zkSync, a Layer 2 scaling solution, has been one of the most highly anticipated projects in the Ethereum ecosystem. Built on zk-rollup technology, zkSync promised not only faster, cheaper transactions but also a generous airdrop for early adopters. Yet, when the time came, the airdrop sparked outrage rather than excitement. Here’s what went wrong:

• Unmet Expectations: zkSync’s community was buzzing with anticipation, fueled by speculation and social media hype around the expected value of the airdrop. Many users spent significant amounts on gas fees, interacting with zkSync’s testnet, mainnet, and bridging assets—only to find the rewards were much smaller than anticipated. This was a major letdown for those who felt they had contributed heavily to the network’s early adoption.

• Vague Eligibility Criteria: zkSync failed to communicate clear eligibility criteria upfront. Users spent hours on various transactions and operations on the network, expecting each action to increase their chances for a higher reward. Instead, the criteria were unclear, leading to confusion about why some received rewards and others didn’t. Many felt that their time and money had been wasted on a guessing game.

• Community Backlash: zkSync’s promise of “rewarding the true builders” felt hollow to the community members who had participated in good faith. The backlash on social media was intense, with users voicing frustration that zkSync’s hype-to-reward ratio had been poorly managed.

Lesson Learned: Projects considering airdrops should be transparent about eligibility criteria and manage community expectations responsibly. zkSync’s experience shows how easily hype can backfire when the actual rewards don’t align with expectations.