Hidden Rules

Definition ∞ Hidden rules refer to unwritten conventions, unspoken expectations, or informal practices that significantly influence behavior and outcomes within a system, despite not being formally documented or explicitly stated. In the context of digital assets or blockchain governance, these might be community norms or developer preferences that hold considerable sway. They can impact decision-making and operational dynamics in ways not immediately apparent. Such rules can affect network evolution.
Context ∞ The presence of hidden rules can sometimes lead to opacity and unpredictability in decentralized systems, posing challenges for new participants or external observers. Discussions often address the importance of transparency and formalizing governance procedures to reduce reliance on informal understandings. A key debate involves how to balance the organic evolution of decentralized communities with the need for clear, explicit operational guidelines.