AIP-16: Committed Contributor Flexible Compensation Model

Governance
1 
AIP-number: 16
title: Committed Contributor Flexible Compensation Model
author: Jelli (@dOrgJelli)
status: Voting
created: 2025-12-26

:receipt: Simple Summary

This proposal introduces a Flexible Compensation Model for AITV DAO Committed Contributors (CCs), allowing them to voluntarily receive up to 50% of their monthly compensation in $AITV tokens instead of stablecoins. This model helps preserve the DAO’s stablecoin treasury while giving contributors the opportunity to increase their long-term alignment and exposure to the AITV ecosystem.

:magnifying_glass_tilted_left: Motivation

AITV DAO’s treasury sustainability is critical to the long-term success of the ecosystem. As the DAO continues to grow, ongoing contributor compensation represents a significant and recurring use of stablecoin reserves.

This proposal aims to:

  • Reduce immediate stablecoin outflows from the DAO treasury
  • Strengthen long-term contributor alignment with the AITV ecosystem
  • Provide contributors with optional upside exposure to $AITV
  • Introduce flexibility without forcing changes to existing compensation agreements

By making participation voluntary, this model balances treasury preservation with contributor autonomy and financial needs.

:gear: Specification

The Committed Contributor Flexible Compensation Model operates as follows:

Eligibility

  • Applies to all Committed Contributors (CCs) who are currently compensated on a monthly basis in stablecoins.

Election Mechanics

  • Contributors may self-elect to receive up to 50% of their monthly compensation in $AITV tokens.
  • Elections must be submitted prior to the first day of the applicable month.
  • Elections apply only to future pay periods and can be modified month-to-month with proper notice.

Implementation

  • If this proposal is passed, it will begin to take effect in the month of December 2025.
  • All Committed Contributors have already submitted their elections.

Token Conversion

  • The $AITV token amount received will be proportionate to the USD value of the stablecoin compensation the contributor elects to forgo.
  • The conversion price of $AITV will be based on the monthly average price for the current pay period.
  • A floor price of $0.01 USD per $AITV will be enforced.

Vesting & Token Treatment

  • All $AITV issued under this model will be:
  • Added to the contributor’s existing token vesting package
  • Subject to the same vesting schedule already in place
  • Classified as non-revokable

Treasury Impact

  • Stablecoin savings are realized immediately.

:light_bulb: Rationale

This approach was chosen to strike a balance between financial prudence and contributor flexibility.

Why this model?

  • Voluntary participation avoids imposing financial risk on contributors.
  • A 50% cap limits overexposure to token volatility.
  • Monthly elections allow contributors to adapt to personal financial circumstances.
  • Using a monthly average price reduces susceptibility to short-term price manipulation or volatility.

Alternatives considered

  • Mandatory token-based compensation (rejected due to fairness and risk concerns)
  • Fixed conversion pricing (rejected due to market distortion risk)
  • Longer lockups or new vesting schedules (rejected to avoid complexity and contributor friction)

Tradeoffs

  • Contributors accepting tokens take on price risk.
  • DAO assumes administrative overhead for tracking elections and token issuance.

Overall, the model emphasizes choice, sustainability, and alignment, which are core values of AITV DAO.

:date: Snapshot Link (after forum phase)

https://snapshot.org/#/s:aitv.eth/proposal/0x6c1444b91ed327c531dee04cac09211afc847495fe02cdfbbfa7bcc08d1a3df7