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Ethereum contributor accused me of airdrop farming

Ethereum Contributor Faces Backlash | Accusations of Airdrop Farming and Misconduct

By

Jasper Wong

Jan 1, 2026, 12:59 PM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

Updated

Jan 2, 2026, 02:25 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A contributor feels betrayed while checking messages on their computer, reflecting the tension in the Ethereum community regarding open-source contributions.

A newcomer to the Ethereum Contributor program has sparked controversy after a seasoned contributor accused them of airdrop farming following their first pull request (PR) submission. This confrontation raises alarms about the community's welcoming nature and integrity.

The Incident Unraveled

The new contributor, eager to learn about the Ethereum ecosystem, spotted a formatting error within the ERC documentation and submitted PR #1437 on December 30 to correct it. Just 16 hours later, contributor nerolation submitted a nearly identical PR (#1440) with the same fix. When the newcomer inquired about the duplication, nerolation responded with hostility.

Curiously, nerolation said, "I don’t care about you airdrop farming," questioning the newcomer’s intentions. They escalated the situation by making threats: "You won’t succeed with any PR I’m involved in." Those messages were deleted, but the newcomer retained email proof due to GitHub’s notification system.

Community Reaction and Discussion

Responses within the community reveal mixed sentiments:

  • Concerns Over Incentives: Users noted that airdrops can create negative dynamics, discouraging genuine contributions. "This is why we can’t have nice things," said one comment.

  • Empathy for the Newcomer: Many expressed support, with comments like, "Sorry that happened to you," highlighting the newcomer’s challenging experience.

  • Suggestions for Improvement: One user advised, "If you want to build rapport with maintainers, contribute more than typo fixes to start." This highlights a broader conversation about the expectations placed on new contributors within the Ethereum space.

One comment sums it up: "Farming typo PRs should be discouraged. If you want to help, reviewing ERC PRs constructively would be great."

Key Insights

  • ⚠️ The incident reveals possible retaliatory behaviors that discourage new contributors from participating.

  • 🔥 Accusations of airdrop farming point to underlying issues regarding how contributions are perceived.

  • 😡 The community's reaction underscores the need for a more supportive atmosphere for newcomers.

Looking Ahead

As Ethereum continues to evolve, this incident could catalyze discussions about contributor guidelines and community behavior. Will these concerns prompt the creation of clearer protocols to enhance collaboration? Many hope for a brighter path forward—one that includes all contributors, regardless of their experience level.

Understanding the importance of embracing new contributors is pivotal for the Ethereum community. This experience, while troubling, presents a chance for growth and change.

For further insights on contributing to Ethereum, refer to the Ethereum Documentation.

Closing Thoughts

This unfolding situation serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in open-source projects and the dangers of toxic community dynamics. As Ethereum navigates this challenge, it may reshape its approach to fostering a collaborative atmosphere.