The Presearch community is voicing concerns over the project's direction, with many expressing frustration about a perceived imbalance between revenue generation and product improvements. Presearch , a decentralized search engine project, aims to redefine search and empower users, but many early supporters feel the focus has drifted from its original vision. Below, we explore some key frustrations from community feedback, covering topics like product development, tokenomics, and future project sustainability.

Stalled Product Development and Focus on Advertising

One of the biggest concerns among community members is that Presearch seems overly focused on generating revenue from homepage takeover ads, reportedly selling ad space far into the future. However, they feel that this emphasis on advertising comes at the expense of developing the core search platform, the very heart of the Presearch ecosystem.

Community members argue that rather than improving the search experience, Presearch's leadership has prioritized revenue streams that don’t directly benefit users. Despite new CEO leadership in place for some time, members feel there have been few substantial changes to the search platform itself. One community member lamented,

"There has been new leadership for awhile now and not a single substantial improvement to search—the core product."

This frustration reflects a broader concern that the project’s strategic vision seems misaligned with what users believe is essential for long-term success. As one member put it: "If you build it, they will come." In other words, they believe a focus on improving the product’s usability and performance would naturally attract and retain a larger user base.

The Tokenomics Dilemma and Runway Concerns

Tokenomics is another area where Presearch users have voiced concern, especially with regard to the project's financial strategy and runway. Some community members recommended reducing node rewards in a way that prioritizes the project's core needs rather than short-term payouts. They argue that tokenomics must be designed to ensure longevity, stability, and value appreciation for token holders.

Yet, despite these suggestions, Presearch went forward with what some view as a “useless airdrop,” which, according to some, has shortened the project's financial runway. Some in the community believe that if these funds had been reserved, Presearch would have more time and resources to continue building and expanding the user base without diluting the token supply. As things stand, there is growing speculation that Presearch may be forced to mint additional tokens within the next year, leading to further inflation and likely impacting the token’s value.

As one community member pointed out,

"PRE has made a lot of progress in squeezing income out of users, but unfortunately not a lot of progress for users, search, and PRE consumptive utilities or tokenomics."

This statement reflects a sense of disillusionment among community members who feel the project's financial priorities do not serve the best interests of PRE token holders.

PRE token price, according to CoinMarketCap: underperforming since 2018.

Challenges with Staking Requirements and ROI

The token staking model, which requires users to pay for a VPS (Virtual Private Server) to stake tokens, has become a point of contention. Some community members feel this requirement creates a barrier to entry, particularly for smaller investors or those who are less tech-savvy. This structure, they argue, discourages token adoption and could ultimately erode community support as larger token holders, or “whales,” feel burdened by the ongoing costs.

Adding to the frustration, PRE token performance in the broader crypto market has been underwhelming, especially compared to other projects with similar longevity. The PRE token saw moderate success in the previous bull run, but the price has since declined, leaving some supporters questioning whether the project can deliver a meaningful return on investment (ROI). As one frustrated user put it:

"We don’t support Pre out of charity. We support Pre because we want it to succeed and give great ROI."

Concerns Over Transparency and Communication

The community has also voiced concerns over Presearch’s communication style, with some describing it as “corporate speech” that evades direct answers. This has fostered a sense of mistrust, as members feel they’re being placated without receiving concrete responses to their questions. For instance, the community wants to know why Presearch has not pursued listings on higher-tier exchanges or ramped up its marketing efforts, especially with another crypto bull run possibly on the horizon.

According to one user,

“They say they are making great improvements on the project, adding new features and bringing in great revenue. But why is this not reflecting in the price and value of PRE?”

This lack of straightforward answers has left many wondering what will keep them motivated to continue supporting Presearch if things remain the same. Moderators often try to act as spokespeople, impersonating a CEO role pretending to have knowledge of every executive decision regarding the token project. However, their responses tend to be defensive, rather than listening and forwarding criticism and ideas to those responsible for deciding the project’s roadmap. Currently, users rely on video comment sections in YouTube to raise questions for the executives. Establishing a clear channel of communication between the community and the executive team could greatly improve engagement and influence project roadmap.

Where Does Presearch Go from Here?

The Presearch community’s feedback underscores some critical areas where they feel change is needed for the project to succeed. To regain support and build momentum, Presearch’s leadership may need to reassess priorities, placing greater emphasis on enhancing the search engine and aligning tokenomics with long-term growth goals. Some specific areas where the community would like to see improvement include:

1. Search Engine Enhancements: A core focus on improving the search functionality could increase user retention and attract new users, thereby driving adoption without relying solely on advertising revenue.

2. Tokenomics Revisions: Adjusting rewards and considering measures to control token inflation could strengthen PRE’s value and appeal among both small and large investors.

3. Staking Model Adjustments: Reducing the complexity and cost of staking requirements might increase engagement and encourage more users to actively participate in the ecosystem.

4. Transparent Communication: A commitment to clear, direct communication about development goals, funding needs, and token valuation strategies could restore community trust and morale.

Presearch is at a pivotal point, facing increasing pressure from a community eager for growth and transparency. While the project has made strides in generating revenue, its focus on advertising and non-core revenue strategies seems to be at odds with what many community members see as essential for long-term success. If Presearch’s leadership can realign its strategy to prioritize product development, clarify tokenomics, and enhance communication, the project may regain the momentum it needs to thrive. Otherwise, the community’s concerns could continue to weigh on PRE’s reputation and hinder its potential in the competitive crypto landscape.