Ethereum’s Pay: A Scandal So Insanely Low, It’s Almost Poetic!

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The Tragicomedy of Ethereum‘s Key Takeaways

What is EF Being Accused Of? 🚽

The community, in a fit of pique, accuses the Foundation of both neglect and meager compensation, as if such things were not the norm in the digital age. 💸

Did the Backlash Sour ETH Market Sentiment? 😒

ETH, in a moment of weakness, slipped slightly, though the market’s sentiment remained as indifferent as a stone. 🧱

Ethereum [ETH] Foundation (EF) has hit headlines this week, amid criticism over relatively low pay and other ecosystem misalignment. A scandal so grand, it rivals the tragedies of Shakespeare. 🎭

The latest backlash was triggered by the recent move by long-standing EF researcher, Dankrad Feist. Feist, in a dramatic exit, has joined the opulent realm of Stripe’s Tempo, where the coffers are deep and the vibes are… well, presumably better. 🏰

Several high-profile researchers and developers have left the EF recently. And the major catalyst behind the churn? A ridiculous underpayment and lack of ‘vibes.’ A situation so dire, it’s a wonder anyone remains. 🤯

EF’s Misalignment: A Tale of Two Chains

A former EF lead developer, Peter Szilagyi, revealed that he received an overall of $625K for six years, pre-tax. A sum so paltry, it’s a wonder he didn’t faint from the shock. 💸

Given his experience, this pay was way too low according to key players in the sector, including fellow devs in other chains like Solana. One user called it ‘insanely low’ compared to market rates. A phrase so overused, it’s now a meme. 😂

With corporate chains like Stripe’s Tempo eyeing the Ethereum market share, the brain drain does not look good for Foundation. A crisis so severe, even the most optimistic would weep. 🥺

But internal dissatisfaction goes beyond payment. The vibe is also woefully off, with a lack of misalignment between EF and key protocols, according to insiders. A situation as chaotic as a disco dance-off. 🕺

Sandeep Nailwal, CEO of Polygon, decried that the EF has never supported the L2. A betrayal as profound as a son’s rejection of his father. 🧑‍👦

For him, the Ethereum community has become a ‘shit show’ and nobody gives a hoot about people making a massive contribution to the ecosystem. A statement so bold, it’s almost poetic. 🎭

“I/we never got any direct support from the EF or the Ethereum CT community – in fact, the reverse. The Ethereum community as a whole has been a shit show for quite some time.”

He added that despite hosting the successful Polymarket, the community doesn’t consider it as part of Ethereum. A paradox so absurd, it’s almost a riddle. 🤔

“When Polymarket wins big, it’s ‘Ethereum,’ but Polygon itself is not Ethereum. Mind-boggling.”

He noted that Polygon would be much better off as an L1 but has remained on Ethereum because of its ‘democratic values.’ A noble cause, though one wonders if the values are as democratic as the rhetoric. 🗳️

Another Ethereum builder, Andre Conje, echoed Sandeep’s statement and posed,

“I am confused. So who is EF paying/supporting?”

But the backlash was like deja vu. EF faced a similar crisis earlier this year. It was forced to overhaul its entire leadership to ensure ecosystem alignment. So far, the EF has actively used Aave [AAVE], Morpho [MORPHO], and other applications as part of the changes. A phoenix rising, albeit with a shaky grip on reality. 🦅

But it appears it was still short of meeting community expectations. In response, Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, hailed Polygon (ex-MATIC) [POL] and Sandeep’s contribution, perhaps to calm the situation. A gesture as hollow as a politician’s promise. 🤡

“I really appreciate both Sandeep Nailwal’s personal contributions and Polygon’s immensely valuable role in the Ethereum ecosystem.”

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2025-10-21 13:44