The Ethereum Classic (ETC) community has long valued transparency, decentralization, and shared ownership—principles that extend beyond code and into governance, communication, and digital presence. Recently, growing interest has emerged around the official @eth_classic Twitter account, with community members calling for formal assurances regarding its stewardship. In response, the ETC Cooperative is issuing a clear and public commitment to ensure trust, continuity, and alignment with the broader ecosystem’s values.
👉 Discover how decentralized communities maintain control over critical digital assets
Background: A History of Digital Ownership
For years, the @eth_classic handle was held by Charles Hoskinson, founder of IOHK and a figure once associated with early Ethereum development. Despite having over 600,000 followers, the account remained inactive in relation to Ethereum Classic and was eventually repurposed for promotion of another blockchain project—Ergo—diverting attention and influence away from ETC.
This shift highlighted a critical vulnerability: when key digital identities are controlled by individuals rather than communities or neutral stewards, they risk being used in ways that no longer serve their original purpose. The loss of such a significant social media asset underscored the need for stronger governance frameworks around community-facing resources.
Now that the @eth_classic handle has been reclaimed and is under the management of the ETC Cooperative through its Executive Director, Bob Summerwill, it's essential to establish formal guidelines for its use—guidelines rooted in accountability, continuity, and public trust.
Our Commitment to Stewardship
The ETC Cooperative affirms the following principles regarding the management and future of the @eth_classic Twitter account:
1. Account Control Is Representational, Not Proprietary
Bob Summerwill, as Executive Director of the ETC Cooperative, holds administrative access to the account on behalf of the organization—and by extension, the wider ETC ecosystem. This role is one of representation, not ownership.
2. We Are Stewards, Not Owners
While the Cooperative manages the account operationally, we recognize that true ownership lies with the Ethereum Classic community. The @eth_classic handle is a public good—a shared resource vital to communication, education, and ecosystem growth.
3. The Account Belongs to the Community
Though legal frameworks may not yet fully recognize digital community assets, we operate under a social contract: this account exists to serve ETC users, developers, node operators, miners, and supporters worldwide. Its value derives from collective recognition and usage.
4. No Misuse for External Agendas
The ETC Cooperative—and any individual associated with it—will never use the @eth_classic account to promote unrelated projects, personal brands, or commercial ventures. Its sole purpose is to support Ethereum Classic.
5. Smooth Transition Planning
Should Bob Summerwill step down from his position, he will transfer control of the account to his successor within the ETC Cooperative—or to another trusted member of the ETC ecosystem who agrees to uphold this same commitment publicly before taking over.
6. Binding Responsibility for All Key Holders
Any current or future board member, employee, or contractor granted access to account credentials must abide by this pledge. Violation would constitute a breach of organizational ethics and community trust.
7. Request for Platform Recognition
We formally ask Twitter (and its parent company) to acknowledge this statement as a binding agreement between the ETC Cooperative and the Ethereum Classic community. In cases of future disputes involving misuse or unauthorized redirection of the account, we urge Twitter to consider this commitment when evaluating rightful stewardship.
Understanding the Limits of Trust
We acknowledge that no promise—no matter how sincere—can physically prevent misuse of administrative access. Technology allows unilateral actions, and human judgment can falter. However, this declaration establishes a clear social contract. Any deviation from these principles would not only be technically traceable but also a visible violation of community trust.
Furthermore, structural safeguards reinforce our intent:
- The ETC Cooperative is a registered nonprofit in the United States, reporting to the IRS.
- Its mission is exclusively focused on supporting the Ethereum Classic protocol, network security, developer tooling, education, and ecosystem sustainability.
- There are no shareholders, profit motives, or external investors influencing decision-making.
- Incentives are fully aligned with the long-term health of ETC.
👉 Explore secure ways to engage with blockchain ecosystems today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why doesn’t the community own the Twitter account directly?
A: Currently, social media platforms like Twitter do not support decentralized ownership models. Accounts must be managed by individuals or legal entities. The ETC Cooperative acts as a neutral steward until more advanced solutions (such as decentralized identity or multi-sig social accounts) become viable.
Q: What happens if someone tries to take over or impersonate the account?
A: We work proactively with Twitter’s verification and support teams to protect authenticity. We encourage users to report suspicious activity and verify official accounts through cross-referenced channels like ethereumclassic.org and etccooperative.org.
Q: Can this commitment be enforced legally?
A: While parts of this statement reflect ethical and operational policy rather than enforceable contracts, the nonprofit status and public nature of our work create strong accountability mechanisms. Public backlash and reputational risk act as powerful deterrents against misuse.
Q: Is there a plan for decentralizing control further in the future?
A: Yes. As Web3 identity standards evolve—including solutions like decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and multi-signature wallet integrations for social media—we will explore transitioning toward more distributed governance models for all community assets.
Q: How can I help protect ETC’s digital presence?
A: Stay informed, report impersonators, amplify official content, and participate in governance discussions. A vigilant community is the best defense against misinformation and asset hijacking.
Q: Does this apply to other social media accounts?
A: While this statement specifically addresses @eth_classic on Twitter, the same principles guide our management of other official channels across platforms like YouTube, Discord, and GitHub.
👉 Stay ahead in blockchain—learn how community-led projects thrive
Final Thoughts: Building Trust Through Transparency
The story of the @eth_classic Twitter handle is more than about one social media profile—it reflects broader challenges in digital governance within decentralized ecosystems. True decentralization requires not just technical resilience but institutional integrity.
By formalizing this commitment, the ETC Cooperative aims to set a precedent: that even in absence of perfect technological solutions, ethical stewardship and public accountability can bridge the gap.
We remain dedicated to serving Ethereum Classic—not as owners, but as custodians of a shared vision.
—
Bob Summerwill
Executive Director
ETC Cooperative
Keywords: Ethereum Classic, ETC Cooperative, @eth_classic Twitter account, decentralized governance, blockchain community trust, digital asset stewardship, social media ownership in crypto