LayerZero’s recent ZRO token airdrop has stirred up significant backlash due to its unconventional “pay-to-claim” mechanism. Typically seen as free distributions of tokens, airdrops have garnered popularity for their no-cost acquisition. However, LayerZero Foundation introduced a twist by mandating users to make a 10-cent donation per ZRO token claimed to Protocol Guild, a collective supporting Ethereum’s layer-1 research and development.
This move, labeled by some as “pay to claim,” sparked criticism among users who expected a straightforward airdrop without additional costs. Bryan Pellegrino, co-founder of LayerZero Labs, defended the decision, stating it required users to demonstrate commitment to the LayerZero protocol’s long-term vision. LayerZero Foundation pledged to match all donations up to $10 million, framing the requirement as a way to align recipients with the protocol’s goals.
Despite the foundation’s rationale, not all reactions were supportive. Analogies likening the donation requirement to being forced to donate for a meal at McDonald’s underscored the frustration expressed by some participants on social media platforms.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates within the crypto community regarding the nature of airdrops and the expectations of participants in decentralized ecosystems.
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