Applicants to Balaji Srinivasan’s secretive Network School have described entry requirements as “dodgy” and a “bridge too far” after being told they had just two days to pay their first month’s rent in advance despite not knowing the school’s location.
The Network School is a new tech bro concept from the former Coinbase CTO that forms part of his proposed “decentralized,” online-based country called the Network State.
The Network State is described by Srinivasan as “a highly aligned online community with a capacity for collective action that crowdfunds territory around the world and eventually gains diplomatic recognition from pre-existing states.”
Within this, the purpose of the Network School, he says, is to “revitalize democracy for the internet era,” and to “pursue truth, health, and wealth by leveling up our attendees personally, physically, and professionally.”
Successful applicants are expected to cough up $1,000 a month to bunk with someone else and $2,000 for a private room. However, for some, this was too much for what was at the time a leap in the dark.
One prospective student told WIRED that sending the money without knowing key details was “a bridge too far.”
“I chatted about it with some friends, and they were like, ‘Wow, that sounds so dodgy,’ they said. “Then I was like, ‘Yeah, you’re right.’”
Others discussing their applications on Reddit said they were stressed about the urgent payment demand which one called “sketchy.”
The school’s location was finally revealed this week as Forest City, Malaysia. However, the 150 students who have been accepted might find themselves feeling a little lonely.
Indeed, Forest City has been dubbed the “ghost city” due to its barren population. Reports have detailed closed shops, vacant apartments, and a failure to secure buyers. Insider described shops as virtually abandoned with much of the city appearing empty and devoid of life.
An AI mockup of the Network School hotel (left) Insider’s picture of the actual hotel (right).
To make matters worse, one study found that Forest City was responsible for the destruction of important environmental zones while one Malaysia-based scientist claimed parts of the city are sinking due to the hastiness of its development.
Overall, it remains to be seen if this project will add to a growing list of crypto island projects that are ultimately struggling.
