Two fundamental questions separate viable projects from the rest:

1. **Revenue potential** — Can this actually generate value and returns?
2. **Market adoption** — Will real users actually use it?

These aren't Web3-specific gatekeeping rules. They're universal principles that apply whether you're building a SaaS startup or launching a blockchain protocol. Profitable monetization models and genuine user demand remain non-negotiable for long-term success.

The difference? In crypto, the stakes feel higher because the industry moves faster and funds flow more aggressively. But the fundamentals don't change. Strip away the tokenomics and hype cycles, and you're left with timeless product-market fit requirements.

When evaluating any crypto project—whether it's an emerging layer-1 or a DeFi platform—filter through these two lenses first. Everything else is noise.