Questions to Ask Before Backing a Project

This article is part of the “Inside The Collective” series, dedicated to guiding developers and community members through the ecosystem. From getting and staking RIF, to submitting and voting for proposals, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this series.

 

 

Your RIF is power. Don’t stake it blindly.

 

Backing a builder in RootstockCollective isn’t just a vote of confidence – it’s a signal to the whole network. You’re locking RIF behind someone’s project, reputation, and execution. So before you allocate, ask yourself:

 

1: Do I Understand What They’re Building?

• Is the problem clear, and is the solution grounded in reality?
• Can they explain the project without buzzwords or empty jargon?
• Does the project align with Rootstock’s mission and community values?

 

2: Is the Builder Active and Transparent?

• Are they communicating progress consistently (e.g. posts, demos, updates)?
• Do they answer questions from the community?
• Is there transparency about who they are and their past work?

 

3: Is There Real Community Energy?

• Are other RIF stakers engaging with the builder’s work?
• Is this just hype-driven, or do people genuinely care about the outcome?
• Is the builder co-creating with the community or building in isolation?

 

4: Can They Ship?

• Do they have a realistic roadmap with milestones, not just vibes?
• Is there proof they can manage a project and not just pitch one?

 

5: How Are Rewards Shared?

• Are they offering a fair reward split to backers?
• Is their reward-sharing structure transparent and on-chain?
• Do they update their backers on how rewards are progressing?

 

6: What’s My Risk and Flexibility?

• Am I comfortable with how much RIF I’m staking?
• Do I understand that I can unstake or reallocate at any time?
• Does backing this project reflect how I want to show up in the ecosystem?

 

Summary Checklist: Before You Back a Builder

• Do I clearly understand the project?
• Is the builder active, transparent, and responsive?
• Is there genuine community engagement?
• Have they shipped or shown progress?
• Are rewards shared fairly and transparently?
• Am I confident in staking RIF behind this builder?

 

Backing isn’t passive support, it’s a stake in someone’s outcome. Choose builders who earn it, not just ask for it.