[Budget] Degens 2.0 and December Report

[Lolson_tg]

Hey! Let me make a little introduction!

This December report is very important for us. It allows us to evaluate our effectiveness and benefits for the Near Protocol ecosystem in 2021. I joined the ranks of the Degen Army in May 2021, then it was a group of enthusiasts who were eager to talk about the Near Protocol ecosystem and spread information wherever possible.

We didn’t have a clear systematization and we were a bit chaotic. After a while, we realized that we could turn this huge mechanism of the Degen Army into something absolutely incredible.

We have gone through several stages of development, from a chaotic system to a clear systematization, where each member of the Degen Army does his job. Many thanks to all the consuls who were part of the Degen Army, and especially @rimberjack . You’re just a legend!

In November, there was a transition from Degen Army to Degens 2.0, which meant for us a reduction in participants and an improvement in the quality of work. It was not an easy step to choose those who will really stay, but thanks to a well-established structure, we were able to make a choice.

Now our group has no more than 25 participants who are true professionals in their field. Despite the reduction of Degen Army participants, our indicators are growing every month!

I would like to wish everyone who actively participates in the Near Protocol ecosystem great success in the new year! I feel that we are on the right direction, I am sure that in 2022 the Near Protocol successes will be even more significant! Degen Army is always ready to support the ecosystem 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Also, thanks to every user who supports and motivates guilds to remain transparent and honest in front of the community!

Report on Use of November Funding

November funding was used for

• individual payout each member;

In October, we were requested to migrate to Astro DAO, and so the usage of the funds can be seen in our new DAO: “degens.sputnik-dao.near”. 2 Further details of the transactions can be found under degenarmy.near.

We are Hiring:

Requirement:

• Must be an Active Twitter user with good knowledge about tweets & stuff.
• Thorough knowledge about the Near Protocol & happenings in the ecosystem;
• The skill of creating high-quality content (articles, videos, posts, infographics, and so on);
• At least 20+ hours a week (usually much more);
• Preferably! Reddit account (1000+ post karma, 100+ comment karma, account age is at least 6 months)

Fill out the application form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVE66ThXVLZhcTg4ClvzqwU5hBOGRF2CIWL1UdqhpjJp2NyA/formResponse

If we are interested in you, we will contact you!

December Objectives

Just like the previous months, the performance of the Degens can be measured both quantitatively and qualitatively, as we told earlier we had reduced the number of degens from October & its max 25 Degens now, as we missed quite a bit for the first week due to sudden change & all management but here we are standing strong & believe to achieve much higher results further.

General Social Media Objectives for December:

1. General Social Media

(1) increase average impressions for Twitter from last month, (2) nurture more NEAR KOL accounts, (3) boost NEAR’s visibility in line with significant announcements (Grants, Near DeFi, Aurora DeFi, Ref Finance). Main actions: (1) daily Twitter activity, (2) quality content creation, (3) audience building, (3) push the NEAR & Ecosystem updates throughout CT. Methodology for tracking performance: Twitter analytics

2. Bitcoin Talk

BTT team focused on creating threads in “Altcoin Discussions”. This made it possible to increase the presence of Near Protocol on the BitcoinTalk forum. Our team also wrote comments in relevant threads, where we described the advantages of the Near Protocol ecosystem.

• Objectives: Improving the quality. Сreating more unique content and Threads.
• Main actions
  • Creating new threads: Creating threads that would create a discussion about the Near Protocol ecosystem with the involvement of high-ranking forum participants.
  • Quality improvement: We rejected a large number of comments and concentrated on relevant threads that fit seamlessly into the format of the discussion.
• Methodology for tracking performance: manually track each unique post and views, comments etc

3. Reddit

The main directions remained the same, we created active discussions in posts on Reddit, mentioning projects from the Near Protocol ecosystem. Most of our posts ended up in the HOT section of such subreddits as “/r/CryptoMarkets” and “/r/defi”.

We also tested a new “Poll for Reddit” approach. The purpose of this approach is to motivate users to go to the post and view the information. We managed to collect 901 votes in two posts. Also we cooperated with the Reddit OPS Team and HYPE Team actively supporting each other’s posts!

• Objectives: Improving the quality of content / improving engagement from posts
• Main actions: Writing a manual about using Reddit. Foster support for activity in the main degens group. / Increasing the number of unique DYOR content, analysis, reviews, and so on.
  • Cooperation with the NEAR Reddit OPS Team: Coordination of actions with the Ops Team
  • Plans based on the Agenda: Creating plans for the week based on the Agenda and highlighting the main events that can be covered in Reddit.

Methodology for tracking performance: manually track each unique post and number of views, likes, and comments.

4. Influencer Targeting

• Objectives: optimize organizational structure. Improve approach and effectiveness in targeting youtubers in the comments.
• Main actions: identify crypto youtubers/influencers and target them on youtube, raid their telegram groups requesting near coverage
• Methodology for tracking performance: manually track the number of comments and responses from Youtubers
• The target audience: working with an audience of bloggers by means of raids in telegram groups

[Quantitative] Analytics

1. Twitter

Out of 20 accounts, over the last 28 days, we saw a % growth compared to last month.

• Average # of tweets = 157; Average Profile Visits = 12573 (+23%); Mentions = 226; Average # of New Followers = 304 (+23%); Average # of impressions: 98800 (+3%); Median # of impressions = 93200 (+19%)

• Distribution: 0 accounts accrued less than 10K; 2 accounts fell between 10~30K; 3 between 30~60K; 6 between 60~100K; 8 between 100~200K; 1 over 200K

*Please keep in mind that the comparative metrics are for reference only, as we are not dealing with the exact same data pool (fewer participants and delayed work period due to uncertainties for funding) in comparison to the previous month.

• We had agenda to push DeFi on Aurora & NEAR from the Start coz those were the big factors in the massive growth of NEAR & Aurora.

• We also pushed multiple tweets with tagging projects to launch on Aurora, one of that is DeBank (a Portfolio Tracker), we had created a proposal on their site, Voted as well as told people in communities to upvote too with the existing proposal.
  Tweet: https://twitter.com/sanket_naikwadi/status/1462728844633251840
  Result: DeBank went live on Aurora on 29th December - x.com

In terms of Metrics, we grew around 15-20% of our average numbers last month but the individual stats of lots of degens have improved as you can check median stats. We wanted to cross 100k avg impressions but sadly we fell short of 2k impressions but we’ll definitely accomplish it.

2. Bitcoin Talk

• Comments posted = 39;
• Total views on degen’s threads = 10351 (+19%);
• Total number of comments on degens’ threads = 1584 (+25%);

3. Reddit

• main subreddit: r/CryptoMarkets
• Total posts = 47 (+5%);
• Likes = 846 (+14%);
• Comments = 1568 (+46%);

4. Influencer Targeting
   Total number of comments posted on Youtube: 144 (0%)

• Total number of tweets made to Youtubers: 27 (+69%)
• Results: 30 (+200%) (videos on NEAR as a result of targeting + requesting)
• YT Answers: 15 (+15%)
• Twitter Answers: 5 (+66%)
• Raids: 23
• Successful Raids: 20

5. Content Creation

This is a new direction that we will focus on at the beginning of 2022. We intend to create high-quality content about the Near Protocol ecosystem. This direction has been in existence for about a month, we are still regulating the processes.

[Qualitative] Content and Other Contributions

1. December Degens Content highlight
2. Strengthened coordination with NEAR core marketing: (1) continued participation in the Marketing Distribution TG group, (2) direct communication with NEAR core marketing (@rimberjack participates in the NEAR marketing sync and Trello board, coordinating community hype with official launches + news). Adding to this, the reorganization of the Degens program also established stronger connections with Joep from NF and Hype Partners. There is now a Growth Channel Leaders TG Group + announcement channel to strengthen distribution efforts among Hype Partners, degens, Reddit Ops, Swine Guild, 4NTS, and Flying Rhino Guild.
3. Support for NEAR ecosystem partners: the Degens provide an on-the-ground service to activate the NEAR community. We are working with the Aurora Team (especially the new Aurora community manager), Ref Finance, and Metapool closely. And will be offering support for OIN Finance’s marketing directions.

Proposal for December Funding

We request rewards for 21 members in total

• Non-council member (18): 300 NEAR
• Council member (3): 350 NEAR

In sum, the total funding we request for November is 6,450 NEAR

[gokubaba]

One question please.
Why the funding requested still is in $Near? Wasnt whole ecosystem supposed to move to usd denominations for fundings?

[JackTran]

Good efforts.
Thanks @Lolson_tg for details

[SanketN81]

It was mentioned in October report, you can check it out here.

[Budget] October Report and Payout Request for the NEAR Degen Army

Report on Use of September Funding The funds we received through the Degens DAO for September were used for 1) individual payout for each member, 2) incentives for top performers (claimed through the wallet “degenarmy.near” and transferred to the wallets of 8 members). Degens 2.0 Based on conversations between NEAR Foundation (cc. @Grace ) and the council, we have decided that it is time to consolidate the months-long experimentation that was the Degen Army, and evolve into Degens 2.0. Start…

[gokubaba]

ok. Read the whole thread and still cant get a clear cut objective for arriving at 300N salary and 350N salary. Nowhere its been argued that the salary should be in USD terms apart from few instances where @Dacha has made arguements on the same.
I have seen 100s of post where the proposal was asked to move on to usd denominations.
Lets say if the price of Near reaches 285usd then also we will be saying same salary and it will be 100k usd per month. Maybe some will still feel it to be very less for skills
Just asking what are the flat rates for degens? Nowhere its been discussed. I am just asking why this degens 2.0 is immune to the NEAR ecosystem rules?
If you are correct in asking for salary count in NEAR then why should others not be given similar chance?
Well if you guys see is a reduction in salary then i will say whole ecosystem feels the same with ows and everyone.
Just sit back and consider it once there are some extra privelages that bend rules of NEAR forum, ecosystem.

And saying of the proposal of @Dacha i highly agree with him that somewhere some people should do some work as NEAR believers, i see same persons everywhere as admin, degens are specialists so with that track and reputation no other member will ever get a chance.

[Lolson_tg]

Hello @gokubaba

Thank you for your questions, it helps us to remain an open guild. Sorry I didn’t respond earlier to your message. I saw you have already asked this question, but unfortunately due to the large amount of work, I forgot to answer you. I apologize again.

I understand your concern that we are not requesting payment in dollars. But we have been working on this scheme from the very beginning, when the price was NEAR 1.4-2-3$ and we’ve never asked for more. At the moment we are seeing an increase in the price, yes, of course, now it looks like an impressive amount. But we do a first-class job. But at the same time, Degen Army will exist even if the price of NEAR is 1-2-3 dollars, I guarantee it to you. Of course there is some limit and to say that we will request 300 NEAR at a price of $ 100 is extremely illogical. Perhaps at some point the payments to Degen Army will be reviewed.

As soon as this happens, I promise, I will personally write you a message about it. Thank you for your interest in our guild, we have an open recruitment of new employees, you can try yourself as a new hero! All the best and success in the new year!

[gokubaba]

Thanks for your reply.
There is no doubt that work from degens are exceptional.

I am quite new to Near ecosystem and had been reading posts from pasts to understand what all i have to catch up.

Just was wondering when almost everyone from ows to top marketing, developer etc are now requesting in terms of dollars which ofc is converted to near later on why the same case was not for degens.

And for 1-2-3 dollars price point of near, well none of us want that to happen😅.

I still have a lot of reading to be done prior to apply for any work in NEAR Ecosystem.
“Little knowledge is dangerous, half baked understanding imbued with confidence of finality is fatal”
Will work on knowledge part first, then will apply and thanks for answering and suggestions.

[Dacha]

@Lolson_tg

In

Good morning. Agree with you. Probably, NF @Grace @jlwaugh @David_NEAR should determine degens monthly payments in $. Now, they are requested over $96 000, and over $4500 for part time work (80hrs) , $56.25 / hr

Secondly, I still see people who involved in other Gulid’s and projects, not too bad, but I would like to see dedicated team.

I propose -

1.Determine monthly payments in $ , $23 / hr ( average payment for ssm) , $1840 and $4500 for degen’s coordinators.

May be kind of points system? Best degens can get more than other.

2.Give equal access to opportunities for Near community members. Hire new people, create real dedicated team.

3.Add all current degens in DAO with right to vote.

Happy new year

Dear @Lolson_tg could you please introduce new Degen’s army members? Thank You

[Benz_Near]

Very deep in detail, great work people. Keep up the good work!

[Lolson_tg]

Hey @dacha! Happy New Year to you too!

1. Of course, this issue worries many. As soon as we receive any new information about this, we will definitely tell the community about it. At the moment, no request to change the payment system has been received. Perhaps it will be some kind of rating system for the participants of the Degen Army. We will definitely think about and discuss this issue with the consuls of Degen Army and the foundation. I would also like to say that most of the participants of Degen Army now work Full Time and this is their main activity and earnings, we are not talking about the fact that activity in Degen Army should take a little time (we need to change this item in the form). Therefore, I can explain why many members of Degen Army are engaged in several areas. Firstly, this is their work, and secondly, they have established themselves as excellent specialists, which are currently very few (explained below).

2. We have an open system. We are always glad to see new heroes of Degen Army. We are faced with the problem of professionalism of new candidates. In December, we conducted a large number of interviews. Many people want to become part of the Degen Army, but they do not have a portfolio, they do not have any experience in this, there is nothing that would be a reason to become a member of the Degen Army. Many are very good professionals, but only in words. About 30 candidates were considered in December and only two met our requirements, of these two, only one coped with the tasks. Based on the fact that Degen Army can have only 25 active members, we currently have 4 vacancies. Anyone who wants to become part of the Degen Army in 2022 can apply and will definitely be considered.
   [Information for new candidates] We have a very strict selection, be ready to spend all your free time mastering the Near ecosystem and creating content about it. We also have a “Survival Mode” - if you do not cope with tasks, do not fulfill KPIs, are not active, then be prepared that we will remove you from Degen Army at the end of the month without payment.

3. In my opinion, this is not possible, since we have a constant staff turnover. At the moment we are adding requests for payments manually (me and Baxoff). Yes, it takes time, but we are insured against mistakes on the part of the Degen Army participants, since when creating a request we check the address and description of the payment several times.

Perhaps my statements seemed harsh and strict to someone. But this is what allows Degen 2.0 to work with 20 participants better than Degen 1.0 with 50 participants. We are growing every month, we have focused on KPIs and metrics and this has borne fruit in the form of better efficiency and excellent workflows.

Thanks @dacha for your work, as I have already said, you create excellent conditions for creating open/transparent and honest guilds. Once again, happy New Year!

[jlwaugh]

Excellent report! Thanks very much.