Elinor Ostrom's 'Commons'

As we express ourselves together to create a new ‘uncommons’ in the bitcoin and blockchain space, let us acknowledge and keep in mind at the start the importance of how to live in and manage a ‘commons.’

8 Principles for Managing a Commons
by Elinor Ostrom

  1. Define clear group boundaries.

  2. Match rules governing use of common goods to local needs and conditions.

  3. Ensure that those affected by the rules can participate in modifying the rules.

  4. Make sure the rule-making rights of community members are respected by outside authorities.

  5. Develop a system, carried out by community members, for monitoring members’ behavior.

  6. Use graduated sanctions for rule violators.

  7. Provide accessible, low-cost means for dispute resolution.

  8. Build responsibility for governing the common resource in nested tiers from the lowest level up to the entire interconnected system.

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