- David Hoffman links Ethereum’s weak price performance to exclusionary community behavior and internal criticism.
- The Ethereum Foundation is urged to attract builders by encouraging a more inclusive, decentralized culture.
- Ethereum price remains under pressure despite a short-term rally, with mixed sentiment across the crypto community.
Ethereum’s extended price slump into the second quarter of 2025 has intensified calls for internal change. Bankless cofounder David Hoffman has pointed to issues within the network’s leadership and user culture as major factors weighing on ETH’s performance.
In a recent post on X, Hoffman criticized Ethereum’s culture of excluding certain user groups, particularly degenerate traders and platforms like Lido Finance. He emphasized that this approach discourages new builders and users from participating in the ecosystem. Past backlash against Lido Finance over centralization concerns and hostility towards speculative traders have contributed to this environment.
Hoffman Links Culture to Price Underperformance
According to Hoffman, Ethereum’s attempts to regulate user behavior on a permissionless network have negatively impacted its adoption and price. ETH recently fell to $1,415, hovering just above the $1,500 support level. He argued that instead of policing behavior, the community should focus on inclusivity and encouraging participation.
Hoffman has urged the Ethereum Foundation and broader community to shift focus. He believes attracting builders and welcoming diverse users could play a key role in price recovery. Hoffman called for a change that embraces decentralization principles without isolating contributors.
Recent Price Movement Sparks Mixed Reactions
While ETH has seen a slight rebound, gaining around 6% in the past day, it still trades at a five-year low against Bitcoin. Market watchers remain divided over Ethereum’s direction. Some see potential in Ethereum’s role as infrastructure for a future financial system. Others, including critics like CryptoCurb and Peter Schiff, view the rally as unsustainable.
Supporters like Leo Glisic maintain that Ethereum will become the foundational layer for global finance. However, opposing views compare Ethereum’s trajectory to Nokia’s decline, suggesting Solana could replace it as the top altcoin.
