Sound research starts with primary sources: protocol documentation, open-source repositories, and audited smart contract reports when applicable. Marketing pages alone are insufficient.
Questions to ask
- What problem does the protocol solve, and who uses it today?
- How are upgrades governed and disclosed?
- What are the token's utility, distribution, and unlock schedules?
- Where does liquidity actually trade?
Red flags
Guaranteed returns, anonymous teams without code, plagiarized whitepapers, and unaudited bridges demanding unlimited token approvals.
Applying the framework to XRP and XRPL
Separate Ripple's business updates from XRPL amendment processes. Track network amendments for technical changes that might affect wallets and integrations.
Summary
Document claims, cite sources, and update your view when evidence changes.