Improving ReFi Resource Availability

Last Friday on ReFi Weekly, I discussed the availability of resources in the ReFi space with Kent Babin, co-founder of CARBON Copy and how it affects information coordination between projects and users. Here are key highlights from the space:

We do not have a central repository for ReFi resources so we need a way to aggregate available resources in one place to improve accessibility and impact assessment.

In response to my question about why CARBON Copy focuses on compiling ReFi information into its database, he explained that while there is a wealth of information available from sources like Crypto Altruists, ReFi DAO, Ma Earth, and Ecofrontiers, the challenge lies in accessibility.

People looking to explore a specific ReFi topic often rely on a single source and may not be aware of other resources that provide more in-depth coverage.

To address this, he developed CARBON Copy as a central hub for all things ReFi, aggregating knowledge resources, opportunities, project funding details, activities, and more. The idea is that if project builders recognize the value of claiming ownership of their project pages on CARBON Copy, they could use it as a one-stop shop, offering a comprehensive overview for anyone seeking detailed information about their projects.

Current ReFi resources lack 'how to' guides and standardization, contributing to difficulty in scaling and adaptation across different sectors.

In the discussion, Kent expressed his strong belief that ReFi resources should primarily target those outside the ReFi space rather than those already within it. He emphasized that failing to do so has contributed to the decline of "how-to" tutorials, both for newcomers and those already involved in ReFi.

Funding remains a critical barrier in producing and maintaining ReFi resources, creating a negative feedback loop of scarcity.

When it comes to consistently creating ReFi resources, Kent pointed out that funding is a major challenge. While people may be motivated to dedicate themselves fully to this work, a tangible incentive beyond motivation is necessary to sustain their efforts. Additionally, he noted that content production is difficult to monetize, especially when the goal is to keep it neutral, educational, and non-promotional.

AI technologies might assist in reducing the friction in content creation, potentially advancing the ease of resource availability.

Regarding resource creation, Kent emphasized that not everyone is a professional creative, meaning it may not be as easy for them to produce content about their projects as it is for a writer, animator, or other creatives. In such cases, AI can assist in generating content. The widespread use of AI has significantly reduced the friction in content creation, helping builders who might have to break the bank if they opted for professional services.

Successful resource creation and dissemination could be critical in proving the value of ReFi to entities outside of the ecosystem.

Finally, Kent adds that establishing a successful ReFi information and resource dissemination channel could help climate financiers, traditional ReFi investors, and others gain a deeper understanding of the ReFi ecosystem beyond the mainstream narrative of Web3 for carbon markets, highlighting the broader value it holds.

My conversation with Kent about improving the availability of ReFi resources highlighted subtle challenges such as funding, information aggregation, and identifying the right type of resources for specific audiences. I truly appreciate him for joining ReFi Weekly and sharing his insights. I look forward to discussing another topic with him whenever he returns as a speaker.