DESIGN TESTNETS FOR FEEDBACK, NOT FARMING

Summary from the TLDR Crypto newsletter

Fluent is launching a testnet experience designed around collecting app feedback rather than traditional "chain farming," arguing that current testnets have devolved into spam-filled environments where users perform mindless tasks hoping for token rewards. The company criticizes how chains typically optimize for vanity metrics like transaction volume and user counts instead of fostering the development of useful applications that drive long-term success. Fluent's approach focuses on helping builders iterate toward product-market fit by systematically collecting and analyzing user feedback across areas like usability, engagement, and performance. This "apps first" philosophy positions chains as infrastructure that succeeds when the applications built on them succeed, similar to how AWS benefits from Netflix's success.