> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.riskprotocol.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.riskprotocol.io/resources/points-program/points-principles.md).

# Points Principles

While many crypto points programs devolve into short-term, extractive farming games, we are returning to first principles to align users with the protocol's long-term health. The program is guided by a transparent set of core principles.

#### Guiding Design Principles

* Reward real, productive protocol usage that strengthens long-term health.
* Reward sustained participation rather than one-off actions.
* Incentivize genuine contribution and disincentivize short-term speculation or system gaming.
* Protect real users by safeguarding against sybil attacks and whale domination.
* Favor early contributors, as early participation holds greater value.
* Treat points as earned reflections of contribution, not entitlements.

#### How Points Are Earned

Points accrue across four primary categories:

**Actual Protocol Usage**

Points are driven by net productive capital, calculated as (Splits - Redeems) + Swaps + (Liquidity Provided - Liquidity Withdrawn). Long-term, net committed capital matters more than short-term flows. Greater weight is placed on net splitting activity and net liquidity provision.

**Referrals**

Rewards are based on real economic contribution, measured by the revenue generated by referred users. Vanity metrics and superficial activity are not rewarded.

**Trading Competition**

This serves as an educational mechanism to help users understand the utility of SMART Tokens in a hands-on environment. It is designed to be interactive, accelerate protocol adoption, and put RiskFi on the DeFi map.

**Discretionary**

Contributions that strengthen the ecosystem in other ways, including user education and feedback, constructive participation, and community building.

***

*The Risk Protocol reserves the right to modify the points program as needed to ensure it remains aligned with these principles and continues to protect genuine contributors.*


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