BSIP-0005

bsip-0005.md

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+    BSIP: 0005
+    Title: Expiring Votes for Witnesses
+    Authors: Daniel Larmier <Dan@cryptonomex.com>
+             Fabian Schuh <Fabian@BitShares.org>
+    Status: Draft
+    Type: Protocol
+    Created: 2015-12-16
+    Discussion: <https://github.com/cryptonomex/graphene/issues/265>
+                <https://bitsharestalk.org/index.php/topic,18109.0.html>
+    Worker: tbd
+
+# Abstract
+
+Votes for witnesses are a measure of reputation in that they cast a persistent
+opinion - so not like votes in the traditional sense of the word. The
+witness voting system is currently designed to ensure stability by directing
+the apathetic to vote for incumbents. Whilst this may have advantages, it
+seems to present the danger that incumbents are likely to attain a
+near-unassailable position (excepting of course those who exhibit negligent/bad
+behaviour).
+
+# Motivation
+
+If the aim is the create an autocracy - albeit seeded by the active witnesses
+or so original gainers of significant 'reputation' - then this is fine. However,
+it would seem to discourage serious efforts to try and break into the active
+circle by newcomers with much to contribute. At the end of the BitShares 1
+network, circa. 220M votes were required and a quick browse of the delegates
+showed that with a few notable exceptions, the majority have been in place since
+a 4 or 5 digit block number - have all been of these current, active contributors?
+
+# Specifications
+
+A blockchain parameter can be added that enforces a minimal freshness to votes
+that are counted and handle cases of lost keys or apathetic votes hanging
+around.
+
+# Copyright
+
+This document is placed in the public domain.