diff --git a/ADRs/ADR0005-rename-fishermen.md b/ADRs/ADR0005-rename-fishermen.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d5bccbb --- /dev/null +++ b/ADRs/ADR0005-rename-fishermen.md @@ -0,0 +1,55 @@ +# Rename Fishermen + +* Status: Draft +* Deciders: Protocol Network Team +* Date: 2023-04-25 + +## Context and Problem Statement + +Fishermen is a canonically used term in [blockchain technology](https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-availability#fishermen-deprecated). In POKT Network, Fishermen are actors responsible for monitoring & reporting the behavior of Service nodes. However, the term Fishermen is ambiguous, overloaded, and doesn't describe its responsibilities in the protocol without additional context. None of other POKT actor roles have a maritime or sea based theme, further adding to the confusion. Additionally, pluralization preferences and spelling of `fishermen` is an ongoing issue in the codebase. For example, there are TODO comments about renaming `fisherman` to `fishermen`. + +## Decision Drivers + +- Clarity in names is important +- Uniformity in pluralization and spelling +- Gender neutrality + +## Considered Options + +- Auditor +- Checker +- Verifier +- Sampler +- Watcher + +## Decision Outcome + +_Decision pending further discussion & community input_. + +### Positive Consequences + +- It is clearer what the actor is called who checks and samples relay data. + +### Negative Consequences + +- Whitepaper, protocol, documentation, and code-level changes are necessary to accomplish this name change. + +## Pros and Cons of the Options + +### Option 1: Auditor + +### Option 2: Checker + +### Option 3: Verifier + +- Bad, because it's very close to Validator. + +### Option 4: Sampler + +### Option 5: Watcher + +- Good, because there's precedent. + +## Links + +- [Pokadot Network - Fishermen Deprecated](https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-availability#fishermen-deprecated)