Airdrop Storm: From UNI to ZKSync, the Benefits and Challenges of the Web3 World

Airdrop(Airdrop) is a marketing method where cryptocurrency projects distribute tokens for free to specific users. It can help project teams with promotion and community rewards, while also allowing users to gain potential benefits. As the industry has developed, airdrop rules have continuously evolved, from simple confirmations in the early days to today's complex multidimensional evaluations, reflecting the industry's consideration of user value and project development.

The Historical Context of Airdrops

The origin of airdrops can be traced back to the Auroracoin project in 2014, where users only needed to verify their identity to receive tokens. After the ICO boom faded in 2017, airdrops gradually became a primary means for project teams to attract users. In September 2020, the 400 UNI airdrop from Uniswap sparked a wave of DeFi airdrops, bringing considerable profits to regular users. Since then, projects like 1inch, dYdX, and ENS have followed suit, making "getting free tokens" a hot topic in the community.

The Evolution of Airdrop Rules

The airdrop rules have gone through a process from simple to complex:

1. Initially, just confirm the identity of community members.
2. Simple registration or zero transfer
3. Basic interactions can earn you an Airdrop
4. Multi-dimensional filtering and anti-witch mechanism

Taking the Arbitrum airdrop in 2023 as an example, its rules involve multiple dimensions such as cross-chain bridge usage, trading frequency, and trading value, and use complex algorithms to exclude witch addresses. This trend reflects the project team's in-depth consideration of user value and their pursuit of airdrop effectiveness.

Classic Airdrop Case Review

Uniswap: Pioneering the Airdrop in DeFi

In September 2020, Uniswap airdropped 400 UNI tokens to all users who had used the platform before September 1, valued at approximately $1400. This move not only rewarded early users but also set an example for subsequent DeFi projects.

ApeCoin: An Extension of the NFT Ecosystem

In March 2022, ApeCoin airdropped to the holders of Bored Ape Yacht Club ( BAYC ) and Mutant Ape Yacht Club ( MAYC ) NFTs. The amount of the airdrop was determined based on the rarity and combination of the NFTs, reflecting the recognition of the value of the NFT ecosystem.

Arbitrum: Milestone of Layer 2

In March 2023, Arbitrum launched complex Airdrop rules, including a points system, an anti-sybil mechanism, and data cleansing. This approach aims to reward genuine users, punish speculative behavior, and demonstrates the project's pursuit of long-term value.

ENS: Innovation in Domain Services

In November 2021, ENS conducted an airdrop based on the duration and usage of users' domain holdings, encouraging users to hold and actively use ENS domains in the long term.

Blur: Incentives of a Professional NFT Trading Platform

In February 2023, Blur adopted a phased and incremental airdrop strategy to encourage users to continuously participate in platform activities. This approach effectively enhanced user engagement and platform liquidity.

IO: Pioneer of Decentralized Computing

In June 2024, the IO project will launch an Airdrop mechanism based on GPU contributions, while introducing burn deflation and staking requirements to balance token value and network security.

Blast: Innovative L2 Solution

In May 2024, Blast adopted a deposit and referral mechanism to accumulate points, and introduced an automatic re-basing feature, demonstrating its emphasis on the long-term value for users.

Merlin: The Innovation of Bitcoin's Layer 2 Network

Merlin Chain encourages users to deeply participate in ecosystem construction by supporting multiple asset staking and liquidity provision, reflecting its inclusiveness towards cross-chain assets.

Recent Airdrop Controversies

Recently, the airdrops of LayerZero and ZkSync have sparked widespread controversy, mainly focusing on the complexity of the airdrop rules, transparency, and the attitude of the project parties.

LayerZero Airdrop controversy

1. Anti-witchcraft mechanism: including self-reporting, official review, and user reporting, which triggers internal conflicts within the community.
2. Opaque Airdrop Rules: NFT holders' allocation raises questions.
3. Mandatory donations: To receive the airdrop, users must make mandatory donations to the Protocol Guild, causing dissatisfaction among users.

ZkSync Airdrop controversy

1. Complex qualification requirements: Set 7 qualification criteria, with a high threshold.
2. Daily average balance requirement: geared towards users who hold large assets for the long term.
3. Additional reward mechanism: Some conditions are quite difficult, raising doubts.

These controversies reflect the contradiction between users' expectations of airdrops and the strategies of the project parties, as well as concerns about project transparency and fairness.

Future Airdrop Trends and Strategies

1. The airdrop rules will become more complex and strict, and witch hunting will become a regular operation.
2. The competition between project parties, VCs, and users will become more intense.
3. Users need to adjust their mindset and accept the reality of the early bonus disappearing.
4. It is recommended to pay attention to well-funded projects that are not widely recognized.
5. Manage expectations and do not blindly trust the promises of the project team.
6. For popular projects, consider a strategy of a small number of premium accounts.
7. Pay attention to the behavior and motives of the project parties, and timely abandon unreasonable projects.

In the future, airdrops will continue to be an important tool for project teams to attract users and give back to the community, but their forms and rules will become more diversified and refined. Users need to keep pace with the times, adjust their strategies, and find a balance between opportunities and risks.