We stand at a transformative juncture in web3. As we collectively define the technology’s future, FWB refuses to accept the incomplete and limited vision we’ve seen proffered by those who seek merely to profit. This open call is an invocation for a profound integration of culture and humanity within the burgeoning world of web3.

We must confront a pervasive threat: the ethos of pure speculation and financialization. This approach represents a shallow interpretation of what decentralization can offer. It overlooks the deeper, more meaningful aspects of a technology that enables us to connect, collaborate, and build shared experiences across geographies and ideologies – something that truly resonates with communities to ensure the long-term success of our industry.

To put it simply, web3 technology is remarkable. What we build with it should be, too.

As a community, our rebellion is against web3 technologies that read as hollowed-out utopian fantasies. Our enemy is the superficial allure of quick gains, and the lie that the path to mass adoption is the financialization of everything.

Instead, our goal is to work towards a suite of technologies that are deeply integrated into our cultural and social fabric— which reflect and enhance our values, desires, and collective identities. We advocate for a system that is imbued with cultural significance, personal empowerment, and a sense of ownership that resonates with, and ripples through, our shared broader human aspirations.

We offer a vision that is not just technologically advanced and culturally meaningful, but also ethical. We envision a future where decentralized approaches serve not just as financial instruments, but as catalysts for real, sustainable change—change that is deeply rooted in the demonstrated needs and aspirations of real people.

We stand for a future where web3 is an extension of our humanity, not a departure from it.

It’s time for web3 to adopt a shared cultural blueprint.

With this in mind, we suggest a space-wide adherence to these values:

Embrace the Symbiotic Dance Between Culture + Technology
"Culture and technology exist in a dynamic reciprocal relationship."  — Brenda Laurel

Web3's potential lies in its ability to work with and for culture. In this way, we must enable our products to both shape and be shaped by our collective narratives, values, and dreams. For web3 to achieve widespread adoption, it must transcend its role as a mere technological innovation and become entirely entwined with the development of culture.

Build Tools that are Flexible and Dynamic
“Because the fundamental human problem is that people are afraid of change.” — Rei KawakuboWe have the power to push forth a new paradigm where users are able to tap into their innate desire to be active participants and owners in global communities. This shift requires a nuanced understanding of societal dynamics to ensure that web3 technologies are not only functionally robust, but also flexible enough to adapt to people’s demonstrated needs and desires in real time.

Restore Trust through Cultural Equity
“Consciousness-raising is pertinent for power, and be sure that power will not be abusively used, but used for building trust and goodwill.”  — Yuri Kochiyama

Bridging the speculative-era trust deficit requires aligning our technology with cultural values to create a more transparent and equitable world. Success depends on fostering robust, engaged communities that transcend mere user bases, instead becoming subcultural movements imbued with their own principles, ethics, and a sense of belonging that drives loyalty and long-term trust.

Be Seriously Ethical
"The most important thing about technology is that it changes people." — Jaron Lanier

As builders and entrepreneurs, we bear a significant responsibility to ensure that our creations are ethical. This means prioritizing privacy, security, fairness, and environmental impact—all while actively working to prevent misuse and exploitation. Ethical considerations should be at the forefront of all development, reflecting our commitment to a technology that not only advances our capabilities but also upholds rigorous moral standards.

Aspire to Universal Access and Empowerment
"The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect."  — Tim Berners-Lee​

We believe the push for collective, distributed ownership symbolizes a larger, much-needed shift towards widespread inclusivity, fairness, and equity. Web3’s emerging tech enables us to take command of our data, digital assets, and online engagement to cultivate accessible communities—and this mandate for equal access and universal empowerment is essential for sustainable growth.

Make web3 a Cultural Necessity
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”  — Dr. Mae Jemison

FWB envisions a future where web3 is not just a technological framework but a cultural necessity; where digital ownership and decentralized governance become norms that shape our interactions, transactions, and shared existence. A future where technology and culture are inseparably intertwined propels us towards unprecedented innovation and societal well-being. By empowering individuals with the assets, identities, and governance roles they need to ensure their place in the digital realm, we tap into a deep-rooted desire for self-determination.

An Open Call

This is an open call to arms against reductionist, for-profit web3 narratives.

At this pivotal juncture, it’s time to champion a holistic integration of culture and humanity, and to fully challenge the ethos of speculation that diminishes the true potential of decentralized technologies. By embracing the principles outlined above, we can leverage what we create as instruments of societal transformation and human enrichment.

We stand united against the commodification of our digital future, advocating instead for an ecosystem that is imbued with our collective cultural values, desires, and identities. We invite you to join us in this journey, and to share your projects and ideas, as we collaboratively forge ahead.

Reach out if you’d like to scheme: hello@fwb.help

Thank you for your contributions: Jose Mejia, Steph Alinsug, Willa Koerner & Ruby Thelot