Solana Co-Founder Unveils Airdrop Rule Of Thumb As Sanctum Upsets Community

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July 17, 2024 Updated July 22, 2025
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Highlights

  • Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko shares his "number one rule" for airdrop distribution, emphasizing the need to avoid complaints and reward genuine power users.
  • Sanctum, built on Solana, faces backlash over its recent token distribution strategy, which favored active contributors over capital investors, sparking community dissatisfaction.
  • Sanctum's new airdrop strategy offers recipients a choice between immediate token claims or waiting for a potential bonus, aiming for a stable and sustainable token launch.

At the center of this storm is Sanctum, a blockchain protocol built on Solana, which has found itself embroiled in a heated dispute with its community over its recent token allocation strategy. As tensions rise, Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has stepped into the fray, offering his perspective on effective airdrop design.

Solana Co-Founder’s Perspective on Sanctum Airdrop Design

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding cryptocurrency airdrops, offering his perspective as the Sanctum protocol faces community backlash over its recent token allocation. Yakovenko, shared what he calls the “number one rule” for airdrop distribution design: “no whiners or complainers.” He suggested that this rule should be explicitly stated, allowing developers to reference it when inevitable complaints arise.

However, Yakovenko also emphasized the importance of rewarding power users who genuinely value the product. He advised that for an airdrop to be effective, the benefit to users should exceed the reward itself. Ideally, he noted, recipients should be paying customers, with the reward amount being less than the fees they pay for the service.

This advice comes as Sanctum, a blockchain protocol built on Solana, grapples with community dissatisfaction following its recent token allocation. The protocol’s decision to favor active contributors over capital investors has sparked controversy, with many users feeling unfairly treated.

In response to the uproar, Sanctum issued a lengthy statement on X acknowledging the community’s frustration. The company explained that their “earnestness allocation” aimed to create a core group of believers crucial for the protocol’s development. They also announced plans to address oversights by allowing additional submissions for consideration and committed to rewarding long-term “capital earnestness” in future airdrops.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion within the cryptocurrency community about the fairness and effectiveness of airdrop strategies. Some users have expressed skepticism about the long-term commitment of airdrop recipients, while others argue for greater recognition of financial investments in protocols.

As the debate continues, Yakovenko’s insights offer a potential framework for future airdrop designs, emphasizing the delicate balance between rewarding active users and avoiding community discord. The Sanctum controversy serves as a case study in the challenges of token distribution in the evolving landscape of decentralized finance.

Also Read: 21Shares Co-Founder Bullish On Crypto ETFs, Solana ETF Approval Imminent?

Sanctum’s Innovative Approach to Token Distribution

In an effort to address the challenges of token distribution, Sanctum has introduced an innovative approach for their upcoming July 18 airdrop. Eligible recipients are presented with a choice: they can either claim their tokens immediately, with the option to sell, or wait and potentially receive up to double their initial allocation.

Sanctum co-founder FP Lee explained that waiting could result in up to a 100% bonus, with the maximum bonus requiring a six-month wait before claiming tokens. This strategy aims to create a more stable and sustainable token launch by incentivizing recipients to hold onto their tokens while simultaneously selling tokens to public investors.

However, this approach raises questions about whether airdrop recipients will be willing to defer their payouts, especially given the volatility of the crypto market. The six-month waiting period for maximum bonus represents a significant time frame in the fast-paced cryptocurrency world, and it remains to be seen how recipients will respond to this incentive structure.

Also Read: Hong Kong Monetary Authority Unveils New Regulations For Fiat-Pegged Stablecoins

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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
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CoinGape comprises an experienced team of native content writers and editors working round the clock to cover news globally and present news as a fact rather than an opinion. CoinGape writers and reporters contributed to this article.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.