[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Remove the downvoting mechanism from catalyst

This would start with discussions with the catalyst development team but ultimately it is just an interface problem and shouldn't require much work from them to implement

as a systemic proposal it will require testing ion the continuous testnet so we will need to agree on a schedule that will allow us to implement this test and review the results before deploying to production.

as it is risky to appoint any community members for fear of a personal incentive, the review must be carried out by the catalyst team.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

this proposal addresses the challenge in that it is a direct test to prove safety and then remove the downvoting mechanism from catalyst

the benefits it will bring to the ecosystem is that it will enable a fairer Catalyst environment with a lesser ability for voting manipulation by whales or big communities.

this will also make catalyst more competitive and allow newer teams to get funded easier which will help bring more innovation to Cardano

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

We will measure success through the implementation of a test run on the continuous testnet, followed by the the deployment to production for the following funding rounds

provided we have a successful test then there should be no reason to move it into production

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

all milestones will be announced publicly by the catalyst team as they are the ones with the reach to share this with the community.

first the announcement of a test, and how people can participate,

then the completion of the test and the results as it moves into review, then the results of the review stage (Integration will have to come as a separate follow up proposal)

I will also personally be sharing this journey myself documenting the process and sharing the results on twitter, my website and through youtube videos

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

I am an active member in catalyst, voting, proposing, circle and challenge teams

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

I want to ensure downvoting is removed from catalyst.

The feasibility of this proposal is quite simple, as the change is also a simple one, it isn't a complex new system or drastic change to catalyst as a process, rather a change to voting mechanisms to prevent easy gamification of the voting process

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

1:

• Organise a meeting with the catalyst team to figure out the potential timeline for testing

2:

• Prepare the test and share with the community how the can take part in the process

3:

• Run the test and create a report for our findings

  [CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

1: announcement that meeting is organised, and share the results of this meeting

2: a pre-test report describing how the test will be run and for how long

3: create a report of findings from the test

(4: deploy to catalyst at the next available fund) - This has to come as a separate proposal at a later date

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

This proposal will only be paying for my time running meetings, organising the test and reporting on the findings in writing and on video

I have decided to go for the minimum available funding as I am only paying for my time in coordinating this test and reporting on the process

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Rhys Morgan

willing to include other people who wish to help me with this

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

This proposal represents huge potential value for money. Without this test there is no discussion among the catalyst team for removing downvoting, and through this process we can remove an obvious manipulation mechanism from the Catalyst process.

This will create a fairer fund environment resulting in a more positive sentiment for potential projects with great ideas and small teams.

This can potentially contribute massively to greater innovation and more teams building greater things in the Cardano ecosystem