the Polkadot ecosystem. The most Web3 curious founders and investors are directed to a shared Telegram group where the ecosystem teams can directly engage with them already during the event. The networkers will organize follow-up meetings with those who give their consent through a sign-up form.
A new beginning: We will share all our materials, tools and learning points with the community so that others can benefit from our work and develop the networking approach further. This is also the first project for the newly founded Polkadot Community Foundation to support.
Full proposal: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J-NK2wult_geVn8qLOWt7v8OwhwdgBoOnko0ZittiDQ/edit?usp=sharing">Polkadot at Slush 2024</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Discussion: <a href="https://forum.polkadot.network/t/polkadot-at-slush-2024/9053">Polkadot Forum</a>

[Polkadot Community Foundation] Polkadot at Slush 2024

**Dates:** November 19-22, 2024 (Preparation: Jan-Nov 2024)
**Ask:** 112,078 USDT ([Budget](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Rv2zNRBrzCACKsI6wUcaXld33WGBEwLbZp5HlksjlNM/edit?usp=sharing))
**Read more:** [about Slush](https://slush.org/about/)
**Discussion:** [Polkadot Forum](https://forum.polkadot.network/t/polkadot-at-slush-2024/9053)
**View full proposal:** [Polkadot at Slush 2024](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J-NK2wult_geVn8qLOWt7v8OwhwdgBoOnko0ZittiDQ/edit?usp=sharing)

**Problem:** Polkadot has a notable lack of exposure in the entrepreneur and investor networks outside the blockchain circles and marginal recognition among those startup founders who would benefit from building their solutions on Web3 rails.

**Solution:** Located in Helsinki, Finland, [Slush](https://slush.org/) is Europe’s premier startup event and the largest concentration of VC money, offering a unique opportunity to connect with a broad audience of tech entrepreneurs and investors, enhancing Polkadot’s visibility and reach.

**Approach:** A high-profile team of Polkadot networkers (Lucy, Six, Gábo, Luuu, Zoé, Strindbergman, Polkadot Agent, Gustavo, Max, Filippo and Bill) will find the most promising people among the founders and investors that gather at Slush. To support their efforts, a digital marketing campaign is carried out beforehand and two events are arranged. Half of the networkers will host a Polkadot-exclusive Web3 panel for people interested in emerging tech (AI, XR, Web3). The other half hosts an event for international investors, highlighting the benefits of Web3 and Polkadot. Active networking continues for three days, with the goal of reaching 100 high-potential, qualified leads.

This initiative is a new way to boost Polkadot visibility outside our ecosystem. It happens during an event but it’s not only promotion, sales or plain relationship building. This can be seen as:
- A marketing initiative to create awareness and increase interest among the 13,000 Slush participants, portraying Polkadot as one of the official partners.
- A business development initiative to create new opportunities for the existing ecosystem teams and help new teams enter the Web3 space.
- An investor relations initiative attracting new capital in-flows into the ecosystem.

**Ecosystem engagement:** Investment opportunities from within the Polkadot ecosystem are pre-collected and shared with interested investors. The lasting relationships we build will increase the capital in-flows, media exposure, teams of builders and new tech talent within the Polkadot ecosystem. The most Web3 curious founders and investors are directed to a shared Telegram group where the ecosystem teams can directly engage with them already during the event. The networkers will organize follow-up meetings with those who give their consent through a sign-up form.

**A new beginning:** We will share all our materials, tools and learning points with the community so that others can benefit from our work and develop the networking approach further. This is also the first project that the newly founded [Polkadot Community Foundation](https://polkadot.subsquare.io/polkassembly/posts/2278) supports. Please be patient, as they are still setting things up (the [multisig address](https://assethub-polkadot.subscan.io/account/16hdUXXYjoBQBpdQ14z7qk372rwNHkdQJ9YyBuPaXiZcqnru) is legit and will be verified).

**Check the full proposal for details:** [Polkadot at Slush 2024](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J-NK2wult_geVn8qLOWt7v8OwhwdgBoOnko0ZittiDQ/edit?usp=sharing)

This proposal seeks to recover 46.1 DOT lost due to a technical error while pursuing a local Polkadot event. The event aimed to foster XR, AI, and Web3 collaboration in Finland but faced unexpected funding roadblocks due to discontinuation of advertised <a href="https://web3foundation.notion.site/Bounty-17-Community-Events-V2-45f16ac6c17b4d158ddcfee96f564561">Events Bounty</a> support.
The <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GeGKg4Dx7fu21-pUdSCLVeoyjW7CCPgM/view?usp=sharing">original proposal</a> (596 DOT) was for a launch event (an extraordinary event) that would be on a cool venue and set the stage for an extended hackathon and a series of recurring meetings, culminating in a Slush side event in November 2024.
Due to the feedback from the Events Bounty curators, the event was scaled down, the venue was changed to smaller, the catering was reduced, the organiser fees were cut and the prizes to activate participants were slashed.
The <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oxn1EjenzL9_1obFh5U0CPofCGFkati_/view?usp=sharing">revised proposal</a> was for merely 310 DOT. Since the Polkadot community in Finland is non-existing, the practicalities were to be organised by a student group (XES) that was eager to learn more and spread the Polkadot vibes to their entrepreneurial membership. As an ambassador, I helped them to set up the practicalities, to be able to receive the funding. For this, I had to give them 1.1 DOT existential deposit and lock up 45 DOT to pay for the multisig and pure proxy identity verification.
Although we had submitted the application well in advance, we now started to run out of time. After multiple queries, we heard nothing from the Events Bounty. Ultimately, we had no choice but to pull the application. Then, we finally got a response: &ldquo;The Bounty has been in some flux as we prepare for either a renewal or a wind-down of operations.&rdquo; This possibility, that the entire bounty was about to be discontinued, was not communicated to us earlier and we had been waiting in vain.
I was frustrated, fatigued and under a lot of pressure. This led me to make a technical error with polkadot.js and caused the locked up DOT to be lost. I immediately asked for help on Polkadot Watercooler channel (Element) and, after a call with Radha from Web3 Foundation, got confirmation that the funds cannot be retrieved, even if Subscan still shows the pure proxy as active.&nbsp;These are the accounts in question:
<ul>
<li>Pure proxy: 12NY5cguZUHNm5hhAxLMZXMtnKT3LZttgxuieSkoqevgQp8b</li>
<li>Multisig: 12tp6EoXFwAucagB9BrKqud5XfBFQKm4LHg48xARHQnjQsmk</li>
</ul>
Who am I?
<ul>
<li>My name is <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomiastikainen/">Tomi</a>. I am a Polkadot Ambassador in Finland, since 2023.</li>
<li>Even before that I was actively promoting the network globally. For instance, I wrote a Polkadot-friendly book called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crypto-Curious-when-investing-cryptoassets/dp/9526921534">Crypto Curious?</a></li>
<li>Recently, I initiated a cross-chain collaboration project <a href="https://grillapp.net/12600/uni-fires-connecting-polkadot-and-cardano-communities-70737">Polkadot-Cardano uniFires</a>, securing 140,000 ADA from Cardano Project Catalyst to get things moving. We are now half-way through and the future looks promising.</li>
<li>In Finland, I helped the student clubs to organise a Decoded viewing party, represented Polkadot in various events and explained Polkadot intricacies in a Finnish-language podcast.</li>
<li>I am part of the team that helps active community members to get <a href="referenda/733">sponsorships for Polkadot Decoded 2024</a>.</li>
</ul>
I spent months in preparation, partnership talks and coordination efforts, to no avail. After all these experiences, I am a little tired and disappointed, to say the least. To regain my motivation and to focus fully on the international initiatives underway, I am asking the community to reimburse the 46.1 DOT that I lost due to a technical error (and my own stupidity), acknowledging that this was all done in good faith, pursuing a local event for Polkadot promotion.
---Read <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YeF1XGXo68Zq9qFdYMF25jcLesIjZCws9vePtFBCktI/edit?usp=sharing">the full proposal</a> (same text as here)---

Recovering lost funds for local initiative

**Background**

I am [the only Polkadot Ambassador in Finland](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomiastikainen/), so far.

I have been working tirelelssly to establish the basis for a local community here up north, completely on a voluntary basis. As part of that slow but steady progress, I found organisers for one of the four European Polkadot Decoded Viewing Parties and I've encouraged other people to become candidates in the Ambassadors program. I have also created connections to reliable crypto influencers and citizen journalists.

**Hopium Podcast**

Hopium is a Finnish language podcast about crypto and blockchain, available on Spotify and on YouTube. It is a citizen journalism initiative outside of our "Dotsama bubble". I was invited to talk about Polkadot in their 44th episode. You can listen to it here (in Finnish):

https://spotify.link/VqfVZyASVBb

This was the first time ever that Polkadot is discussed in any Finnish media. Based on the feedback received, it will not be the last one. The hosts would like to do a follow up episode, delving deeper into Polkadot DeFi. I'll be sure not to do that interview alone.

**Time investment**

Although the groundwork has taken months, the preparation for this podcast specifically was about eight hours and the recording itself about two hours. In reality, I've used much more time. See, this is my first ever OpenGov proposal and the second time I try. **First time failed because I chose a wrong preimage.** I want to do this right so I can confidently instruct others how to submit proposals later on.

**Tip**

The tip that I’m asking for is for 10 hours of work, 5 DOT per hour, **50 DOT in total**.

**Reasoning**

Polkadot community activation from scratch is an arduous process. On our journey to futher 'human decentralization', those who represent Polkadot in the media and initiate the conversations that matter should get tips as incentives, at least before the on-chain Ambassadors Collective is in full steam.

**Please vote Aye** to show that all this learning through trial and error matters.

Small tip for Polkadot community activation in Finland

[THIS IS GOING TO FAIL ANYWAYS, NO MATTER WHAT YOU VOTE. CHOSE A WRONG PRE-IMAGE.]
Background
I am the only Polkadot Ambassador in Finland, so far. I have been working to establish the basis for a local community here, completely on a voluntary basis. As part of that slow but steady progress, I found organisers for one of the four European Polkadot Decoded Viewing Parties. I have also created connections to reliable crypto influencers and citizen journalists. This is my first ever OpenGov proposal, aiming to learn the ropes so I can teach others later. (I know the pre-image was wrongly selected but I'm here to make mistakes so others don't have to).
Hopium Podcast
Hopium is a Finnish language podcast about crypto and blockchain, available on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0hrjC7sYtO3LicrLxyvF6H">Spotify</a> and on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hopium_fi4774">YouTube</a>. It is a citizen journalism initiative outside of our "Dotsama bubble". I was invited to talk about Polkadot in their 44th episode. This was the first time ever that Polkadot is discussed in any Finnish media. Based on the feedback received, it will not be the last one. The hosts would like to do a follow up episode, delving deeper into Polkadot DeFi.
Time investment
Although the groundwork has taken months, the preparation for this podcast specifically was about eight hours and the recording itself about two hours.
Tip
The tip that I&rsquo;m asking for is for 10 hours of work, 10 DOT per hour, 100 DOT in total.
Reasoning
On our journey to futher 'human decentralization', tips for those who represent Polkadot in the media should function as incentives, at least before Ambassadors collective is in full steam.
Please vote and comment below. Glad to get any feedback and ideas.