Merge pull request #2185 from derekpierre/dao-doc

[WIP] Initial DAO documentation

docs/source/architecture/dao.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+.. _dao-architecture:
+
+NuCypher DAO
+============
+
+Overview
+--------
+
+The `NuCypher DAO <https://client.aragon.org/#/nucypherdao/>`_ is a decentralized autonomous organization to
+rule over the NuCypher Network and powered by the `Aragon Project <https://aragon.org/>`_.
+
+The NuCypher DAO comprises the core stakeholders: the stakers that put up resources to run nodes for the network and
+serve users. NuCypher stakers will be able to validate issues, proposals, and changes that affect the daily operation
+of the network, with validation power directly proportional to the amount of tokens staked. These issues include
+proposed smart contract upgrades, changes to the global fee rates, and adjustments to other parameters of the NuCypher
+protocol and the DAO itself. Additionally, all NuCypher stakers will be able to submit proposals to the DAO,
+regardless of the size of their stake.
+
+Validating Proposals
+--------------------
+
+Internally, the NuCypher DAO is powered by `Aragon OS <https://aragon.org/product>`_, which provides a secure
+and well-engineered implementation for DAOs based on Ethereum, and an intuitive user interface to interact with
+them. A central part of this DAO architecture is the Agent, a smart contract capable of executing proposals validated
+by the community of stakers. The NuCypher Network's smart contracts are owned by the Agent which, in turn, is
+configured in such a way that it only executes actions that are validated by a majority of the staking community.
+
+For NuCypher stakers, the process of validating proposals is very straightforward. Each time a staker makes a
+proposal to the community, all stakers have the chance to validate that proposal:
+
+.. image:: ../.static/img/dao_proposal.png
+    :target: ../.static/img/dao_proposal.png
+
+Clicking on ``Yes`` or ``No`` triggers an Ethereum transaction signalling each staker's opinion on the proposal.
+Depending on whether a quorum is reached, proposals may be validated rejected. If they validated, they can take
+immediate effect on the NuCypher Network via the Agent.
+
+Note that not all proposals necessarily aim to produce on-chain effects on the network's smart contracts; some
+proposals may seek to consolidate a current of thought among stakers. For example, deciding on new directions for
+the network, or collecting the community's sentiment about some past event or decision.
+
+
+DAO Forum
+---------
+
+The `DAO Forum <https://dao.nucypher.com/>`_ is the central arena (pun intended) to discuss, analyze, and collaborate
+on potential solutions which may eventually be submitted as DAO proposals. Using the forum ensures rigorous analyses
+and community consensus to provide the highest likelihood of acceptance of proposals to the NuCypher network. For
+more information on the proposal process, consult the
+`welcome message <https://dao.nucypher.com/t/welcome-to-the-dao-forum/29>`_.

docs/source/guides/dao_guide.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+Interacting with the DAO
+========================
+
+Overview
+--------
+
+The :ref:`dao-architecture` is the decentralized autonomous organization to rule over the NuCypher Network.
+
+DAO CLI
+-------
+
+TBD

docs/source/index.rst

@@ -133,6 +133,7 @@ Whitepapers
    guides/development/development
    guides/ethereum_node
    guides/worklock_guide
+   guides/dao_guide
    guides/environment_variables
    guides/contribution_guide
 
@@ -152,6 +153,7 @@ Whitepapers
    architecture/worklock
    architecture/contracts
    architecture/upgradeable_proxy_contracts
+   architecture/dao
    architecture/sub_stakes
    architecture/slashing
    architecture/service_fees