The SANDDAO Podcast - An educational & news show about the Sandbox DAO

[Geraldine]

Council Recommendation

Recommendation: Negative

The council does not support funding this proposal due to concerns about cost efficiency and performance relative to existing initiatives. The SANDDAO Podcast’s budget request of $1,000 per episode is significantly higher than the production costs of The Sandbox DAO’s Diggin’ in the Sand (DITS) podcast, which is produced for less than $400 per episode. Additionally, performance data shows that 48 of the 50 SANDDAO Podcast episodes have achieved fewer views than the last three episodes of DITS, which garnered an average of 106 views per episode on YouTube (total of 317).

While the SANDDAO Podcast has made notable contributions to the community, this proposal lacks evidence of scalability or a clear plan to deliver superior results compared to existing DAO-supported initiatives.

TL;DR

What

This proposal seeks funding for the production of 15 episodes of the SANDDAO Podcast. These episodes aim to expand the reach and quality of the podcast by improving audio/video production and diversifying the content with new social media formats. The project plans to scale the podcast’s distribution to 8 new platforms, including TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Pandora, to broaden its audience and increase engagement across multiple channels.

Why

The SANDDAO Podcast has successfully contributed to The Sandbox ecosystem by offering in-depth discussions with SIP authors, DAO delegates, and The Sandbox team members. To further strengthen The Sandbox DAO community, there is a need for increased professional production quality and wider distribution to address gaps in engagement and participation. By improving the podcast’s format and expanding its presence, it aims to address current challenges like low DAO voting participation and SandFam sentiment toward the DAO.

How

The proposed solution involves hiring additional team members, including a Podcast Assistant and a Shorts Creator, who will manage content distribution and create bite-sized content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These roles will help optimize the content for maximum discoverability, ensuring that it resonates with a broader Web3 audience. The team will focus on both long-form content and social media strategies to improve visibility and engagement.

When

The production and publication of the episodes will begin immediately upon approval of the SIP. The MetaWorlds team plans to publish episodes on a consistent schedule, releasing 1episode per week. The full set of 10 episodes is expected to be completed within 16 weeks, with the team aiming to reach specific milestones at 2 weeks, 10 weeks, and 20 weeks after approval.

Who

MetaWorlds, led by Lanzer, is a Trusted Partner with experience in both game development and content creation within The Sandbox ecosystem. Lanzer has been deeply involved with The Sandbox community since 2021, contributing to The Sandbox through projects like Floor Droppers (Builder’s Challenge 1) and Lava Defense (GMF 2023). The team also includes Donsun, a co-founder with a background in project management, and Keisha, who provides research and analysis for the proposal development process.

SIP Details

Problem Description

The SANDDAO Podcast addresses the need for better communication and community engagement within The Sandbox DAO. While the podcast has contributed valuable content, it will benefit from professional production and expanded distribution to overcome issues like low audience engagement.

DITS has the advantage of Sandbox branding, SANDDAO has received little to no reposting from the Sandbox account and was forced to build everything from scratch. The highest Sandbox DAO video has 215 views, SANDDAO’s highest is only 25 views less than that. SANDDAO streams episodes live to Twitch and has exceeded 20+ live viewers about 4 times, and 10+ live viewers about 15 times.

Scalability will be achieved by expanding the team to reach audiences not yet accessed. The $1000 per episode supports editors earning a livable wage, interpreters for our international guests–such as Seba (French–Ep 38) & MetaFutura (Italian–Ep 24), and other expenses necessary to operate a business.

Proposed Solution

This proposal requests funding to enhance the podcast’s production, hire additional staff, and increase distribution across multiple platforms. The funding will allow for the creation of 150 episodes with high-quality audio and video, as well as new short-form content for social media.

Project Description

The project will involve hiring a Podcast Assistant and a Shorts Creator to assist with the production and distribution of content. Episodes will be published on multiple platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and social media channels like Instagram and TikTok.

Implementation Plan

Milestones

Milestone	Deliverable	Timeline	Unlock Payment (USD)
Milestone 1	Publish 1 episode	2 weeks from SIP approval	$2,748
Milestone 2	Publish 7 episodes total	12 weeks from SIP approval	$6,500
Milestone 3	Publish 15 episodes total	20 weeks from SIP approval	$6,500

Deliverables Per Episode, each episode will

1. Be no longer than 4 hours
2. Be published on major podcast platforms (e.g., YouTube, Spotify, RSS).
3. Include high-quality production (audio and video).
4. Be optimised with transcripts and keywords for searchability and audience reach.
5. Feature guests relevant to The Sandbox DAO ecosystem.

Budget Breakdown

Item	Amount (SAND)	Amount (USD)
Total Requested Amount	60,569	$15,748
Per Episode	4,038	$1,050
Podcast Assistant, Shorts Creator, Podcast Host, Interpreter	43,389	$11,281
Overhead (Tax & Risk & Cost of Business)	9,937	$2,584
Material Cost	7,242	$1,883

Risk Analysis

• Low Audience Engagement: Address via targeted marketing campaigns, community interactions, and content performance reviews.
• Scheduling Conflicts with Guests: Ensure flexibility and have backup guests available.
• Negative Feedback or Controversy: Employ conflict resolution techniques and adjust content as needed.
• Changes in DAO Priorities: Stay in communication with The Sandbox DAO administration to align content with current goals.

Benefits to The Sandbox Ecosystem

• Unique and New Content: With 50 episodes already published, the SANDDAO Podcast provides in-depth insights into The Sandbox DAO, SIP authors, and community members. The podcast offers a long-form narrative that is not available in other formats, providing a rich source of content for The Sandbox ecosystem.
• Community Engagement: By offering a platform for the community to stay informed and participate, the podcast helps build stronger connections between The Sandbox DAO and its members. It also fosters greater transparency in DAO governance.
• Potential Audience: With podcasting’s global reach, there is an opportunity to introduce more people to The Sandbox DAO and its initiatives, increasing Web3 adoption and awareness of The Sandbox ecosystem.
• Brand Identity: The podcast will help establish a clear brand identity for The Sandbox DAO, making it more recognizable and trusted within the Web3 space.
• Customer Connection: Through personalized content and interviews with community leaders, the podcast strengthens the connection with listeners, increasing loyalty and engagement.

Team/Author Background

MetaWorlds, led by Lanzer, a seasoned contributor to The Sandbox, has experience in both game development and content creation. The team has a proven record of successful projects, including Floor Droppers and Lava Defense. Lanzer’s extensive professional background in contract writing and program management adds further credibility to the team’s ability to execute the proposal successfully.

[DAO]

Hey @Lanzer! Great to see that your SANDDAO podcast SIP is launched.

I’ve seen quite a number of your podcasts and its been nothing short of insightful. I believe I’ve shared my feedback with you regarding long form(>45mins) videos not being suitable for existing audiences but other than that, as a viewer, I enjoy digesting the research you’ve put out in your videos.

1. The most glaring issue to me is that it seems you haven’t repriced the amount of SAND that’s needed for your disbursement in USD. Is that deliberate? It’ll help your voters to know that based on current SAND prices, your requested amount is considerably less burdensome to the treasury.
2. I agree that viewership (as mentioned in the recommendation) is a concern in terms of key metrics. I understand that without support, growing an audience is difficult and takes time. As such, anyone who votes YES to your SIP is taking a gamble that you’ll be able to grow said audience.
   Seeing how much effort you’ve put into the first 50(?) podcasts, I, for one, am willing to take that gamble on you.
3. Considering that i’d request you to consider reducing each episode’s duration, will you also consider reducing your budget?

Thanks!

[Lanzer]

Thanks, Intern! It feels like a lifetime ago that I started Episode 1

1. Yes, it was intentional. When I created this proposal back in July, I had to reprice it several times to keep it up-to-date. When the bull hit a few weeks back, I decided to not reprice it because the new SIP guidelines only guarantee 70% and the high/low swing of the market is too great a risk when I’m paying bills in USD.
2. Thanks! I appreciate that. I’ve thought a lot about what you’ve said regarding episode length and publishing rate and I’ve been adjusting my plans. I’ve already split one of my longer upcoming episodes into two, and the amount of extra research I have to do is doubled because I have to find smarter ways to communicate.
3. This one is tough to answer. What might not be obvious is that the DAO Admin Team has already negotiated me down a lot. I’ve combined 8 roles into 4, reduced profit, overhead, and one of the roles I’ll be paying out of my own pocket…I’ve gone as low as I can go.

[DAO]

So let me clarify, if your SIP is successful, will the DAO be paying you in FIAT or SAND based on the rate listed in the SIP?

Other than that I’m satisfied with the answers on the other questions. Good luck!

[Lanzer]

Thanks!

I don’t know for sure what it’s paid in.

[KCL]

Hey Lanzer,

As much as I am respectful about all the work that you put into the SANDDAO podcast I am from the opinion that the format is not mature enough to be founded by the DAO.

• The format is far too long. Personally having gone through almost all 50 episode I had really to force myself to reach the end
• The number of episode at some point was also overhelming and combined with the length was difficult to follow.
• It has not yet proven to reach sufficient members of the community. Like I said I watched all episode but I am only one member.
• I do not think multiplying the patform should be the prio for your podcast.
• I would maybe like as well if you could clarify better in your podcast/forum if you are speaking as an individual or for your studio. Sometimes it is confusing.

So please work on the format first, increase attraction and get more people of the community recognizing your work and we can re-discuss my support.

[Lanzer]

I appreciate your feedback Kurchato. I’m speaking as an individual.

The format will be more focused if this SIP passes.

@KCL

get more people of the community recognizing your work

Can you help me understand what you mean here?

[KCL]

This is linked to my previous comment and the numbers of viewers. I would first like to see an average numbers increasing before professionalizing it.

[Lanzer]

@KCL Professionalizing costs more money than I can pay for by myself. I’ve charged all 50 episode costs to my own pocket, but it’s unreasonable to expect me to pay 15K more by myself.

I can professionalize by paying professional teammates to take work off my plate and do it better than me.

I’ve done all I can with the time and money I have. There’s no more I can give. If this SIP is funded, I can do more.

If not, the current level of quality is all I have time & money to do by myself.

[DAO]

Building a podcast channel is somewhat similar to building games in TSB.

There’s only so much a single person can do within a reasonable amount of time. Building the experience, playtesting, fixing bugs, coming to the final product, and then marketing etc.

Building a podcast brings similar challenges.

Seeing as how @Lanzer has commited to doing the first 50(not 5, or 10, or 20) podcasts shows a proof of concept and gives me the confidence that he’s serious about this. He has also taken in feedback from all of us in order to fine-tune his project. He is what I personally deem as a person/project worthy of a successful SIP.

The DAO should be about enabling people like him to test out scaling his project, at a reasonable cost. His cost is reasonable to me, and I’m willing to take a chance.

@Lanzer I look forward to see the progress soon.

[Lanzer]

Thank you, Intern.

I always find the “but you’re already doing it” or “you could be doing more/better” points difficult to counter.

It’s true. I could devote more than the 3 hours a day I’m already doing, I could pay more than the $20×50 episodes I’m currently paying out of pocket.

What I’m doing now is the best I can do with time + money I have.

I can do more with DAO funding, it gives SANDDAO the ability to scale.

[schilka]

I think we, as members-enthusiasts of The SandDAO, must support such kinds of SIPs, it’s even in aims of our development.
The sum of costs is norm enough and was explained.
So that i support this SIP and call others to support it too.
P.S. AI can be a good helper for some business here, i suppose.

[hishmad]

The SandDAO Podcast is integral to our community, delivering key content that fosters connection and knowledge. Instead of reducing its budget, we should explore ways to grow the listenership based on past experiences. Enhancing and sustaining this podcast is vital for the Sandbox.

@Lanzer, how can you leverage previous insights to attract a wider audience?

[Lanzer]

Great question. The past 20 or so episodes started building on each other and I have begun cross-referencing episodes. I do that quite a bit now. and I usually show a few seconds of that episode that is relevant to the current episode.

[hishmad]

Has this method of linking episodes through cross-referencing helped in gathering a larger audience for your podcast?

[Lanzer]

I’m not sure yet. Of the 20 episodes, 12 of them were delegate interviews so I didn’t get to cross reference too much except for maybe 10. But I think those 10 were much shorter than they would’ve been without referencing, and they have more views…but it’s too early to tell.

It’s like a footnote on a page. Interesting if you’re interested, but not required. So I saved time on the episode length by doing it that way.

[hishmad]

I really think we should keep the podcast going because it’s important, but let’s be real – without some new ideas to attract more listeners, we might just be spinning our wheels here.

[Lanzer]

There are a lot of new ideas in this SIP.

Making short bite-sized content out of the longer episodes and shortening the longer episode length are the big ones. There are many other little things, like upgrading the linktree, publishing to more platforms, SEO optimization.

[Lanzer]

Short video I made for SIP-19

Vote for SIP-19: SANDDAO Podcast - educational & news show about the Sandbox DAO

[Biversen]

I appreciate the work. The idea is good but the community is limited. I don’t think it should be done professionally to increase the audience.

How much of an audience will it reach?