> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.elata.bio/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Incentives and Access

> Points system, early access gating, and how protocol incentives work.

## Elata Points System

Elata points are non-transferable ERC20Votes token used for governance weight and protocol access. It cannot be bought or sold.

Points are distributed through Merkle-tree-based epochs. Each epoch adds points to qualifying addresses. Reductions only happen through operator revocation, not natural decay.

<Note>
  Points are additive only. Once earned, it stays unless explicitly revoked by an operator.
</Note>

***

## How Points are Earned

| Activity                 | Description                                                        |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Launching an app         | Builders who deploy through the protocol earn Points               |
| Staking ELTA             | Long-term ELTA stakers receive Points based on duration            |
| Governance participation | Voting on proposals earn Points                                    |
| Protocol activity        | Active trading, tournament participation, and community engagement |

Point distribution is managed by addresses with the `XP_OPERATOR_ROLE`. Operators publish epochs and manage distributions. Each distribution ID is tracked to prevent double-issuance.

***

## Early Access Gate

New app launches include a **6-hour early access window**. During this period, only users with at least \*\*100 Points \*\*can buy tokens on the bonding curve.

<Warning>
  If you do not have 100 Points, you cannot participate in the first 6 hours of a new app's bonding curve. After the window closes, anyone can trade.
</Warning>

This mechanism prevents sniping by requiring demonstrated protocol participation before early access.

***

## What Points Unlock

* **Early access** to new app token launches (100 point minimum)
* **Governance weight** in protocol-level decisions via ERC20Votes
* **Future incentive eligibility** as the protocol expands reward mechanisms

Points are not a financial instrument. It represents participation and is not designed to have monetary value.

***

## Next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Community Systems" icon="users" iconType="light" href="/apps/design/community-systems">
    Governance and contributor splits
  </Card>

  <Card title="App Tokens" icon="coins" iconType="light" href="/apps/design/app-tokens">
    Token design and distribution
  </Card>
</CardGroup>