I think there is potential here, however more detail is required -- a contract of sorts.
Moreover, I think a group of people would be better than one person.
That, or building on one of the several proposals already put forward:
Tip-Bot: https://github.com/gridcoin-community/Gridcoin-Tasks/issues/211
Budget Proposal: https://github.com/gridcoin-community/Gridcoin-Tasks/issues/205
Treasury Structure Outline and Summary: https://github.com/gridcoin-community/Gridcoin-Tasks/issues/202
Unfortunately, @lennstar, I don't think it is a good idea to put this level of responsibility in the hands of just one person. A team of people would be better. That being said, you have listed an excellent description of community tasks.
Hm... how to explain...
First, in case we really pay, several people are more expensive - either directly in money or indirectly in time they need to coordinate themselves.
Then: How would you split it up?
In case of the coordinator he can split up work to volunteers. After all, he should not stop people from contributing.
But for that and knowing what needs to be done you need a list done by someone who knows the stuff.
In case of one person, if he goes MIA you have the list and, because of the reports, a nearly up to date point f where to take up the work.
Several people again it is harder to tell if MIA and harder to take up the loose threads.
Yes, of course there must be an agreement made.
The problem I see with the bot is - how does the bot see if the bounty goal is reached?
A human (well, 2) has to decide. But then a human can also do the payment.
Also my coordinator could put out and pay out small bounties in a flexible way - for example "500 GRC for making a video how to install Gridcoin and set it up"
Yes a human can do that to if there is one or two payments like that, but we need to trust that person that he not run away with the Coins and if there is something like personal problems or Vacation its hard to get the Coins paid out
From my Perspective can the Bot help to "Crowdfund" Projects with a lot of smaller Payments.
And if the System works, it will(hopefully) more used to set Bountys for smaller and biggger Projects where the Community can help.
The part how the bot decide if the Bounty goal is reaced, need some more thoughts.
For the Start will (i think) our main Devs Aprove the Changes and (not yet sure how) trigger the Payout.