What Are Contributions?
Contributions are recorded actions that participants make to support the GenLayer ecosystem. Each contribution:- Belongs to a specific category (Validator, Builder, or Steward)
- Has a contribution type that defines what action was performed
- Earns base points within a defined min/max range
- Gets multiplied by an active multiplier to calculate global points
- Requires evidence (links and descriptions) for verification
- Goes through steward review before points are awarded
Data Model
Contributions are structured with the following key fields:Core Fields
The
frozen_global_points field preserves your points even if multipliers change later. Once awarded, your points never decrease.Contribution Types
Each contribution type defines:- Category: Which participant category it belongs to
- Min/Max Points: The range of base points that can be awarded
- Description: What qualifies for this contribution type
- Examples: Sample submissions to guide participants
- Submittable Flag: Whether users can submit this type (some are auto-generated)
Example Contribution Types
Node Running
Category: ValidatorPoints: 10-100Maintaining an active validator node on the GenLayer network
Blog Post
Category: BuilderPoints: 50-150Publishing technical content about GenLayer
Code Contribution
Category: BuilderPoints: 100-500Contributing code to GenLayer repositories
Special Contribution Types
Some contribution types have special purposes:Welcome Contributions
builder-welcome: Awarded when completing the builder onboarding journeyvalidator-waitlist: Awarded when joining the validator waitlist
Graduation Contribution
validator: Marks graduation from waitlist to active validator status- Creates a snapshot on the graduation leaderboard with frozen waitlist points
Submission Lifecycle
Contributions go through a multi-state workflow:Submission
Participant submits a contribution with:
- Contribution type
- Evidence (URLs and descriptions)
- Contribution date
- Notes/context
Pending Review
Status:
pendingSubmission enters the review queue. Stewards with appropriate permissions can review it.Steward Review
A steward with permission for this contribution type reviews the submission and can:
- Accept: Convert to approved contribution and award points
- Reject: Decline with explanation
- Request More Info: Ask for additional evidence
- Propose: Suggest changes for another steward to approve
Submission States
| State | Description | Next Actions |
|---|---|---|
pending | Awaiting initial review | Steward review |
more_info_needed | Requires additional evidence | Participant edit |
accepted | Approved and converted to contribution | None (complete) |
rejected | Not approved | View reason, submit new |
Evidence Requirements
All contributions require evidence to verify the work was completed:Evidence Types
URL Evidence (Recommended)
URL Evidence (Recommended)
Provide links to external proof:
- GitHub: Pull requests, commits, repositories
- Social Media: Twitter threads, LinkedIn posts
- Blog Posts: Medium, personal blog, technical articles
- Documentation: Deployed docs, guides, tutorials
- Deployed Apps: Live applications, smart contracts
Description Evidence
Description Evidence
Provide detailed text descriptions:
- Explain what you built/did
- Describe the impact or value
- Include metrics if applicable
- Reference relevant code or deployments
Point Calculation
When a contribution is accepted, points are calculated using this formula:Example Calculation
Contribution Validation
The system enforces several validation rules:User Visibility
Point Range Validation
Multiplier Requirement
Viewing Contributions
Your Contributions
View all your contributions on your profile page:- Recent Contributions: Latest accepted contributions
- By Category: Filter by Validator, Builder, or Steward
- By Type: Group by contribution type
- Point Breakdown: See base points and global points for each
Public Contributions
All contributions are public and can be viewed:- On user profile pages (
/participant/:address) - In the contribution type detail pages
- On the leaderboard with expandable contribution history
Editing Submissions
Before a submission is accepted, you can edit it:- Navigate to My Submissions
- Click on a pending or “more info needed” submission
- Update evidence, description, or contribution date
- Save changes (no reCAPTCHA required for edits)
Once a submission is accepted and converted to a contribution, it cannot be edited. Make sure your evidence is complete before steward approval.
Missions and Highlights
Missions
Missions are special campaigns that highlight specific contribution opportunities:Contribution Highlights
Stewards can feature exceptional contributions:API Access
Contributions can be accessed via the REST API:Endpoints
Best Practices
Provide Clear Evidence
Link directly to the relevant work. Don’t just link to your homepage.
Write Detailed Descriptions
Explain the impact and technical details of your contribution.
Choose Accurate Dates
Use the actual completion date, not the submission date.
Match Contribution Types
Select the type that best fits your work. Ask if unsure.
Common Questions
What if my contribution fits multiple types?
What if my contribution fits multiple types?
Choose the most specific type that matches your work. If it truly spans multiple types, you can submit separate contributions for each distinct aspect.
Can I submit contributions retroactively?
Can I submit contributions retroactively?
Yes! Use the accurate completion date when submitting. The system will apply the multiplier that was active on that date.
What happens if my submission is rejected?
What happens if my submission is rejected?
You’ll receive feedback from the steward explaining why. You can address their concerns and submit a new contribution with improved evidence.
How long does review take?
How long does review take?
Review times vary based on steward availability and submission volume. Check “My Submissions” for status updates.