Arteria Nodeshttps://paragraph.com/@arterianodes Arteria Nodes is a women-founded and women-led collective focused on increasing the economic, financial, and social power of women in Web3Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:40:54 GMThttps://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.htmlhttps://github.com/jpmonette/feedenArteria Nodeshttps://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus\_images/e15b39b8104486b167a04214f816bb1d84936d8ea1990cd3e4d65017af06a017.jpghttps://paragraph.com/@arterianodes All rights reservedhttps://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/spice-on-near-decoupling-consensus-from-execution-for-200ms-blocks-and-agent-native-performance pzAoDXThqOrkCgWpPCwdFri, 17 Jul 2026 20:08:08 GMTThe Next Leap in Infrastructure The momentum sweeping across the [NEAR Protocol ecosystem](https://www.near.org/) is undeniable. Between [unprecedented transaction milestones](https://www.near.org/blog/blink-and-its-final-near-launches-600-ms-blocks-and-1-2-s-finality), rapidly expanding intents volume, and an active validator set climbing [well past 400 nodes](https://stats.metapool.app/d/o6-y_wQ7k/meta-pool-public-dashboard?orgId=2), the network is **experiencing a significant growth phase.** This explosion of on-chain activity isn't just driven by human users; _it is increasingly fueled by autonomous AI agents executing rapid, complex transactions._ To sustain this "machine-speed" demand, the underlying infrastructure must undergo an architectural leap. As we highlighted in our [recent blog article](https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/powering-the-agent-economy-why-independent-validators-are-essential-for-nears-dynamic-future), the network's foundational capacity has already shifted structurally through breakthroughs like [Dynamic Resharding](https://www.near.org/blog/introducing-dynamic-resharding), which automatically scales shard capacity in response to real-time workload spikes. However, a highly adaptive state layer is only one side of the scalability equation. To truly unlock sub-second finality and absolute execution efficiency, _the core loop of how blocks are proposed, validated, and finalized must be reinvented._ Enter **SPICE** (Separation of Consensus and Execution), the [next major protocol upgrade](https://www.near.org/blog/separation-of-consensus-and-execution) engineered by the NEAR One team. Currently in active development as a foundational [milestone](https://roadmap.near.org/) on the road to [Nightshade 3.0](https://youtu.be/O7LGqNJnOKY?si=1H7SUMpjSPN7436n), SPICE represents the most significant architectural evolution since the deployment of [Stateless Validation](https://www.near.org/blog/nightshade-2-launches-on-near-mainnet-introducing-stateless-validation). The core thesis of SPICE is elegant yet transformative: by decoupling consensus from execution, the network frees validators from sequential processing bottlenecks. This shift unlocks blazingly fast **200-millisecond block times**, expands transaction flexibility, and ensures that independent node operators can maintain optimal, sustainable performance amid the growing demands of the digital economy. ## Current Blockchain Block Production: The Coupled Challenge To understand why SPICE is such a profound upgrade, we must examine the inherent limitations of how monolithic and early-generation sharded blockchains handle block production today. Historically, blockchains have tightly coupled two distinct responsibilities into a single, synchronized step: 1. **Consensus:** Agreeing on the strict chronological order of transactions and signing off on the block hash via Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) mechanics. 2. **Execution:** Actually running the smart contract code, computing the resulting state transitions, generating receipts, and updating state roots. In this traditional, coupled model, a validator cannot successfully broadcast or finalize a new block until it has fully executed every single transaction contained within that block. This creates a strict sequential dependency. Consensus speed is inherently capped by execution time. If a block contains a series of highly complex, long-running transactions or encounters a heavy computational spike, the entire block propagation process grinds to a halt while validators wait for state computations to complete. ``` [Traditional Block Production Loop] ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Receive Block ──► Execute Transactions ──► Sign Block │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ▲ (Bottleneck: Consensus waits here) ``` This creates severe hardware and network inefficiencies. Node CPUs experience uneven spikes in utilization, and the network is forced to accept artificially slow block times (typically around 600ms on NEAR) to safeguard against propagation delays and potential network stalls. An intuitive analogy is a busy restaurant where the front-of-house host refuses to seat any new guests or take any new reservations until the kitchen has completely finished cooking and serving every single meal for the current tables. The throughput of the entire establishment is bottlenecked by the cooking speed of the slowest dish, causing massive lines outside the door. ## SPICE Mechanics: How Separation Works SPICE fundamentally shatters this paradigm by separating the order of events from the computation of those events. Under the SPICE architecture, the blockchain’s core guarantee - maintaining an immutable, secure ledger of ordered transactions - is optimized independently from state calculation. ### The Decoupled Workflow With SPICE, the process of block production is split into two parallel tracks: - **The Consensus Layer (Fast Track):** Block producers and validators focus purely on transaction sequencing. They gather transactions, organize them into a strict order, and reach rapid, signature-based consensus on the block hash. Because validators do not need to run full state compute before signing, the block can be created, distributed, and finalized almost instantly. - **The Execution Layer (Asynchronous Track):** Once the immutable order of the transactions is mathematically locked by consensus, the execution of the smart contracts runs asynchronously. Appropriate nodes process the state transitions at their own optimized pace, potentially spreading heavy computation across subsequent blocks. State roots are posted to the ledger downstream rather than being wedged into the immediate consensus block. ``` [SPICE Decoupled Workflow] Consensus Track: ──► [Order Tx List] ──► [Fast Signature Consensus] (200ms Block) ──► │ Asynchronous Track: └──► [Asynchronous State Execution] ──► [Post State Roots] ``` ### Key Technical Enablers & Benefits This architecture is made securely viable on NEAR due to the previous rollout of [Stateless Validation](https://www.near.org/blog/nightshade-2-launches-on-near-mainnet-introducing-stateless-validation). Because the network utilizes state witnesses (cryptographic proofs of data availability and correct state transitions), the entire network doesn't need to execute every shard simultaneously. Under stateless validation, even a single honest execution node producing a valid cryptographic proof is mathematically sufficient for the rest of the network to verify the state transition's legitimacy. By utilizing this foundation, SPICE unleashes several massive technical breakthroughs: - **Physical-Limit Speed:** Block times drop dramatically from ~600ms down to **200 milliseconds**, with finality times plunging to roughly 0.4 seconds. This represents a 3x speedup, pushing NEAR to the physical boundaries of global network latency. - **Multi-Block Execution Flexibility:** Because execution is decoupled from sequencing, the runtime environment can safely accommodate complex, long-running transactions that naturally span multiple blocks without risking a network slowdown. - **The Sharding Holy Grail:** Crucially, SPICE lays the concrete groundwork for **atomic (single-block) cross-shard execution**. By allowing execution to live on nodes that hold the relevant state for multiple target shards simultaneously, the historical latency penalties of inter-shard communication are systematically erased. ## Synergies and Broader Impacts SPICE does not operate in a vacuum; it acts as a force multiplier when combined with NEAR's existing infrastructure stack, most notably **Dynamic Resharding**. While Dynamic Resharding automatically splits or merges overloaded shards at epoch boundaries to handle expanding state size, SPICE ensures that the computational _processing_ of those shards never impedes global consensus. Together, they form a self-optimizing, highly elastic network architecture. ``` ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ DYNAMIC RESHARDING │ <-- Automates Capacity Scaling └───────────────────┬────────────────────┘ (Splits/Merges Overloaded Shards) │ ▼ (Synergistic Combo) ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ SPICE │ <-- Optimizes Processing Speed └────────────────────────────────────────┘ (200ms Blocks via Decoupled Compute) ``` ### Network and Operator Perspectives For the broader ecosystem, this combined architecture satisfies the demands of high-frequency decentralized applications. User experiences on frontends like [near.org](http://near.org/) and deep liquidity protocols like NEAR Intents transition to a "blink-and-it's-done" reality. Sub-second transaction settlement allows automated AI agents to execute cross-chain commerce and settlement instantly, rivaling or exceeding centralized web infrastructure. From the specific vantage point of **node operators**, the operational paradigm undergoes a highly favorable shift. Historically, the tight coupling of consensus and execution meant that any sudden, dense computation burst placed immediate, immense time pressure on validators to sign the block before a timeout occurred. This pressure often translated into heightened risk for missed blocks or temporary kick-outs. Under SPICE, the per-block compute pressure is drastically reduced. Chunk production and validation focus heavily on rapid endorsement signing. Operators will shift from tracking a single monolithic block state to monitoring two distinct metrics: the **Consensus Head** (the absolute tip of the ordered chain) and the **Execution Head** (how far along the asynchronous processing track has progressed). By smoothing out processing spikes and distributing execution workloads over time, validators gain structural stability, resulting in cleaner uptime and highly predictable node performance. ## What Node Operators and Participants Should Watch As the NEAR One development team continues advancing SPICE toward its mainnet debut on the [NEAR Roadmap](https://roadmap.near.org/), node operators and network participants should actively prepare for this structural evolution. ### Operational Preparation for Validators - **Evolving Metrics & Monitoring:** Node telemetry tools will need updates to accurately monitor execution progress relative to consensus heights. Tracking signature endorsement statistics will become paramount, as validator rewards and performance metrics will adapt to fit the endorsement-heavy consensus model. - **Hardware Headroom Management:** While SPICE reduces immediate per-block processing bottlenecks, the introduction of multi-block execution and the parallel implementation of Dynamic Resharding mean validators must maintain adequate RAM and NVMe I/O performance. During shard-splitting events, nodes may temporarily manage parent and child state paths concurrently, making robust hardware baselines non-negotiable. - **Testing Windows:** Operators should closely follow the NEAR Core GitHub repositories and maintain active participation in public testnets to benchmark their infrastructure against the 200ms block propagation cycles before the final mainnet upgrade. For stakers and delegators, this infrastructure shift preserves and enhances long-term capital efficiency. As the network scales to absorb massive enterprise workloads without experiencing congestion or fee spikes, network utility increases. This sustained growth secures the real-yield economics that keep the entire Proof-of-Stake ecosystem resilient. ## Conclusion: Building a Self-Improving Network The upcoming rollout of SPICE represents more than just an optimization tweak; _it is a fundamental reconfiguration of blockchain architecture_. By cleanly separating consensus from execution, NEAR Protocol achieves an optimal balance: the fastest block times permitted by physics, paired with the structural flexibility to process highly complex, multi-block smart contract operations. At **Arteria Nodes**, our role as independent node operators goes beyond simply running secure hardware. We believe it is vital to understand, analyze, and demystify the core engineering breakthroughs that govern our on-chain future. Upgrades like SPICE and Dynamic Resharding **prove that NEAR is building a mature, self-optimizing, and highly performant infrastructure layer capable of anchoring global digital coordination.** As the network approaches the milestone of Nightshade 3.0, we remain dedicated to maintaining peak performance, tracking core metrics, and providing a robust, decentralized foundation for the next generation of web applications. ### Key Sources for Further Reading - Official Technical Preview: [Separation of Consensus and Execution (SPICE)](https://www.near.org/blog/separation-of-consensus-and-execution) - Network Roadmap & Milestones: [NEAR Protocol Roadmap](https://roadmap.near.org/) - Core Infrastructure Insights: [Introducing Dynamic Resharding on NEAR](https://www.near.org/blog/introducing-dynamic-resharding) - Architectural Specifications: [NEAR Nomicon Consensus & Specifications](https://nomicon.io/ChainSpec/Consensus.html) > **Disclaimer:** _The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or technical advice. Staking, liquid staking, and participating in decentralized protocols involve inherent risks, including smart contract vulnerabilities and capital loss. Always conduct your own research before participating in blockchain networks._ * * * ### **About the author** **coffee-crusher** is a member of the **Arteria Nodes** validator team and an [**active delegate**](https://gov.houseofstake.org/delegates/coffee-crush_gov.near) in NEAR's **House of Stake** and other blockchain ecosystems. While she has been deeply involved in DAOs and crypto projects since 2023, she brings over 20 years of experience in Web2 marketing and operations to the table. You can follow her journey and insights on X at [**@coffee-crusher**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher). * * * **About Arteria Nodes** [**Arteria Nodes**](https://near-staking.com/validator/arterianodes.pool.near) is a women-founded and women-led collective dedicated to increasing the economic, financial, and social power of women in Web3. Running a validator on [**NEAR**](https://docs.near.org/getting-started/what-is-near) is our first collective step in expanding women’s presence in decentralized blockchain infrastructure, serving as a foundation for greater on-chain participation and cross-ecosystem governance. **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** If you're aligned with our mission, hit that **Subscribe** button! We have plans in store for our early supporters, including using Paragraph's writer coins to reward our early subscribers and supporters. \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/the-bonkdao-governance-attack-a-cautionary-tale-and-why-active-validators-matter tLEdb2AKibfH68dso7lxMon, 13 Jul 2026 21:09:19 GMTWe recently witnessed a stark reminder that a blockchain’s security is only as strong as its governance. In a matter of days, an attacker walked away with roughly $20 million (4.426 trillion BONK) from the BONKDAO treasury. But here is the kicker: **No smart contracts were exploited. No code was broken. The system worked exactly as it was programmed to.** What happened to BONKDAO wasn’t a traditional hack; it was a pure governance raid. It is a modern cautionary tale of voter apathy, plutocracy, and what happens when the defense of a network is left entirely to passive token holders. At **Arteria Nodes**, we believe this incident should serve as a massive wake-up call for the entire Web3 ecosystem. It highlights exactly why infrastructure providers - _like active, responsible validators and node operators_ \- must step up to serve as the true guardians of decentralized networks. ### **The Mechanics of a $20M Raid: What Happened?** Leading up to the attack, a malicious actor quietly accumulated between $4 million and $4.4 million worth of BONK through major exchange wallets like Binance and Bybit. Armed with hundreds of billions of tokens, they submitted a malicious proposal: [BIP-76 Sowellian BonkDAO](https://bitcoinfoundation.org/news/altcoins/bonkdao-governance-attack-drains-20m-in-bonk-from-treasury/). The proposal was cleverly wrapped in deceptive, reassuring language, promising to "rebuild from the ashes" and offering rewards for "yes" voters _(rewards that never materialized)_. Instead, hidden in the text was a mandate to rename the DAO and, crucially, transfer 4.426 trillion BONK directly to the attacker’s wallets. Because BONKDAO required only a ~1% quorum of the total supply to pass votes, and because voter turnout was critically low - **only about 7 wallets voted out of over 18,000 eligible holders -** the attacker easily dominated the ballot. BIP-76 passed with a staggering 99.9% "yes" vote. The proposal executed automatically, draining the treasury. While the ecosystem, the Solana Foundation, and law enforcement are actively working to trace and freeze these funds, the damage to community trust was done instantly, causing an immediate drop in token price. ### **The Root Cause: The Fatal Flaws of Token-Weighted Governance** The BONKDAO incident shines a harsh spotlight on three systemic vulnerabilities plaguing modern DAOs: 1. **Plutocracy Risk:** One-token-one-vote mechanics ensure that anyone with enough short-term capital can temporarily buy their way into becoming the whale of an ecosystem. When a treasury's value significantly exceeds the cost of buying a dominant voting share, the network becomes an economic target. 2. **Extreme Voter Apathy:** When 99.9% of eligible wallets sit on the sidelines, a tiny fraction of motivated actors can steer the entire ship off a cliff. 3. **Missing Structural Safeguards:** The absence of a timelock delay (which would give the community (Security Council) time to review and veto a malicious proposal before execution) meant the treasury was drained the moment the voting clock ran out. Decentralization does not automatically equal security if there are no active, aligned check-and-balance systems in place. ### **Beyond Consensus: The Essential Role of Reputable Validators** _This is where the role of node operators and validators must evolve._ On proof-of-stake networks like Solana and NEAR, validators are traditionally viewed as pure infrastructure -machines that process blocks and maintain uptime. But true decentralization requires validators to be _Bitcoin-grade security with human-level governance oversight._ When token holders delegate their staking power to responsible, professional node operators, they aren’t just earning passive yields. They are shifting influence away from short-term speculators and whales, and placing it into the hands of operators who have deep "skin in the game." Reliable validators maintain professional monitoring, engage in community education, and critically analyze proposals to serve as a decentralized firewall against governance manipulation. ### **Arteria Nodes: Infrastructure with a Purpose** As a women-led collective, _Arteria Nodes was founded on the principle of shifting economic power and fostering meaningful participation in Web3_. We don’t just spin up servers; we actively champion the education, diversity, and governance oversight required to keep networks safe from incidents like BIP-76. **We believe that apathy is the greatest threat to decentralization.** By operating resilient, highly available nodes and providing transparent insights into ecosystem votes, we aim to give everyday delegators a powerful voice without requiring them to manage complex governance protocols full-time. When you align with Arteria Nodes, you are supporting an infrastructure partner dedicated to keeping networks honest, diverse, and secure against short-term capital raids. ### **Step-by-Step Guide: How to Support Arteria Nodes via Meta Pool** The lesson of BONKDAO is clear: Web3 cannot afford passive bystanders. Maximize your yield potential, secure the shard infrastructure, and retain absolute liquidity. Follow this simple framework to back Arteria Nodes through **Meta Pool**: 1. **Prepare Your Wallet:** Ensure your [NEAR wallet](https://wallet.near.org/) holds your target deployment assets. Meta Pool supports direct routing from native $NEAR, as well as liquidity paths using stablecoins like USDC and USDT. 2. **Navigate to Meta Pool:** Open the official [Meta Pool dApp](https://www.metapool.app/) and connect your preferred secure wallet interface. 3. **Liquid Stake Your Allocation:** Select the primary [NEAR Liquid Staking pool](https://main.metapool.app/stake?token=near) on the dashboard. Enter the amount of $NEAR (or stablecoins) you wish to allocate and confirm the transaction to generate value-accruing stNEAR. 4. **Direct Weight to Arteria Nodes:** Head to the [Meta Pool validator](https://main.metapool.app/stakevote) or mpDAO governance interface. Use your voting power or staking preferences to **support Arteria Nodes**, ensuring your liquidity directly reinforces a women-led collective committed to diversifying NEAR's infrastructure and shaping [how stake distribution works](https://docs.metapool.app/master/meta-pool-ecosystem/vote-governance/how-stake-distribution-works). 5. **Unleash Capital Flexibility:** [Monitor your stNEAR](https://stats.metapool.app/d/o6-y_wQ7k/meta-pool-public-dashboard?orgId=2) as it appreciates against native $NEAR every epoch. Retain it for low-risk compounding, or deploy it into DeFi and [Intent protocols](https://intents.near.org/) to capture the full utility of the economy! **Let’s move past the era of voter apathy. Stake with your values, delegate your power, and let’s build a more resilient, secure Web3 together.** _Disclaimer: Investigation into the BONKDAO BIP-76 incident is ongoing. This article is for educational purposes based on publicly available on-chain data and does not constitute financial advice._ * * * ### **About the author** * * * **About Arteria Nodes** **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/from-regulatory-gray-to-green-light-how-the-clarity-act-empowers-independent-near-validators wTrOaovkjpra6HwztkXwFri, 19 Jun 2026 19:09:26 GMTThe decentralized infrastructure landscape is quietly shifting beneath our feet. For years, independent node operators have faced a glaring asymmetry. While we championed the ideals of a truly distributed web, the reality of running a validator node was shrouded in legal ambiguity. Today, that paradigm is fracturing in the best way possible. Driven by [massive NEAR ecosystem momentum](https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/near-staking-in-2026-mechanics-yields-and-how-liquid-staking-keeps-you-flexible) \- including consecutive Meta Pool Node Studio cohorts pushing the network toward an all-time high of over [370 active validators](https://stats.metapool.app/d/o6-y_wQ7k/meta-pool-public-dashboard?orgId=2) \- the push for structural decentralization is meeting a powerful macro tailwind: [The CLARITY Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3633/all-info) **.** This isn't just another compliance update. Building on our previous articles around [dynamic resharding](https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/powering-the-agent-economy-why-independent-validators-are-essential-for-nears-dynamic-future) and why infrastructure diversity [equals hard security](https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/near-staking-in-2026-mechanics-yields-and-how-liquid-staking-keeps-you-flexible), this piece breaks down why the **CLARITY Act** acts as a structural equalizer - removing existential risks for independent, women-led teams like **Arteria Nodes**, and paving an unobstructed runway for the decentralized AI agent economy. ## The Legal Defense of the Long-Tail Validator Historically, regulatory gray zones have always favored the incumbents. When rules are muddy, compliance becomes an expensive luxury. Massive, institutional data-center entities can absorb millions in legal retainers; small, community-driven, or mission-aligned operators face terrifying, existential liability just for providing network compute. The [_Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act_ (H.R. 3633)](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3633/all-info), which advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee via a historic bipartisan vote, fundamentally levels this playing field. It does this by drawing a bright, unyielding line between _writing/executing code_ and _running a regulated financial intermediary_. For the entire ecosystem of independent operators - especially those entering the network through initiatives like [Meta Pool’s Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software) \- the bill delivers two monumental protections: - **The Infrastructure Carve-Out:** Section-level rules explicitly protect entities simply validating transactions or securing nodes from being misclassified as broker-dealers or financial institutions. You are legally recognized for what you are: _an administrative computing worker, not a financial middleman._ - **The Non-Custodial Staking Shield:** The act aligns with evolving regulatory common sense, treating self-custodial staking delegation _as a ministerial action rather than an investment contract or securities offering._ > **Why This Matters:** By removing the compliance overhang, the CLARITY Act transforms validation from an "at-your-own-risk" technical hurdle into a federally protected infrastructure service. It allows independent builders to compete strictly on performance, uptime, and community alignment, rather than the size of their legal budgets. ## Technical Elasticity Meets Legal Protection This regulatory green light arrives at the exact moment [NEAR Protocol](https://www.near.org/) achieves unmatched structural scalability. The launch of [Dynamic Resharding](https://www.near.org/blog/introducing-dynamic-resharding) eliminates the final friction point of manual network scaling. Previously, adding shards to handle immense network load required extensive human coordination, weeks of planning, and manual validator voting. Dynamic Resharding automates this entirely, allowing the network to split or merge shards algorithmically in under two seconds based on real-time load. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | **Dimension** | **Legacy Blockchains** | **NEAR Protocol (Post-June 2026)** | | **Capacity Management** | Manual governance / Hard forks | Automated, algorithm-driven scaling | | **Congestion Spikes** | Skyrocketing gas fees network-wide | Isolated to targeted, newly spun shards | | **Operational Dependency** | High friction, slow manual updates | Instantaneous, zero-downtime execution | This is the bedrock needed for the **Agent Economy**. As high-frequency, autonomous AI agents and user intents dominate the blockchain, they introduce incredibly volatile, unpredictable workloads. Under older frameworks, a massive spike in AI transactions would price out retail users or strain a centralized cluster of nodes. NEAR's technical architecture isolates that load onto automatically generated shards. But technology is only as secure as the entities running it. If a network’s underlying nodes are concentrated in three corporate data centers, the system remains fragile. The CLARITY Act ensures that a diverse, globally distributed long-tail of independent nodes can safely step up to host these shards without fear of regulatory reprisal. ## Proof-of-Diversity: The Core Mission of Arteria Nodes True network resilience relies on what we call **Proof-of-Diversity**. When a blockchain's infrastructure is run by homogenous, institutional corporations, it is vulnerable to localized cloud outages, systemic political shifts, and centralized capture. As a **women-led infrastructure team**, Arteria Nodes represents the exact type of purpose-driven operator that both these technical upgrades and new legal protections empower. We aren't backed by legacy venture empires; we are backed by code, performance, and community trust. Ecosystem mechanisms like the [Meta Pool Referral Contest](https://referrals.metapool.app/index.html)\- and the deployment frameworks provided by [Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software) \- give independent nodes a starting foothold. The **CLARITY Act** gives us the armor to sustain it. It allows us to focus entirely on maintaining elite node metrics, contributing to [mpDAO governance](https://docs.metapool.app/master/welcome-to-meta-pool/the-mpdao), and expanding the footprint of women in Web3 infrastructure. ## Practical Takeaways for Network Participants Decentralization is an active verb. Here is how you can use this shifting landscape to secure the network: 1. **Leverage Non-Custodial Liquid Staking:** [Mint stNEAR](https://main.metapool.app/stake?token=near) via Meta Pool. The CLARITY Act drastically reduces legal uncertainty surrounding liquid staking protocols, making it safer than ever to put assets to work while supporting distributed nodes. 2. **Direct Capital to Independent Operators:** Use active referral contest links to route [your delegation intentionally](https://www.metapool.app/stake/?referralCode=370530). Every token staked to independent, diverse validators weakens the data-center monoculture. 3. **Exercise Governance Power:** Participate actively in [mpDAO voting](https://docs.metapool.app/master/welcome-to-meta-pool/the-mpdao) to champion accessible validation initiatives and keep the barrier to entry low for the next generation of operators. ## Conclusion: Securing the Future Together When technical innovation matches legislative clarity, the entire industry matures. The combination of NEAR’s infinite horizontal scaling and the [CLARITY Act’s](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3633/all-info) legal protections means the independent validator is no longer an afterthought - we are the foundation. By backing independent, diverse nodes today, you are ensuring that the massive AI agent economy of tomorrow remains open, accessible, and uncompromised. _Secure the network with us. Support Arteria Nodes via_ [_our referral link_](https://www.metapool.app/stake/?referralCode=370530) _in the ongoing_ [_Meta Pool contest_](https://referrals.metapool.app/index.html) _, and follow_ [_our channel_](https://x.com/ArteriaNodes) _for deeper infrastructure insights._ **_Disclaimer:_** _This post is written strictly for educational and informational purposes and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Always conduct your own thorough research before interacting with blockchain protocols or staking cryptographic assets._ * * * ### **About the author** * * * **About Arteria Nodes** **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/powering-the-agent-economy-why-independent-validators-are-essential-for-nears-dynamic-future OOJ4RXlQT4KonnZOasESFri, 12 Jun 2026 19:13:58 GMTThe Momentum Behind the Movement We are officially cross-checking the midpoint of Meta Pool's [30-day Node Studio Referral Contest](https://referrals.metapool.app/index.html) launched earlier this June, and the energy across the ecosystem is palpable. As a women-led team in Cohort 2, **Arteria Nodes** has been navigating this sprint not just to compete for the _5M Voting Power prize_, **but to actively expand what decentralized infrastructure looks like.** The broader momentum speaks for itself. The [Meta Pool's Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software) program recently onboarded dozens of new validators - including 64 in a single cohort - pushing NEAR toward an all-time high of approximately [370 active validators](https://stats.metapool.app/d/o6-y_wQ7k/meta-pool-public-dashboard?orgId=2). This isn't just a win for statistics; it’s a fundamental requirement for the next era of the web. In an age where autonomous AI agents execute complex intents at scale, the network’s foundation must be as dynamic, resilient, and diverse as the applications running on top of it. ### NEAR’s Technical Evolution: Dynamic Resharding & the Agent Economy The infrastructure landscape shifted dramatically with NEAR's [recent architectural upgrades](https://www.near.org/blog/introducing-dynamic-resharding). Chief among them is **Dynamic Resharding**. ``` [Traditional Sharding] ---> Requires Manual Governance & Delays [Dynamic Resharding] ---> Automatically Splits Congested Shards Based on State Size ``` Unlike traditional sharding models that require manual governance votes, coordination, or protocol delays to adjust capacity, NEAR now automatically splits or merges congested shards based on real-time state size and processing load. #### Why This Matters for the Agent Economy AI agents and intent-based transactions create highly unpredictable workloads. A sudden surge in automated AI-to-AI transactions can spike network demand in seconds. [Dynamic resharding](https://www.near.org/blog/introducing-dynamic-resharding) _handles this seamlessly_. However, a dynamic state layer requires an equally robust validation layer. As shards split and expand, the network needs a vast, geographically distributed, and operationally diverse pool of independent nodes to validate transactions securely. > **The Decentralization Risk:** A monoculture of a few massive, institutional validation syndicates creates single points of failure. Conversely, a diverse network of independent operators ensures high fault tolerance and censorship resistance. Furthermore, this surge in agent-driven network activity feeds directly into the network’s economic loop. Higher transaction volumes drive healthy utility, which supports stable staking ratios and sustainable real yield APYs for the participants securing the network. ### Node Studio in Action: Accessibility Meets Performance Historically, running a blockchain validator required heavy capital expenditure and deep technical silos. [Meta Pool’s Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software) _fundamentally changes this paradigm by drastically lowering barriers to entry:_ - **Affordable Infrastructure:** Operational costs starting at roughly $29/month. - **Streamlined Setup:** A simple _3-click deployment process_ requiring no proprietary bare-metal hardware. - **Democratic Bootstrapping:** Access to DAO delegations, including a 40,000 [$NEAR](https://near.com/) minimum support floor to get new nodes producing blocks. The results from recent cohorts demonstrate that accessibility does not compromise quality. Across the board, newly onboarded validators [are maintaining](https://near-staking.com/stats) an impressive **99%+ uptime**, proving that independent and purpose-driven teams can deliver enterprise-grade performance. For **Arteria Nodes**, participating as a women-led team allows us to bring crucial perspective to the infrastructure layer. True decentralization isn't just about different server locations; _it is about a diversity of operators_. This _"Proof-of-Diversity"_ reduces systemic blind spots and ensures that the growing agent economy is built on infrastructure that reflects the global community it serves. ### Liquid Staking + Governance: Your Stake’s Dual Impact When you [utilize liquid staking](https://main.metapool.app/stake?token=near) through Meta Pool (minting [stNEAR](https://docs.metapool.app/master/meta-pool-by-chains/near-protocol/what-is-usdstnear)), your assets perform a dual function: they remain liquid for use within the DeFi ecosystem while simultaneously distributing security across verified nodes. ``` ┌──► Retain Liquidity for DeFi Your NEAR Staking ─┤ └──► Earn mpDAO Governance Power (Vote for Treasury & Incentives) ``` During the ongoing [Referral Contest](https://referrals.metapool.app/index.html), this mechanism becomes even more powerful. Verified referrals help independent operators build real stake weight and unlock pieces of the **5M Voting Power (VP) prize pool**. By allocating voting power and directing stake to teams like **Arteria Nodes**, you gain a direct voice in [mpDAO governance](https://docs.metapool.app/master/welcome-to-meta-pool/the-mpdao) decisions regarding treasury allocations, future protocol incentives, and infrastructure grants. Staking with us means choosing to back inclusive leadership at the very bedrock of the [NEAR network](https://www.near.org/). ### Practical Takeaways & Optimization Strategies To optimize your staking strategy while supporting infrastructure diversity, consider the following blueprint: 1. **Mint stNEAR:** Navigate to the Meta Pool platform to [convert](https://main.metapool.app/stake?token=near) your native NEAR into liquid [stNEAR](https://docs.metapool.app/master/meta-pool-by-chains/near-protocol/what-is-usdstnear), immediately exposing your capital to compounding staking rewards. 2. **Utilize Your Referrals:** Use [our team's specific referral link](https://www.metapool.app/stake/?referralCode=370530) to register your staking activity. This directly boosts **Arteria Nodes'** standing in the mid-contest leaderboard. 3. **DeFi Optimization:** Take your stNEAR and utilize it within verified NEAR DeFi protocols [to earn secondary yield](https://intents.near.org/), compounding your capital without unstaking. 4. **Monitor Performance:** Keep track of [validator metrics](https://stats.metapool.app/d/o6-y_wQ7k/meta-pool-public-dashboard?orgId=2). Supporting independent nodes ensures long-term network resilience, which protects the underlying value of your digital assets. ### Shaping the On-Chain Future As a women-led operator, **Arteria Nodes** is doing more than just validating transactions and signing blocks - _we are working to validate a more equitable, resilient, and decentralized on-chain future_. As the demands of the AI agent economy grow, our collective responsibility to secure the network grows with it. **Join us in building a scalable NEAR ecosystem.** Use our [referral link](https://www.metapool.app/stake/?referralCode=370530) to stake your NEAR, support independent node infrastructure, and help us secure the foundation for the next generation of web applications. _Follow our journey on_ [_social media_](https://x.com/ArteriaNodes) _for real-time uptime updates, contest progress, and technical insights._ ### Disclaimer _The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or technical advice. Staking, liquid staking, and participating in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols involve inherent risks, including smart contract vulnerabilities and capital loss. Always conduct your own research before participating in blockchain networks._ * * * ### **About the author** * * * **About Arteria Nodes** **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/the-5-million-voting-power-shakeup-why-were-chasing-meta-pools-newest-referral-sprint peFYMdaitwOJUmMIYmBKFri, 05 Jun 2026 19:33:02 GMTIn the race to secure decentralized networks and build out the future of tech, where you choose to stake your crypto matters a lot. Choosing a node operator isn't just a technical decision—it’s a direct way to support a more diverse, distributed, and resilient ecosystem. On June 3, **Meta Pool** rolled out its [30-Day Node Studio Referral Contest](https://referrals.metapool.app/index.html). This is a deliberate **push to shift power toward independent, community-driven operators** by tying fresh staking inflows ( **$stNEAR** and **$mpSOL**) directly to visibility, stake weight, and governance clout. For **Arteria Nodes**\- our women-led collective focused on making Web3 infrastructure more inclusive and accessible - this contest is a massive turning point. **And we honestly can't cross the finish line without you.** ## The Lowdown: How the Contest Works The mechanics are straightforward: Meta Pool wants to reward the communities bringing new energy into the ecosystem. Instead of letting all the stake pool with the biggest players, they are **incentivizing users to back the underdogs.** - **The Prize:** The [Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software) operator with the most verified $mpSOL and $stNEAR referrals gets **5,000,000 Voting Power (VP)** delegated to their node for a full month. - **The Timeline:** It’s a 30-day sprint that just kicked off in early June. - **What "Verified" Means:** To keep things fair and stop people from gaming the system, referrals count after a holding period ( _usually 7 to 30 days of active staking_). It’s about building real, stable growth. The cool part? This runs alongside Meta Pool’s main referral setup. _So while you’re helping us climb the leaderboard, you’re also racking up mpDAO tickets, scoring entry into monthly draws, and building up your own staking streaks._ ## What This Means for a Team Like Ours Keeping a smaller node running usually means going up against massive institutional pools with endless capital. [Meta Pool’s Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software) already leveled things a bit by offering a $29/month model and a 3-click setup. This contest takes that democratic spirit and cranks it up. Here is exactly what’s on the line for **Arteria Nodes** over the next few weeks: - **Growing Our Stake Safely:** Every referral helps us maintain or improve our seat position in the validator auction without us needing to magically find massive amounts of self-capital. For an independent team, every bit of momentum counts. - **A Massive Voice in Governance:** Winning - or even placing near the top - hands us a chunk of that 5M VP. That gives a women-led collective a massive, outsized voice in mpDAO decisions, from treasury allocations to future ecosystem incentives. - **Visibility for Diverse Teams:** This contest puts a spotlight on different types of operators. For us, it’s the perfect megaphone to reach people who care about who is actually running the infrastructure behind the screen. ### Keeping It 100: The Challenges _We’re not going to pretend this is an easy win._ It’s highly competitive, and massive, well-connected operators usually take an early lead. Plus, because of the verification holding periods, quick "pump-and-dump" staking won't help us. That’s why we’re focusing heavily on quality. **We’re looking for community members who are actually aligned with our mission and want to stick around for the long haul.** ## The Bigger Picture: It’s About Control Every time you choose an independent validator, you’re making the network a little more decentralized, secure, and resilient. As the ecosystem shifts toward automated AI agents and complex on-chain intents, having stable, diverse infrastructure is everything. Through [Meta Pool's Vote-to-Earn model](https://docs.metapool.app/master/welcome-to-meta-pool/vote-to-earn), your support ensures that everyday users - not just a handful of whales -run the show. ## Ready to Back Us? Here’s How to Move **Every single allocation counts in a 30-day sprint.** Whether you're staking a handful of tokens or moving a larger portfolio, you can directly push a values-driven team into a real position of influence. **We truly appreciate all the help so we can win - help us win!** > ### Lock In Your Support > > Want to support inclusive infrastructure and help us chase that 5M Voting Power prize? > > **Stake through our official referral link right here:** > > 👉 [**Click here to stake with Arteria Nodes**](https://www.metapool.app/stake/?referralCode=370530) **(here's our direct referral code:** [**https://www.metapool.app/stake/?referralCode=370530**](https://www.metapool.app/stake/?referralCode=370530) **)** > > _Every verified stake directly boosts our node weight, pushes us up the contest ladder, and qualifies you for mpDAO reward tickets. Drop a post on socials when you join and tag_ [**_@arterianodes_**](https://x.com/ArteriaNodes) _so we can thank you!_ **Let's build this together!** _Disclaimer: Staking digital assets involves technical and market risks. This post is purely educational and promotional, not financial advice. Do your homework before locking up your assets!_ * * * ### **About the author** * * * **About Arteria Nodes** **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/near-staking-in-2026-mechanics-yields-and-how-liquid-staking-keeps-you-flexible 5Ydb77WLlkHNSxuacNnKFri, 22 May 2026 18:32:54 GMTThe landscape of Layer-1 blockchain infrastructure has shifted dramatically. In 2026, network success is no longer judged by theoretical benchmarks, but by functional ecosystem maturity. [NEAR Protocol](https://www.near.org/) has officially scaled into its prime, driven by fully realized dynamic sharding, a thriving decentralized AI and autonomous agent economy, and an advanced, Intent-driven user layer that handles massive transaction volumes seamlessly. At **Arteria Nodes**, we believe that the technical layer securing this future must reflect the diversity of the global economy. Arteria Nodes is a women-founded and women-led collective dedicated to increasing the economic, financial, and social power of women in Web3. Utilizing [Meta Pool Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software), we operate a node for the NEAR infrastructure. Running this validator is our first collective step in expanding women’s presence in decentralized blockchain infrastructure, serving as a foundation for greater on-chain participation and cross-ecosystem governance. The core engine keeping this architecture decentralized, secure, and resilient is **staking**. For community members, allocators, and token holders alike, staking remains a primary vehicle for securing the network while generating predictable returns. In this guide, we break down how NEAR staking works under the hood in 2026, explain why the network’s lower-inflation update is a net win for your real yields, and show how liquid staking enables active market flexibility while supporting mission-driven infrastructure. ### Core Ecosystem Metrics (2026 Overview) - **Global NEAR Staking Ratio:** ~46% of circulating supply [1](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@arterianodes#fn:1) - **Current Nominal APY Range:** 4.0% – 5.2% [2](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@arterianodes#fn:2) - **Network Inflation Rate:** 2.5% [3](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@arterianodes#fn:3) ## 1\. Under the Hood: How NEAR Staking Works Today Securing a dynamically sharded network like NEAR requires highly deterministic coordination. By leveraging Meta Pool Node Studio, collectives like **Arteria Nodes** can participate directly in an on-chain, programmatic engine governed by strict protocol constants: ### Epoch Transitions and the Validator Cycle Time on NEAR is packaged into **Epochs**, which run for approximately 12 hours. During an epoch, the active validator set is completely locked. Validators maintain consensus via the Doomslug engine and process concurrent block chunks across all active shards. At each 12-hour boundary, the protocol mints rewards, updates validator stakes, and recalibrates the seat requirements for the next cycle. ### The Seat Price Auction Admission to the active validator set is determined through a continuous, competitive on-chain auction. To maintain a seat, a node must accumulate enough delegated NEAR tokens to meet the dynamically calculated **Seat Price**\- the minimum capital floor required to rank among the top protocol proposals. By pooling your tokens with a purpose-driven validator like **Arteria Nodes**, you directly increase our staking weight, helping ensure reliable seat retention and broadening diversity within the active validator set. ### Performance Metrics: Uptime and Zero Delegator Slashing Meta Pool enforces [a high standard](https://docs.metapool.app/master/meta-pool-by-chains/near-protocol/validator-selection) of node operational health. If a validator’s block or chunk production drops below roughly 90% within a single epoch due to hardware or connectivity issues, they face a "liveness kick"- removal from the next epoch and forfeiture of that period's rewards. Importantly for your peace of mind, **NEAR does not implement hard cryptographic slashing of a delegator’s core principal for node downtime**. If a validator goes offline, your capital remains completely safe. _By running our node through Meta Pool Node Studio's supported framework,_ **Arteria Node** s aligns with robust technical standards to support consistent performance and uptime. ## 2\. The Economics of 2026: The Rise of Real Yield The macroeconomic model of the [$NEAR](https://near.com/) token has matured into a highly optimized, sustainable structure designed for long-term capital compounding. ### The Real Yield Breakthrough While nominal staking APY currently ranges between **4.0% and 5.2%**, your effective purchasing power expansion - known as **Real Yield**\- remains strong. The NEAR protocol has stabilized structural token inflation at a predictable **2.5% annually**. > ### Understanding Real Yield Efficiency > > Real yield measures your token volume growth minus the dilution caused by network-wide minting: > > $$\\text{Real Yield} \\approx \\text{Nominal Staking APY} - \\text{Network Inflation Rate}$$ > > In a scenario where nominal yield is **4.8%** and inflation is **2.5%**, an active staker realizes a net wealth expansion of **+2.3%**. Conversely, inactive token holders passively absorb the full **-2.5%** dilution, making staking an important strategy for baseline capital preservation in 2026. ### The Network Staking Ratio The macro ecosystem sits at a healthy global staking ratio of roughly **46%**. This establishes a programmatic equilibrium: if the staking ratio falls, individual rewards scale up toward the **5.2%** limit to attract capital and protect the shards. If the staking ratio spikes, rewards compress toward **4.0%** as the network achieves structural over-collateralization. ## 3\. Maximizing Flexibility: Liquid Staking with Meta Pool Historically, staking required a strict trade-off. If you natively staked your [$NEAR](https://near.com/), your capital was frozen. Initiating a withdrawal meant navigating a 4-epoch unbonding window (~48 to 60 hours) during which your tokens generated zero rewards and could not react to market shifts. In an era dominated by instantaneous cross-chain transactions and autonomous AI execution pipelines, this represents an acute opportunity cost. This is where liquid staking solutions like **Meta Pool** change the dynamic. ### How stNEAR Preserves Your Liquidity When you stake your assets through Meta Pool, your tokens are deposited into an automated, non-custodial smart contract that spreads delegation across validated nodes, including community-led operations. In return, you instantly receive [stNEAR](https://docs.metapool.app/master/meta-pool-by-chains/near-protocol/what-is-usdstnear)(Liquid Staked NEAR). stNEAR is a value-accruing token. Rather than distributing continuous small payouts, stNEAR increases in value relative to native $NEAR. The exchange rate appreciates every 12 hours based on network rewards accrued by the underlying validator pool. This allows you to deploy stNEAR across lending protocols, supply it to decentralized exchanges, or route it through multi-chain execution engines while maintaining your baseline staking yield in the background. ### mpDAO Governance & Infrastructure Diversity Meta Pool distributes its collective weight to support decentralization, routing capital to reliable node operators through initiatives like **Node Studio**. By holding stNEAR, you also participate in [mpDAO](https://docs.metapool.app/master/welcome-to-meta-pool/the-mpdao) **governance**, directly steering peer-to-peer liquidity and empowering emerging, inclusive collectives to hold a meaningful stake in the network’s foundation. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | **Feature** | **Native Delegation** | **Liquid Staking (Meta Pool)** | | **Liquidity** | Locked during staking | Instant liquidity via stNEAR | | **Unbonding Wait Time** | ~48 to 60 hours (4 epochs) | Instant (via DEX swap) or 48h via protocol | | **DeFi Utility** | None | High (Lending, AMMs, AI Agent Fuel) | | **Decentralization Impact** | User must manually choose wisely | Automated distribution to diverse operators | ## 4\. Practical Considerations and Strategies Navigating the modern on-chain economy requires a clear-eyed look at the associated risk vectors: - **Smart Contract Risk:** Utilizing liquid staking introduces an external software layer. Meta Pool addresses this through continuous multi-firm security audits and a established track record. - **Validator Commission & Performance:** Validator commissions impact your net earnings. **Arteria Nodes** balances competitive commission structures with the technical support of Node Studio to ensure dependable net yields are returned to our delegators. ### The Ecosystem Strategy: Capital Compounding Experienced allocators frequently optimize their positions by using stNEAR as collateral. By supplying stNEAR to verified lending markets, users can borrow stablecoins (USDC/USDT) to capture alternative ecosystem opportunities or re-route capital into supplementary $NEAR allocations - compounding their yield profile while keeping their core portfolio anchored to the security of the network. ## The Road Ahead: Staking for an Inclusive Infrastructure Staking in 2026 is no longer just about passive interest; it is about choosing who builds and maintains the decentralized web. When you back **Arteria Nodes** through Meta Pool Node Studio, _your capital does double duty: it provides the computational security required to execute thousands of intent-based workflows every second, and it actively expands women’s presence in decentralized blockchain infrastructure._ Together, we are creating a foundation for greater on-chain participation and cross-ecosystem governance. ### Step-by-Step Guide: How to Support Arteria Nodes via Meta Pool Maximize your yield potential, secure the shard infrastructure, and retain absolute liquidity. Follow this simple framework to back **Arteria Nodes** through **Meta Pool**: 2. **Navigate to Meta Pool:** Open the official [Meta Pool dApp](https://www.metapool.app/) and connect your preferred secure wallet interface. 3. **Liquid Stake Your Allocation:** Select the primary [NEAR Liquid Staking pool](https://main.metapool.app/stake?token=near) on the dashboard. Enter the amount of $NEAR (or stablecoins) you wish to allocate and confirm the transaction to generate value-accruing **stNEAR**. 4. **Direct Weight to Arteria Nodes:** Head to the [Meta Pool validator](https://main.metapool.app/stakevote) or mpDAO governance interface. Use your voting power or staking preferences **to support** **Arteria Nodes**, ensuring your liquidity directly reinforces a women-led collective committed to diversifying NEAR's infrastructure. 5. **Unleash Capital Flexibility:** [Monitor your stNEAR](https://stats.metapool.app/d/o6-y_wQ7k/meta-pool-public-dashboard?orgId=2) as it appreciates against native $NEAR every epoch. Retain it for low-risk compounding, or deploy it into DeFi and [Intent protocols](https://intents.near.org/) to capture the full utility of the 2026 economy! _Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Digital asset staking and interaction with smart contracts involve inherent technical and market risks._ * * * ### **About the author** * * * **About Arteria Nodes** **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** 1. [NEAR.org](http://near.org/) [Research & Analytics Dashboard](https://www.near.org/research-analytics) under the _Ecosystem & Token_ status ma trix, which publicly registers the "46% $NEAR Supply Staked" benchmark. 2. Individual node performance dashboards and baseline structural yields are tracked in real-time via indexers. Global market providers like the [BingX NEAR Protocol Staking Index](https://bingx.com/en/learn/article/how-to-stake-near-protocol-near-to-earn-passive-rewards) track average network delegation distributions spanning from 4.1% up past basic base levels, heavily shifting based on specific pool performance, uptime parameters, and active validator adjustments. 3. Detailed macro breakdown reports via institutional tracking indices, such as the [Coincub NEAR Protocol Economic Outlook](https://coincub.com/price-prediction/near-protocol-price-prediction-2026/), which chronicles the governance shift that cut the protocol’s maximum inflation cap from 5% down to approximately 2.5% to protect real yields under higher shard utilization. \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/beyond-rewards-why-diversity-is-the-ultimate-security-feature-in-institutional-staking D8HucA2CTn9i0jBGSz9yFri, 15 May 2026 20:01:34 GMTStaking is undergoing a professional revolution. It is no longer just a method for individual users to earn "passive income"; it has matured into a sophisticated, yield-optimized activity attracting significant institutional interest. As digital assets evolve from a novelty to a financial necessity, the focus is shifting toward rigorous risk management and long-term network resilience (Makridis, 2022). [1](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@arterianodes#fn:1) However, this institutionalization brings a critical challenge: **homogeneity**. When a network is dominated by a few large-scale operators with identical economic incentives and technical setups, it creates a "monoculture" that increases systemic risk. At **Arteria Nodes**, we believe the _solution lies in diversity - not just as a social metric, but as a technical requirement for secure, decentralized governance._ ### 1\. The Risk of Staking Monocultures In Proof-of-Stake (PoS) systems, existing protocols often face centralization risks due to an over-reliance on staked wealth for validator selection. Wealth concentration can lead to reduced validator diversity and increased potential for collusion, which ultimately undermines the security and stability of the entire network (Isenkul, 2025). [2](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@arterianodes#fn:2) A lack of diversity in geographic, demographic, and computational profiles means validators often share the same vulnerabilities. True resilience requires operators with different risk profiles to prevent any single point of failure from compromising the whole system (Bodó et al., 2021). [3](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@arterianodes#fn:3) Furthermore, research into the "Verifier’s Dilemma" suggests that without strong ethical and technical diversity, validators have a strong incentive to bypass actual verification to maximize rewards for timely attestation, potentially leading to a "crisis of trust" (Smuseva et al., 2023). [4](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@arterianodes#fn:4) ### 2\. Why Diverse, Women-Led Teams Matter The Proof-of-Diversity (PoD) framework highlights that demographic variety actually enhances a network's resistance to systemic risks and fosters more robust inclusion (Isenkul, 2025). Women-led teams like Arteria Nodes contribute to this by: - **Broadening Participation:** We help dismantle the "illusion of decentralization" where power often concentrates among a technically proficient and financially privileged elite (Hoffman et al., 2020). [5](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@arterianodes#fn:5) - **Educational Advocacy:** We focus on turning staking from a "black box" into a transparent process, helping new participants understand the governance and risk-management responsibilities involved. - **Resilience Through Perspective:** Digital ledger technologies offer unique opportunities for economic mobility and women's empowerment by providing transparent, tamper-proof mechanisms for asset management (Makridis, 2022). ### 3\. Lowering the Barrier with Meta Pool Node Studio Historically, becoming a validator required significant hardware investment and deep technical knowledge—barriers that naturally excluded many potential operators. To combat this, Arteria Nodes utilizes [Meta Pool Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software), which democratizes access to network participation. By choosing the Node Studio, we address three critical hurdles: - **No Hardware Barriers:** We eliminate the need for physical server maintenance, allowing us to [maintain high uptime](https://near-staking.com/validator/arterianodes.pool.near) and reliability without the capital-heavy infrastructure of traditional data centers. - **Lowered Technical Complexity:** Automated generation and streamlined pipelines lower the "technical barrier to entry," enabling mission-driven teams to focus on community education rather than troubleshooting hardware. - **Cost-Effective Participation:** Lower operational costs mean that diverse, smaller teams can remain competitive alongside institutional giants, maintaining the decentralized health of the network. ### The Future of Staking is Inclusive As we move into an era of institutional-grade staking, the goal is no longer just about maximizing yield - _it’s about ensuring the network can survive and thrive under pressure_. By fostering a diverse set of operators through accessible technology like **Meta Pool Node Studio,** Arteria Nodes is helping to build a more resilient, secure, and equitable decentralized future. * * * ### **About the author** * * * ### **Thank You for Supporting Arteria Nodes** As we grow our presence as a validator on NEAR, our mission remains the same: **to expand the economic, financial, and social power of women in the blockchain space.** **The best way to support this mission is to stake with our node.** By depositing your tokens through [**Meta Pool**](https://www.metapool.app/stakevote) and selecting **Arteria Nodes**, you are directly powering our infrastructure and our work in the ecosystem. You can participate using $NEAR, USDC, or USDT from the NEAR chain. In return for your support, you receive [**$mpDAO**](https://docs.metapool.app/master/tokenomics-and-governance/tokenomics). This is the governance token that allows you to influence voting mechanisms and participate in community-governed protocol decisions alongside us. We invite you to join us. Every contribution - regardless of size - strengthens our voice within the Meta Pool community and allows us to keep building a more inclusive and diverse validator set. _We are incredibly grateful for the trust you place in us._ **Ready to make an impact?** Follow our step-by-step guide to staking with **Arteria Nodes** here: 👉 [**Stake for Impact: Supporting Women-Led Infrastructure on NEAR**](https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/stake-for-impact-your-step-by-step-guide-to-supporting-women-led-infrastructure-on-near) **or directly with the** [**Meta Pool App**](https://www.metapool.app/stakevote). _We appreciate your support in helping us diversify the NEAR ecosystem!_ * * * **About Arteria Nodes** [Arteria Nodes](https://near-staking.com/validator/arterianodes.pool.near) is a women-founded and women-led collective dedicated to increasing the economic, financial, and social power of women in Web3. Running a validator on [**NEAR**](https://docs.near.org/getting-started/what-is-near) is our first collective step in expanding women’s presence in decentralized blockchain infrastructure, serving as a foundation for greater on-chain participation and cross-ecosystem governance. **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** 1. Makridis, C. (2022). Democratizing Effects of Digital Ledger Technologies: Implications for Economic Mobility. _SSRN Electronic Journal_. [https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4134834](https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4134834) 2. Isenkul, M. E. (2025). Proof-of-Diversity (PoD): A Framework for Equitable Blockchain Governance. _IEEE Xplore_. [https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.10820123](https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.10820123) 3. Bodó, B., Brekke, J. K., & Hoepman, J.-H. (2021). Decentralisation in the blockchain space. _Internet Policy Review_, _10_. [https://doi.org/10.14763/2021.2.1560](https://doi.org/10.14763/2021.2.1560) 4. Smuseva, D., Malakhov, I., Marin, A., & Rossi, S. (2023). Crisis of Trust: Analyzing the Verifier’s Dilemma in Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake Blockchain. _2023 IEEE International Conference on Blockchain (Blockchain)_, 332-339. [https://doi.org/10.1109/blockchain60715.2023.00058](https://doi.org/10.1109/blockchain60715.2023.00058) 5. Hoffman, M. R., Ibáñez, L.-D., & Simperl, E. (2020). Toward a Formal Scholarly Understanding of Blockchain-Mediated Decentralization: A Systematic Review and a Framework. _Frontiers in Blockchain_, _3_. [https://doi.org/10.3389/fbloc.2020.00035](https://doi.org/10.3389/fbloc.2020.00035) \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/beyond-the-code-how-women-led-validators-are-reclaiming-economic-power-in-the-near-agent-economy hD5ck7hTkKXJt2v8TCm5Fri, 01 May 2026 14:31:02 GMTIn the fast-moving world of Web3, we often get caught up in the "how" of technology. We talk about uptime, latency, "breaking" AI agents to find their limits, and the intricate dance of chain abstraction. But at **Arteria Nodes**, we’ve realized that focusing solely on the technical plumbing misses the most revolutionary part of the story. The real story isn’t just that we are running a node; it’s **why** we are running it. As a women-founded and led collective, [Arteria Nodes](https://near-staking.com/validator/arterianodes.pool.near) didn’t set out to just be another set of servers in the cloud. We set out to build a foundation for financial independence and collective leadership. As NEAR transitions into a world of AI agents and intent-based transactions, we believe the most important infrastructure being built isn't just software - it’s the economic power of the people running it. ## The Power of Infrastructure as Financial Resilience For too long, the narrative of "financial freedom" in crypto has been tied to high-risk trading or constant market speculation. _For many women, this barrier to entry is both culturally and financially taxing._ Running a validator changes that equation. By participating in the core infrastructure of the NEAR Protocol, we’ve tapped into a model of **sustainable, passive economic growth.** Through validator rewards and our partnership with [Meta Pool’s Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/validator-programs/node-studio-program-2), we aren't just "spending" on tech; we are creating a yield-bearing asset that funds our collective’s mission. This isn’t just "yield" - it’s a self-sustaining engine. These rewards provide the "oxygen" for our initiatives: they fund education for our members, provide the runway for new Web3 projects, and ensure that our voice in the ecosystem isn't dependent on outside grants or VC whims. _By securing the network, we are securing our own future._ ## From Node Operators to Ecosystem Architects There is a unique kind of credibility that comes from being a validator. In the decentralized world, your "proof of stake" is also your seat at the table. When Arteria Nodes maintains a [high-performance validator](https://near-staking.com/validator/arterianodes.pool.near), we aren't just earning rewards; we are building a reputation. This status opens doors to: - **Governance Participation:** Using [$mpDAO tokens](https://docs.metapool.app/master/tokenomics-and-governance/mpdao-governance), and [Meta Pool](https://www.metapool.app/vote) governance to vote on the proposals that shape the future of the network. - **Inclusive Leadership:** Moving from "users" of the technology to "owners" of the infrastructure. - **Mentorship:** Using our journey to provide a roadmap for other women-led DAOs and funds to enter the infrastructure space. _We’ve seen our team’s confidence skyrocket as we navigate the complexities of node management._ That confidence translates directly into how we participate in community discussions and how we advocate for a more inclusive decentralized web. _We are no longer just watching the future happen; we are the ones keeping the lights on._ ## Why Diversity Matters in the Age of AI Agents As we look toward May 2026, the [NEAR](https://x.com/NEARProtocol) ecosystem is buzzing with the "agentic future." With the recent release of [IronClaw v0.27.0](https://www.ironclaw.com/), we see the tools for AI-driven on-chain activity becoming more robust every day. But as AI agents begin to handle more of our economic lives, the question of **who** secures the foundation becomes critical. A decentralized network is only as strong - and as fair - as the diversity of its operators. If the infrastructure layer is a monoculture, the "Agent Economy" will reflect those same biases. By having women-led teams like Arteria Nodes at the validator level, we ensure that the foundation of the AI economy is built on diverse perspectives. We are the guardians of an equitable, decentralized future. Our presence ensures that as ["Intents"](https://x.com/near_intents) and AI agents simplify the user experience, the underlying power remains distributed and representative of the whole community. ## Join the Collective Power Our journey as part of the [Meta Pool Node Studio Cohort 2](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/validator-programs/node-studio-program-2) has shown us that when women are given the tools to lead in infrastructure, the entire ecosystem wins. We’ve seen [61 new validators](https://validators.metapool.app/leaderboard) go live, creating a more resilient NEAR, but there is still so much room to grow. We invite you to be part of this economic shift: 1. **Stake with Purpose:** If you hold **$NEAR**, consider staking via the [Meta Pool app](https://www.metapool.app/) to support decentralized, women-led validators like **Arteria Nodes**. Your stake becomes a vote for diverse leadership. 2. **Learn with Us:** Whether you are curious about the economics of staking or the technical side of node operation, follow our journey. We are here to demystify the "black box" of infrastructure. 3. **Build Your Own Path:** If you’ve felt that the technical layer of Web3 wasn't "for you," let our growth be your proof of concept. The agent economy needs your leadership. The future of NEAR is being written right now, and it isn't just being written in code - it’s being written in the economic independence of the women who power it. **Let’s build the infrastructure of empowerment, together.** * * * ### **About the author** * * * ### **Thank You for Supporting Arteria Nodes** _We appreciate your support in helping us diversify the NEAR ecosystem!_ * * * **About Arteria Nodes** Arteria Nodes is a women-founded and women-led collective dedicated to increasing the economic, financial, and social power of women in Web3. Running a validator on [**NEAR**](https://docs.near.org/getting-started/what-is-near) is our first collective step in expanding women’s presence in decentralized blockchain infrastructure, serving as a foundation for greater on-chain participation and cross-ecosystem governance. **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/we-tried-to-build-a-dao-governance-agent-then-it-broke-heres-the-truth-about-ai-on-near 6fsCv8FrintqTS8iLBarFri, 24 Apr 2026 14:30:04 GMTIn our previous posts, we broke down how [NEAR Intents](https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/security-without-the-struggle-why-were-powering-the-near-intents-revolution-on-ledger) and [Confidential Execution](https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/the-invisible-backbone-why-near-going-dark-is-the-ultimate-move-for-web3) make DeFi feel more human while keeping your data private. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about the "rails" - the validator work we do to keep those systems running. But lately, the conversation on NEAR has shifted. It’s not just about making the blockchain easier for people; it’s about making it smart enough for **autonomous AI agents.** The momentum is real, especially with the [v0.26.0 release](https://github.com/nearai/ironclaw/releases/tag/ironclaw-v0.26.0) of **IronClaw** that dropped on April 21st. As a women-led validator team, we aren’t "devs" in the classic sense. We’re operators. We care about tools that actually work for regular people. So, we decided to ignore the hype and put the tech to a real-world test. We spent the last few weeks trying to ship a governance-monitoring agent to see if the "Agentic Web" was actually ready for us. The verdict? It’s brilliant, it’s secure - _and it’s still very much a work in progress._ * * * ### Why IronClaw is Actually Different If you’ve been watching the AI space, you’ve probably seen OpenClaw. [IronClaw](https://www.ironclaw.com/) is essentially its more secure, Rust-based sibling. It uses **WASM sandboxes** and **encrypted vaults** to make sure your private keys or API tokens never leak into the LLM. This is the bridge to what we’ve talked about before: Confidential Execution. With IronClaw, agents run in Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) on the NEAR AI Cloud. This means your agent can hold a wallet and execute trades without you having to worry about the code "accidentally" emptying your account. The v0.26.0 update is a huge step forward. It added: - **Self-improving RLM v2:** An engine designed to help the agent learn from its own mistakes. - **Better Memory:** Allowing agents to keep track of complex, long-term tasks. - **Missions:** A shift toward goal-oriented behavior rather than just following simple commands. This is the layer that turns a basic "swap" into a digital assistant that manages your portfolio 24/7. * * * ### The Experiment: Building a Governance Tracker **Our goal was to create a reliable, hands-off way to stay informed by building an AI agent that could autonomously navigate complex DAO forums and voting platforms.** We didn’t want a toy; we wanted a tool. As validators, keeping up with DAO governance across the ecosystem is a massive time sink. - **The Goal:** Build an agent to send us a daily report on new proposals, forum discussions, and on-chain votes across four different DAOs. - **The Setup:** At first, it felt like magic. For a non-technical team, spinning up an agent was shockingly easy. We didn't have to touch a server - much like how **Meta Pool’s** [Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/validator-programs/node-studio-program-2) made running a validator "one-click," IronClaw felt like it was aiming for that same level of accessibility. **Week 1: The Honeymoon** It worked! Every morning, we had a clean summary of what was happening in the forums. It felt like we’d successfully hired a researcher. We were living in the future. **The Breaking Point:** _Then, reality hit._ One of the DAO forums changed its layout. Suddenly, our agent started getting confused or failing to find the right links. We tried "talking" it through the fixes, which worked for about a day, then - nothing. By the end of week two, our daily reports had just... stopped. * * * ### The Reality Check: Why We’re Still Learning Meta Pool’s Node Studio was a game-changer for us because it lowered the barrier for people who aren't engineers. We want that same **"it just works"** experience for AI, _but we realize we aren't there yet._ _We’re still actively working on our agent, and while the v0.26.0 release is a huge step forward, we know these are still the early days._ The truth is, we’re all experimenting. This is the messy, exciting phase of a new frontier where making mistakes is the only way to learn. IronClaw’s security is miles ahead of anything else out there, but its reliability with chaotic, real-world data is a work in progress. _It’s actually quite fitting: the v0.26.0 update specifically targets the memory and stability issues we hit._ We were essentially the stress test, and by documenting where it broke for us, we're helping build the road for everyone else. * * * ### Why We’re Still Here You might wonder why we’re still running a node if the AI tools aren't perfect yet. The reason is simple: the "Intelligence" layer is only as good as the "Settlement" layer beneath it. Even when an agent’s logic trips up, the blockchain has to stay solid. **Arteria Nodes** is part of that decentralized foundation that finalizes the private compute and intents these agents need to function. As women operators, **Node Studio** gave us a seat at the table. It let us focus on **governance and community** instead of hardware maintenance. That same goal - reducing friction for diverse teams - is exactly what NEAR AI is trying to do for agents. We’re happy to be the ones breaking things early so the system works better for everyone else later. * * * ### The Path Forward Web3 still feels like a "boys' club" of high-level engineers sometimes, but the **Meta Pool + NEAR** ecosystem is shifting that narrative. We’re proof that a small, focused team can help secure a multi-billion dollar agent economy. Moving from "manual crypto" to "AI-driven crypto" is going to be a bit messy. But IronClaw’s security model, combined with these new stability upgrades, is the only way we get to real adoption. **Want to join the mission?** - **Stake with Arteria Nodes:** Support the infrastructure for these agents by staking via **Meta Pool**. More details below. - **Try IronClaw:** Check out the [IronClaw GitHub](https://github.com/nearai/ironclaw) or [ironclaw.com](http://ironclaw.com/) to see what’s new in v0.26.0. - **For the Builders:** If you’ve been intimidated by the tech, look into **Meta Pool** [Node Studio Cohort 3](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/validator-programs/node-studio-program-3). _If we can do this, you definitely can._ I'll be posting more "trench reports" as we reboot our governance agent on the new engine. Follow along at [@coffee-crusher](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://x.com/coffee-crusher). * * * ### The Bottom Line The AI future on NEAR isn't a perfect marketing slide - it’s being built by real people who are figuring it out as they go. At **Arteria Nodes**, we aren't just here to talk about it; we’re here to test it, break it, and help make it better. **The agents are coming. We’re making sure they have a secure place to work.** **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * ### **About the author** * * * ### **Thank You for Supporting Arteria Nodes** _We appreciate your support in helping us diversify the NEAR ecosystem!_ * * * **About Arteria Nodes** * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/security-without-the-struggle-why-were-powering-the-near-intents-revolution-on-ledger mf22XuGD8RRCRlWSWuWWFri, 17 Apr 2026 21:24:04 GMTFor months, the "DeFi experience" has felt more like a part-time job than a financial revolution. If you’ve spent your afternoons manually checking bridges, comparing gas fees across five different chains, and sweating over slippage charts, you know the fatigue. At **Arteria Nodes**, we’ve seen this friction firsthand. As a small, women-led team, our mission is to strengthen the NEAR infrastructure. But we also believe that for blockchain to go mainstream, the "scary stuff" under the hood needs to disappear. That’s why seeing [NEAR Intents](https://x.com/near_intents) land in the [Ledger Wallet™ app](https://x.com/Ledger) is such a massive shift. It’s finally the moment where top-tier security doesn't have to come at the expense of a simple, "human-friendly" way to trade. * * * ### What Exactly is NEAR Intents? In traditional DeFi, you have to be the pilot, the navigator, and the mechanic. You manually select the route, the bridge, and the liquidity pool. With NEAR Intents, you stop micromanaging the process and start focusing on the outcome. Think of it like a construction site: you don't tell the crane operator which gear to shift; you tell them where the beam needs to land. - **The User:** You declare what you want (e.g., "I want to swap $ETH for $NEAR"). - **The AI-Powered Solvers:** These agents compete in a real-time market to find you the best price and the fastest route across chains - like $SOL, $BTC, and $ETH. - **The Result:** You get best-execution swaps via NEAR Intents while your keys stay safely offline on your Ledger. * * * ### The Power Behind the Scenes: From Solvers to Validators It’s easy to look at NEAR Intents and think it’s just magic AI happening in your Ledger app. But for an "intent" to become a reality, it needs a rock-solid, decentralized network to land on. This is where the work we do at **Arteria Nodes** meets the convenience of your wallet. An AI solver can find you the best price, but it still needs a secure, fast blockchain to finalize that trade. That’s why we use [Meta Pool’s Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software). In the past, running a validator was a high-stakes, deeply technical hurdle that often kept small teams like ours on the sidelines. Node Studio changed that by handling the heavy lifting -managing the hosted infrastructure, automated updates, and complex server configurations. This is the missing link that makes NEAR Intents so powerful: - **Node Studio** handles the technical infrastructure so we don't have to be server architects. - **Arteria Nodes** focuses on the operations and governance that keep the network decentralized. - **NEAR Intents** uses that secure network to execute your swaps flawlessly. By lowering the barriers for teams like ours, Node Studio ensures that the "load-bearing walls" of the NEAR protocol **are maintained by a diverse, global community**. When you set an intent, you aren't just trusting an algorithm; you're trusting a network that validators like us keep secure every single second. * * * ### Why This Changes Your Daily Workflow When you combine this robust infrastructure with the new UI in Ledger, the old tradeoff between "secure" and "slow" finally disappears. This isn't just a new feature; it’s a total upgrade to how you interact with your assets. 1. **No More Bridge Anxiety:** NEAR Intents solvers handle the messy cross-chain routing behind the scenes so you don't have to worry about fragile bridges or manual hops. 2. **Let the Market Compete for You:** Because solvers bid to give you the best rate, you get the best deal automatically. The market works for you, rather than you working for the market. 3. **True Digital Ownership:** Your keys never leave your Ledger. You verify the NEAR Intents transaction on your device, and the decentralized network we help maintain handles the rest. ### DeFi Built for Humans (Not Spreadsheets) Most people find swapping stressful because they shouldn't have to be experts in liquidity routing just to move their money. By stripping away that complexity, NEAR Intents takes over the "heavy lifting," while the decentralized network - supported by validators like Arteria Nodes - ensures the foundation stays solid. We are proud to be part of the community making this possible. While [Meta Pool's](https://x.com/meta_pool) Node Studio empowers us to secure the network and NEAR Intents handles the routing, you can finally enjoy a swap experience that is fast, competitive, and - most importantly - safe. **Arteria Nodes** _Securing the NEAR ecosystem, one block at a time._ * * * ### **About the author** * * * ### **Thank You for Supporting Arteria Nodes** _We appreciate your support in helping us diversify the NEAR ecosystem!_ * * * **About Arteria Nodes** * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/mpip-26-why-meta-pool-is-rewriting-the-rules-for-near-validators DLFjLM2l80YDvnlSCqsZFri, 10 Apr 2026 14:30:01 GMTThe NEAR ecosystem is navigating a significant shift. Between the inflation halving and the prolonged market downturn, protocol revenues have dropped by about 85%. In response, [MPIP-26](https://www.metapool.app/mpip?id=26) has been introduced—a proposal that fundamentally changes how Meta Pool operates. As a small validator running on [Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software) hardware, we’re looking at these changes from the front lines. We aren't the biggest players in the room, but we represent the decentralization that makes [NEAR](https://docs.near.org/getting-started/what-is-near) work. Here is our breakdown of what these changes actually mean for the network. * * * ### The Reality of the Internal Validator The most debated part of MPIP-26 is the creation of a Meta Pool-operated validator, which would take on **35% of the total stake**. In the proposal [discussions](https://www.metapool.app/mpip?id=26), several established validators pointed out that this moves value away from independent operators and centralizes a large portion of NEAR under the core team. These are serious points; a liquid staking protocol’s primary job is usually to spread stake, not collect it. **Our Perspective:** The math is hard to ignore. If the protocol treasury runs out of funds, Meta Pool disappears - _taking the delegation for all 220+ external nodes with it._ This internal node is a pragmatic move to double the DAO's monthly revenue and ensure the protocol remains solvent. While it’s a departure from the ideal model, securing the protocol’s survival is the priority. Importantly, **50% of the stake** is still _reserved for external node programs like ours, which keeps the validator base diverse._ ### The 20% Fee Cap: What It Means for Your Rewards The proposal suggests raising the maximum validator fee to **20%**. On paper, this might look like it makes [$stNEAR](https://docs.metapool.app/master/meta-pool-by-chains/near-protocol/what-is-usdstnear) less competitive against other liquid staking options. However, for a Node Studio operator, there are two key takeaways: 1. **Fixed Agreements:** The proposal explicitly states that Node Studio participants must honor their current **7% fee agreements**. _If you are staking with a smaller node like ours, your rewards won't be slashed by a sudden fee hike._ 2. **A Higher Ceiling:** For the rest of the network, a higher cap gives operators more breathing room to cover hardware and labor costs when the price of NEAR is low. _It makes validating a viable business for more people, not just those with massive economies of scale._ ### Accountability via the Incubator The shift from a broad Grants Program to a structured Incubator is a major change in how Meta Pool grows the ecosystem. Past grants were often one-off payments with little oversight. The new model is much more rigorous: - **20% token equity** goes back to the Meta Pool Treasury, diversifying the DAO's holdings. - **Milestone-based funding** ensures that projects actually deliver results before receiving more support. As validators, we want the protocol's resources used to build a portfolio of successful projects that drive long-term value, rather than spending capital on projects that may not stay in the ecosystem. * * * ### The Verdict **MPIP-26** is a move away from "business as usual." It centralizes more stake than we’d like to see in a perfect market, _but we are currently in a cycle that demands sustainability over idealism._ We back the community suggestion for a **12-month review period**. This keeps the implementation transparent and ensures that as the market recovers, we can move back toward a more distributed delegation model. **For now, this plan provides the stability needed to keep the protocol - and small nodes like ours - running.** * * * ### **About the author** * * * ### Thank You for Supporting Arteria Nodes **The best way to support this mission is to stake with our node.** By depositing your tokens through [Meta Pool](https://www.metapool.app/stakevote) and selecting **Arteria Nodes**, you are directly powering our infrastructure and our work in the ecosystem. You can participate using $NEAR, USDC, or USDT from the NEAR chain. In return for your support, you receive [$mpDAO](https://docs.metapool.app/master/tokenomics-and-governance/tokenomics). This is the governance token that allows you to influence voting mechanisms and participate in community-governed protocol decisions alongside us. **Ready to make an impact?** Follow our step-by-step guide to staking with **Arteria Nodes** here: 👉 [Stake for Impact: Supporting Women-Led Infrastructure on NEAR](https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/stake-for-impact-your-step-by-step-guide-to-supporting-women-led-infrastructure-on-near) **or directly with the** [Meta Pool App](https://www.metapool.app/stakevote). _We appreciate your support in helping us diversify the NEAR ecosystem!_ * * * **About Arteria Nodes** Arteria Nodes is a women-founded and women-led collective dedicated to increasing the economic, financial, and social power of women in Web3. Running a validator on [NEAR](https://docs.near.org/getting-started/what-is-near) is our first collective step in expanding women’s presence in decentralized blockchain infrastructure, serving as a foundation for greater on-chain participation and cross-ecosystem governance. * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/the-invisible-backbone-why-near-going-dark-is-the-ultimate-move-for-web3 RYJctXF37hOJ0aeLYxWETue, 31 Mar 2026 18:17:06 GMTAt [Arteria Nodes](https://near-staking.com/validator/arterianodes.pool.near), we’ve always believed that for blockchain to reach mass adoption, it needs to be more than just fast and scalable—it needs to be professional-grade. Since we began operating validator nodes for the NEAR Protocol, we’ve focused on providing the "rails" that keep the network moving. But today, the rails are changing. With the launch of [NEAR Confidential](https://www.near.org/blog/confidential-intents) and the introduction of **Confidential Intents**, NEAR isn't just scaling; it’s becoming a " **dark**" network in the best possible way. ### What Does "NEAR Goes Dark" Really Mean? In the world of DeFi, transparency has long been a double-edged sword. While public ledgers ensure trust, they also expose every move you make. On most chains, when you place a large trade, MEV (Maximum Extractable Value) bots see it instantly, front-running your transaction and siphoning away value. **"NEAR Goes Dark"** refers to the implementation of a Confidential Execution Layer.By utilizing Private Shards and Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), NEAR allows users to execute cross-chain transactions—swaps, deposits, and transfers - without broadcasting the sensitive details to the public mempool. ### Why NEAR Confidential is a Game Changer For the chain to evolve, it must move beyond "retail-only" transparency. NEAR Confidential is critical for three reasons: 1. **Institutional Readiness:** Large-scale capital cannot operate in a fishbowl. Institutions need "dark pools" where they can manage positions without moving the market against themselves. 2. **MEV Protection:** By shielding transaction parameters until they are finalized, NEAR effectively silences the "signals" that predatory bots use to sandwich trades. 3. **Real-World Utility:** From corporate payroll to supply chain payments, businesses require privacy. NEAR Confidential makes it possible to run these operations on-chain without exposing trade secrets. ### Arteria Nodes: Supporting the Shield As a validator node operator, our role at Arteria Nodes is to ensure this privacy layer remains robust, decentralized, and highly available. Here is how we support the "Confidential" era: - **Infrastructure for Private Shards:** NEAR’s confidentiality relies on a specialized architecture. We maintain high-performance hardware that meets the rigorous demands of these private shards, ensuring that the "shielded" transactions are processed with the same speed and reliability as public ones. - **Securing the TEE Bridge:** Confidential Intents use TEE-based bridges to connect private shards to the mainnet. Our expertise in secure enclave technology ensures that the cryptographic integrity of these bridges is never compromised. - **Validator Neutrality:** By running independent, high-uptime nodes, we help distribute the network’s power, ensuring that no single entity can "peek" into the confidential execution layer. ### The Bottom Line At Arteria Nodes, we aren't just moving data; we’re securing your right to privacy. **NEAR Confidential is the missing piece of the puzzle that turns a public ledger into a global financial powerhouse.** We are proud to be the infrastructure providers making this " **dark**" future a reality. * * * ### **About the author** * * * ### **Thank You** As Arteria Nodes continues building our experience running a validator on NEAR, we remain grounded in our mission to expand the economic, financial, and social power for women in blockchain. We’re grateful for your support and invite you to participate - through staking, governance, and collaboration - as we continue contributing to decentralization and diversity. Any staking amount helps support our node and the NEAR ecosystem. We appreciate all support! * * * **About Arteria Nodes** Arteria Nodes is a women-founded and women-led collective dedicated to increasing the economic, financial, and social power of women in Web3. Running a validator on NEAR is our first collective step in expanding women’s presence in decentralized blockchain infrastructure, serving as a foundation for greater on-chain participation and cross-ecosystem governance. * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) (DMs are open!) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/the-pulse-of-the-engine-why-arteria-nodes-is-ready-for-house-of-stake-20 JaGpp7PEeyD7X8YUgQKcFri, 20 Mar 2026 19:42:57 GMTNEAR is sharpening its focus on how it manages its resources. The launch of [**House of Stake (HoS) 2.0**](https://houseofstake.org/blog/House-of-Stake-2.0/) signals a transition toward a "Treasury Governance Engine". Essentially, the ecosystem is moving away from broad, experimental DAOs and toward a more focused system for economic policy and treasury oversight. As a women-led team and members of [Meta Pool’s Node Studio Cohort 2](https://near-staking.com/validator/arterianodes.pool.near), we see this as a turning point for how validators participate in the network. ### **Why HoS 2.0 Matters for Validators** For a long time, the technical and economic sides of NEAR felt separate. You ran your node, and "governance" happened elsewhere. But as HoS 2.0 takes on responsibilities like emissions, fee structures, and value accrual, that separation is disappearing. For validators like us—and for the validator community at large - this is a major shift. We aren't just service providers; we are primary stakeholders who keep the network secure. When the "Economic Policy" of the ecosystem changes, it directly affects our operations and the rewards for those who stake with us. HoS 2.0 gives us a clearer seat at the table to ensure those economic decisions are grounded in reality and support the long-term health of the protocol. ### **Lowering Barriers, Raising Standards** Through [Meta Pool’s Node Studio](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/node-studio-software), we were able to launch our validator without the traditional 40K NEAR requirement or the need to manage complex physical hardware. This model has allowed a much more diverse group of people to secure the network. However, being "light" on hardware doesn't mean being light on responsibility. W _e believe that it should be come easier to run a node_, and it also becomes **even more important to be active in governance.** We represent a new wave of validators who prioritize community involvement and economic sustainability over just running a box. ### **The Value of Diverse Governance** **Arteria Nodes is a women-led team**, and we believe diversity is a practical advantage for any financial system. Good treasury management requires a range of perspectives to properly assess risk and avoid the "echo chamber" effect that often leads to unsustainable economic choices. This is why several members of our team serve as [delegates at House of Stake](https://gov.houseofstake.org/delegates). We are actively reviewing proposals and voting to ensure that the interests of a wide range of node operators are heard. We want to make sure the treasury supports a decentralized future, not just a few large players. ### **What We’re Doing Next** We aren't just watching these changes - we’re participating in them. Over the next few months, our team will be: - **Reviewing Treasury Proposals:** Analyzing upcoming Season 1 proposals with a focus on how they impact mid-sized and cohort-based validators. - **Simplifying Governance for Our Delegators:** Sharing regular updates on key votes so our community knows exactly how their stake is being represented in economic discussions. - **Advocating for Accessibility:** Pushing for governance tools that are transparent and easy to use for everyone, not just technical insiders. A sustainable NEAR ecosystem needs more than just fast blocks; it needs responsible economic leadership. We’re ready to do our part. * * * ### **About the author** **coffee-crusher** is a member of the **Arteria Nodes** validator team and an [active delegate](https://gov.houseofstake.org/delegates/coffee-crush_gov.near) in NEAR's **House of Stake** and other blockchain ecosystems. While she has been deeply involved in DAOs and crypto projects since 2023, she brings over 20 years of experience in Web2 marketing and operations to the table. You can follow her journey and insights on X at [**@coffee-crusher**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher). * * * ### **Thank You** * * * **About Arteria Nodes** * * * **Contact Us** - [**Arteria Nodes on X**](https://x.com/arterianodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth on X**](https://x.com/coffee-crusher) (DMs are open!) - [**Arteria Nodes on Farcaster**](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ### **Subscribe!** \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)nearhttps://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/stake-for-impact-your-step-by-step-guide-to-supporting-women-led-infrastructure-on-near imZbUwcrQWdMLpbnAUCiWed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMTAt **Arteria Nodes**, our mission is to increase the economic, financial, and social power of women in the blockchain ecosystem. We believe that infrastructure is the "arteria"—the lifeline—of a decentralized future. Our name is a blend of **Artemis** (representing sovereignty and safety) and **Axia** (representing value). Together, we aim to participate with heart, integrity, and long-term stewardship. Staking with us isn't just about earning rewards; it’s about choosing who secures the future of the web. Whether you are a NEAR native or a DeFi enthusiast holding stablecoins, you can now support our all-women team directly through [**Meta Pool**](https://www.metapool.app/stakevote) **.** * * * ## Why Stake with Arteria Nodes? - **Top-Tier Efficiency:** Earn **~6% APY**, a fantastic deal compared to other DeFi options for stablecoins that often offer only 3-4%. - **Support Women-Led Infrastructure:** Directly empower a collective of women operators and builders from across the stack—governance, finance, and engineering. - **Promote True Decentralization:** Help diversify the NEAR network by supporting community-driven, mission-aligned validators. * * * ## From Mission to Action: How You Can Join Us Securing the blockchain shouldn't be a gatekept activity. Part of our mission at Arteria Nodes is to make participation accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. By using Meta Pool’s innovative liquid staking platform, you can support our validator using assets you already hold - like NEAR or stablecoins - while maintaining the liquidity and governance power of your tokens. To help you get started, we have put together this **easy step-by-step tutorial** to guide you through the process on the [**Meta Pool app**](https://www.metapool.app/stakevote). By following these steps, you aren’t just moving tokens; you are actively placing your "Axia" (value) behind a more diverse and resilient NEAR ecosystem. * * * ## Tutorial: How to Stake your USDC, USDT, or NEAR **Note:** This tutorial walks through how to stake with Arteria Nodes. Please do your own research and choose the validator and delegation that is best for you; there are many excellent options in the ecosystem. ### Step 1: Access the Dashboard Go to the **mpDAO staking dashboard** at [metapool.app/stakevote](https://www.metapool.app/stakevote). ### Step 2: Connect Your Wallet Connect your NEAR-supported wallet. We're using Meteor Wallet for this tutorial,but any NEAR wallet will work. You will need a NEAR-supported wallet to use the Meta Pool dashboard. If you don't have one, you can create a new wallet right within the app. _Tip: If you need to swap your tokens from another chain to the NEAR chain, use the new_ [_Near.com_](https://near.com/) _._ ### Connect your Wallet ### Step 3: Locate Arteria Nodes In the search bar provided on the dashboard, type **"arterianodes"**. _Note: The search bar only searches for validators with no "spaces" in the search prompt._ ### Step 4: Select "arterianodes" in the Search Results Our Arteria Nodes Validator page will appear. You will see **"Vote"** on the right side of the page. Select **"Lock and Vote"**. ### Step 5: Select a Token Type and Amount You can select from the NEAR chain: **USDT, USDC, or NEAR** tokens. - **Need to swap?** If you have USDC or USDT on another chain, use the fast and low-fee [Near.com](https://near.com/) to swap your stablecoins to the NEAR chain. By depositing your tokens, you receive **$mpDAO**. This is the governance token that allows holders to participate in a community-governed protocol and influence voting mechanisms. ### Step 6: Unbonding Period and Voting Power The **Unbonding Period** is the length of time you choose to lock your $mpDAO tokens. - **Stronger Commitment:** Choosing a longer period shows stronger dedication to the DAO, which increases your **Voting Power** and the rewards you can earn. - **The Trade-off:** While you are unbonding (waiting to unlock), you cannot vote, so you will miss out on those specific voting rewards. Choose what is most comfortable for your needs: quicker access with fewer rewards, or a longer wait for a stronger voice and bigger rewards. ### Step 7: Lock Your Tokens Review your selection. As of this publication, APY rates are **~6%**. This is a great way to support an all-women team of validators offering opportunities for women to grow their experience as node operators. Select the yellow **"Lock and Vote"** button at the bottom. ### Step 8: Congratulations, and that's it! You have now staked to the Arteria Nodes validator. You can view your staked $mpDAO tokens for [our node here](https://near-staking.com/validator/arterianodes.pool.near). * * * ### **About the author** * * * ## Thank You As Arteria Nodes takes its first steps by running a validator on NEAR, we remain grounded in our mission to expand the economic, financial, and social power for women in blockchain. We’re grateful for your support and invite you to participate - through staking, governance, and/or collaboration - as we continue contributing to decentralization and diversity. Any staking amount helps support our node and the NEAR ecosystem. We appreciate all support! * * * ## Contact Us - [**Arteria Nodes** on](https://x.com/ArteriaNodes) [X](https://x.com/ArteriaNodes) - [**coffee-crusher.eth** on](https://x.com/coffee_crusher) [X](https://x.com/coffee_crusher) (DMs are open!) - [**Arteria Nodes** on Farcaster](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * ## Subscribe! * * * ## Resources & Further Reading - [Meta Pool Documentation](https://docs.metapool.app/master) - [NEAR Documentation](https://docs.near.org/protocol/basics) - [NEAR Ecosystem Supported Wallets](https://wallet.near.org/) - [Need to swap? Visit NEAR.com](https://near.com/) - [Stake to our node on Meta Pool app](https://www.metapool.app/stakevote) - [$mpDAO Tokenomics](https://docs.metapool.app/master/tokenomics-and-governance/tokenomics) - [Meta Pool's Node Studio Program](https://docs.metapool.app/master/validator-nodes/validator-programs/node-studio-program-2) \]\]>arterianodes@newsletter.paragraph.com (Arteria Nodes)https://paragraph.com/@arterianodes/gm-world dzFMfo6JaDkH5p6UmfUyThu, 04 Dec 2025 20:47:43 GMTGm! Arteria Nodes is a women-founded and women-led collective focused on increasing the economic, financial, and social power of women in blockchain. We’re proud to introduce ourselves and to share our first initiative: running a validator on NEAR through Metapool's [Node Studio Program](https://nodestudio.metapool.app/). This post marks the beginning of our story—our origin, our mission, and the first steps of what we intend to be a long-term contribution to the decentralization, resilience, and diversity of the blockchain industry. Read on to learn how you can participate alongside us—and, if you are a NEAR holder, how you can earn rewards while supporting us in our mission! **This post will cover:** - The meaning behind “Arteria”, who we are, and our mission - Metapool's Node Studio Program and the Arteria Nodes validator - NEAR’s new governance system: House of Stake - A guide on how to lock and stake your NEAR with a validator, participate in House of Stake governance, and earn rewards * * * # **Our Name, Our Lore: Why “Arteria”** Arteria Nodes was born from a combination of two concepts that inspired us: - **Artemis** — the Greek goddess associated with protection, intuition, and sovereignty. The name derives from _artémios_, meaning “safe” or “unharmed.” - **Axia** — Greek for “value,” “worth,” and intrinsic importance. Together, _Arteria_ symbolizes both value rooted in safety and strength expressed through care. The word’s closeness to _artery_ evokes the idea of a lifeline—something that carries essential energy. As a women-led collective, _Arteria_ reflects our intention to participate with heart, integrity, and long-term stewardship. # **Who We Are** Arteria Nodes emerged organically. Several of us initially connected through DAO governance — including DAOs such as Arbitrum, RARI, and Tally's Content Guild. Later, our group expanded through friendships and collaborations across the broader blockchain ecosystem. We are: - Women operators, contributors, and builders - With diverse backgrounds across governance, operations, finance, engineering, and marketing - Motivated to contribute meaningfully—not just symbolically—to decentralized infrastructure We intentionally chose to begin small. Not by exclusivity, but by design: focusing on a high-signal, mission-aligned core before widening our circle. Our strength comes from trust and shared values. # **Our Mission** **Our mission is simple: to increase the economic, financial, and social power of women in Web3—starting with running a validator.** Running a validator on NEAR is our first collective step in expanding women’s presence in decentralized blockchain infrastructure. Over time, we envision pooling resources for greater on-chain economic participation and participating in governance across ecosystems. * * * # Running a validator on NEAR The NEAR blockchain has taken a unique approach to decentralization. Through Metapool’s Node Studio program, anyone can operate a validator with just an internet connection, a NEAR wallet, and small monthly fee. The program removes technical barriers, enabling community-driven, values-aligned groups—like ours—to participate in securing the network without requiring deep technical expertise or significant financial investment. # **House of Stake Governance** Running a validator is only one part of supporting NEAR’s decentralization. The other is empowering the community to participate alongside us. That’s where House of Stake enters the picture. As a quick refresher on House of Stake, it is a governance system that implements a stake-weighted and timelocked mechanism to decentralized decision making. By locking NEAR, stNEAR, or liNEAR tokens, users receive veNEAR. The longer the lock duration, the greater the voting power received. Until very recently, NEAR holders could not both stake to a specific validator **and** lock their NEAR in House of Stake. Thanks to a new feature in Agora, holders no longer have to make this tradeoff. This is a major unlock for validators like Arteria Nodes: **those who stake with us can now also participate in governance—opening the door to additional opportunities such as the upcoming** [**veNEAR holder rewards program**](https://gov.houseofstake.org/proposals/15) **.** The next section provides a guide on how NEAR holders can stake with a validator and participate in House of Stake. * * * ## **A tutorial on locking, staking, and delegating your NEAR** _Note: The tutorial walks through how to stake with_ **_Arteria Nodes_** _and delegate to_ **_404gov.near_** _(disclosure: one of our Collective’s members is a delegate with 404gov)._ _Please do your own research and choose the validator and delegate that is best for you — there are many excellent options .For reference, 404gov is active across several prominent DAOs —you can review their participation on Tally_ [_here_](https://www.tally.xyz/profile/404gov.eth) _and their endorsed delegate application_ [_here_](https://gov.near.org/t/404-gov-delegate-proposal/40721) _._ Without further ado, here's a guide for locking, staking, and delegating your NEAR. * * * #### **1\. Open the House of Stake website** _Visit:_ [**_https://gov.houseofstake.org/assets_**](https://gov.houseofstake.org/assets) #### 2\. Click "Get Started" in the green banner. _This initiates the locking process, allowing you to lock NEAR and acquire_ **_veNEAR._** #### **3\. Once you have locked NEAR and received veNEAR, you can stake NEAR.** _After locking, proceed to the staking interface._ #### 4\. Select a validator pool (not a liquid staking token) _By default, the interface will suggest liquid staking tokens such as LiNEAR, stNEAR, or rNEAR._ **_Do not select these._** **What you should do:** - Expand the small tab next to **“enter staking pool account ID”** - Enter: **arterianodes.pool.near** - Click **Use** #### 5\. Confirm your validator selection You should now see **arterianodes.pool.near** marked as selected. Click **Continue**. #### 6\. Choose a delegate for your veNEAR This step determines who will vote with your veNEAR in House of Stake. • Search for **404gov.near** (an endorsed delegate) • Set **404gov.near** as your delegate **Note:** _You may choose any delegate you trust and whose governance activity aligns with your priorities. For reference, you can view 404gov's participation on Tally_ [_here_](https://www.tally.xyz/profile/404gov.eth) _._ If you have technical questions or run into any issues, don't hesitate to send a message in the [NEAR House of Stake support](https://t.me/near_hos_support) channel on Telegram. After completing all of these steps, you will have locked your NEAR, acquired veNEAR, staked with Arteria Nodes, and delegated to 404Gov! * * * # Thank you We’re grateful for your support and invite you to participate—through staking, governance, and/or collaboration—as we continue contributing to decentralization and diversity. We invite you to stake to Arterianodes.pool. near and delegate to 404gov.near. * * * # Contact Us - [Arteria Nodes on X](https://x.com/ArteriaNodes) - [Rika Goldberg on X](https://x.com/RikaGoldberg) (DMs are open!) - [Arteria Nodes on Farcaster](https://farcaster.xyz/arterianodes) * * * # Subscribe! If you're aligned with our mission, hit that Subscribe button! We have some plans in store for our early supporters, including using Paragraph's writer coins to reward our early subscribers, supporters, and even Farcaster followers! * * *