It seems like the current fund allocation is more focused on compensating the proposed contributors rather than addressing core needs like hosting events or promoting Polkadot at scale. To make a real impact, a $3000 marketing budget won't go far (or move the needle whatsoever if we are being honest). For proposals like this to be taken seriously, it would be helpful to see more specific, actionable strategies and clear plans for how funds will be used effectively. You literally have a line item titled "Marketing budget" and no explanation as to what that is going to include...

Hi Flez,

1. It seems like the current fund allocation is more focused on compensating the proposed contributors rather than addressing core needs like hosting events or promoting Polkadot at scale.

The breakdown as shown below shows 36% of the total budget will go to contributors who will be working on dedicated roles and a number of responsibilities as elaborated in the proposal and on top of that we shall also be hosting events and working to grow the Polkadot community in 4 major tech countries in Africa within their major cities without requesting additional organizer rewards.
This budget and compensation is really lean and based on individual skills and capabilities, we tried our best to be sincere to have a compensation which will majorly assist in ensuring dedication and fair reward.

2. To make a real impact, a $3000 marketing budget won't go far (or move the needle whatsoever if we are being honest). For proposals like this to be taken seriously, it would be helpful to see more specific, actionable strategies and clear plans for how funds will be used effectively.

Please note that all our Events will be under Events Bounty guidance and will be subject to their approval.
Any meet-up as stipulated by Events Bounty has a dedicated marketing budget of $300 which when needed shall be utilised this why we have not included extra marketing budget for events and so rest assured that yes the events will be have a marketing budget!

Also note that as Marketing Bounty has already been set-up shall the need arise for a bigger marketing need, we shall approach the bounty with our request to have their guidance and experts assist us.

3. You literally have a line item titled "Marketing budget" and no explanation as to what that is going to include..

On your last point indeed we have $3000 budget for marketing but as mentioned in the proposal under Budget caps and restrictions its meant to be for fliers and posters we will need to serve all agents who will be doing various activies such as online sessions, spaces, meet-ups etc(please see below)

Thank you for taking time to participate in our referendum please let us know if we need to make more clarifications as we would appreciate your support.