Retailism for Devs, Investors, and Customers
by Jango – originally shared on jango.eth.limo
Retailist networks blur the lines between different types of network participants, but can still mean different things for people with different intents.
For context as to why the following statements apply, look through these short posts introducing Retailism, understanding Retailism through the lens of CAC and LTV, and modeling Retalism.
Devs and Entrepreneurs
Deploying a Retailist network in support of a project can be productive for devs and entrepreneurs who:
- are building open source software or smart contracts, and are unsure how to monetize its use to support themselves, their network, and their product’s evolution.
- believe a network of their product’s fans is more capable of growing itself rather than growing through their strategic efforts.
- prefer to spend their time building rather than shilling.
- prefer encouraging their network to teach each other, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to solutions alongside them.
- prefer to scope down the burden of management and treasury governance, or absolve these burdens altogether.
- prefer letting anyone invest from the get-go.
- prefer adhering to smart contracts rather than legal contracts.
- prefer relating to a network’s value on equal terms alongside all investors and customers.
- prefer working alongside their users rather than extracting from them.
It is not recommended for builders who:
- are making products which by their nature require centralized operation or the maintenance of secrets.
- want to remain in control.
- prefer building exclusive relationships with investors.
Investors and Capital Allocators
Chipping in to a project’s Retailist network can be productive for investors who:
- want strong guarantees as to what might happen to their money given a few tractable projections.
- want to have their allocations derisked, with clear time horizons, success conditions, and failure signals.
- want strong guarantees as to how they’ll be able to access their money once allocated.
- want to be among a broader network of incentivized parties working towards a shared goal.
- prefer adhering to smart contracts rather than legal contracts.
- prefer relating to a network’s value on equal terms alongside all devs and customers.
It is not recommended for investors who:
- want to remain in control.
- want to operate within familiar corporate structures.
- prefer building exclusive relationships with devs and entrepreneurs.
- prefer orienting towards retail extraction.
Customers and Users
Paying fees to a project’s Retailist network can be productive for customers who:
- wish to be treated as investors.
- believe their word-of-mouth and feedback have value.
- don’t mind paying for things but want to know exactly what they’re paying for and where the money is going.
- do not want their choices to be taken advantage of.
- prefer relating to a network’s value on equal terms alongside all devs and investors.