Bridging the Gap: Moving Blockchain Developer Relations Teams From a Web2 to Web3 Mindset
A key promise of blockchain is decentralization – transferring power and control from centralized entities to distributed networks and communities. However, many blockchain projects approach developer relations with a very centralized, Web2 way of thinking. This creates friction between the technology’s decentralized nature and how teams engage developers.
Legacy Web2 companies often take a “broadcast” mindset to developer relations. They focus on outbound messaging to “educate” developers on using their platform. But this centralized, one-way communication model does not align with blockchain’s community-driven ethos. Developer relations teams rooted in Web2 need to shift their culture and strategies to embrace blockchain’s decentralizing potential.
Here are some ideas that can help teams transition from centralized to decentralized thinking when engaging blockchain developers:
Emphasize Two-Way Conversation
Web2 developer relations broadcasts information out, while Web3 focuses on participatory discussion. Teams need to move away from one-way communication via blog posts, tutorials and docs. Instead, they should spend more time in active conversations across forums, chat channels and social media. Engaging directly with developers builds relationships and trust.
Decentralize Access and Knowledge
Web2 projects often limit access to information and data, requiring approval to use APIs or SDKs. But blockchain technology enables permissionless innovation. Developer relations needs to decentralize access to docs, tools and support channels. Making knowledge open and transparent should be the norm.
Promote Open Source Contribution
The open source ethos of blockchain conflicts with Web2’s propriety inclination. Teams need to actively encourage contributions to core protocol code bases and infrastructure. This gives developers ownership in the technology. Setting contribution goals helps ensure this remains a priority, not just an afterthought.
Cultivate Grassroots Communities
Web2 relies on centralized events and marketing to reach developers. Blockchain is community-driven. Teams should enable and empower developers to self-organize into grassroots meetups, workshops, hackathons and other activities. Local groups cultivate passion and relationships that broadcast communications do not.
Embrace Users as Co-Creators
Web2 platforms tightly control their user experiences. Blockchain projects should involve their developer community in co-creating resources, tools, events and other initiatives. For instance, they can crowdsource content ideas for tutorials or give developers governance power via tokens.
Promote Mission Over Platform
Web2 developer relations often focuses on promoting the technical superiority of the platform alone. But blockchain aims for social impact. Teams need to communicate and contribute to the broader mission – whether it be decentralizing finance, empowering creators or bridging the digital divide. This rallying narrative is more meaningful than platform features.
Value Long-Term Contribution Over Short-Term Usage
Web2 developer relations prioritizes driving platform usage and adoption numbers. But a narrow focus on vanity metrics can undermine community loyalty. Teams need to focus more on long-term developer satisfaction, retention and contribution. This sustains decentralization rather than short-term boosts.
Decentralize Decision-Making
Hierarchical, top-down governance is contrary to blockchain ethos. Yet many teams still operate this way. More decentralized operations that empower developers to vote on initiatives and budgets gives the community a real voice. Distributing control aligns better with blockchain’s promise.
Champion Developers as Winners Too
Web2 platforms typically capture most of the value they create, while developers earn meager revenue shares. Blockchain’s transparency enables fairer value distribution via tokens and protocols shaped by developers. Teams should highlight how developers can equitably benefit rather than serving platform owners alone.
The ideas presented paint a path for blockchain developer relations teams to move away from outdated, centralized Web2 habits. Adopting a Web3 mindset better serves developers while staying truer to blockchain’s underlying decentralization mission. With some thoughtful shifts, teams can bridge today’s divide – and build a more empowered community of developers driving impactful change.