Heterarchy: A Structure For DAOs

A conversation between Jess Sloss and Yancey Strickler on the latest episode of Building At The Edges.

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Heterarchy: A Structure For DAOs

Yancey Strickler is the cofounder of Metalabel, and previously cofounded Kickstarter.

In this episode, Yancey discusses the distinction between crypto and “onchain,” a slight but critical differentiation. Within this framework is a recognition that crypto as industry-wide nomenclature may be coming to an end. In Yancey’s view, onchain is more descriptive and precise of the world that decentralized organizations are playing in. 

The Metalabel team is experimenting with heterarchies as an organizing principle for effective decentralized decision making. A heterarchy pulls from the inherent agility within hierarchical organizations to make fast decisions. But instead of the decision-making power living within a consistent single person, decision-making autonomy is localized to decentralized expertise. In this model, coordination is not overburdened with slow process while still pursuing web3’s decentralized promise. 

In December 2022, Metalabel released their inaugural Record. The Record is their take on how blockchain can free creative works from the platform, a line that Yancey repeats throughout the episode. Digital sovereignty is at the core of this thesis. We’ve lost provenance over our digital identities as a result of platform centralization. The Record is one mechanism for creators to maintain both ownership over their creative works and direct relationship with fans. 

While ownership continues to be the primary value proposition for web3, Yancey questions the pursuit of ownership for ownership’s sake. But ownership in something as a way to provide value to it — whether that’s protocol, platform, or community — remains a worthwhile aspiration.