There’s a common assumption in blockchain that fewer limits lead to better systems. Lower fees, faster transactions, higher throughput—these are often seen as pure advantages. The idea is that removing friction will naturally lead to more usage and better outcomes. But in practice, systems without c
Most blockchain networks can operate. Far fewer can sustain themselves. In the early stages, many systems rely on external inputs—funding, incentives, speculation, and constant attention—to maintain activity. These factors can drive growth temporarily, but they don’t guarantee long-term viability. A
In Web3, growth often looks impressive. Users increase. Activity spikes. Metrics trend upward. But when incentives are removed… Everything slows down. Sometimes dramatically. Because what looked like an economy… Was often just a temporary loop. The Role of Incentives in Early Growth Inc...