Sustainability
This page is primarily AI generated, based on the founder's vision documents.
Funded by Interest, Not Extraction
The network operates entirely on interest earned from pooled membership fees. The membership fees themselves are never touched — they serve as the permanent foundation from which all operating funds are derived.
This model is fundamentally different from ad-supported platforms that must grow engagement to survive, or venture-backed startups that must eventually extract value from their users to satisfy investors. The network's incentives are aligned with its members from day one: preserve the integrity of the network, keep costs low, and let the pooled fees generate the operating budget.
The Operating Reserve
The network must maintain an operating reserve sufficient to cover at least six months of projected infrastructure costs at all times.
This reserve ensures the network can continue operating even if no new members join for an extended period. It also provides a buffer against unexpected costs, market downturns that reduce interest income, or infrastructure emergencies. The network should never be in a position where it must compromise its principles to keep the lights on.
Where the Money Goes
Committee members who participate in violation reviews are compensated from the monthly budget. Payment per participation may not exceed 5% of the current registration fee. This keeps governance accessible — members volunteer for committee duty knowing they will be fairly compensated for their time, but no one can profit from the violation process.
Remaining funds may be used to grow the network in functionality and reach. When labor is required, the network prioritizes human workers, compensated at above-market rates.
Board Compensation
Board members are eligible to perform contracted labor for the network and be compensated accordingly. Beyond contracted work, board members may receive no additional compensation in any form. No gifts, bonuses, or other financial benefits.
This ensures that serving on the board is about stewardship, not enrichment. Board members who build features, fix infrastructure, or perform other labor for the network are paid for that work at the same rates as any other contributor. But the position itself carries no financial reward.
What Happens to Forfeited Fees
If a human violates the rules, their identity is inactivated and their membership fee is donated to a charity chosen at the time of registration. The network does not keep forfeited fees — they go to a cause the member selected when they joined.
If a human wishes to leave the network, they may request a refund of their membership fee which may be granted after a mandatory 90-day review period. This waiting period ensures no fee is returned before a potential violation can be discovered and reviewed.
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