How can someone become a Member on the network?

Short Term

In the short term, anyone can seek to join the network. Any application is approved if an existing network member affirms the application. This approach has been adopted to streamline early days network membership growth.

The team has been developing more comprehensive thinking about membership, its privileges, rights and obligations as part of a deepening of decentralised governance and integrity, and the design thinking outlined below forms the basis of the roadmap.

Long Term

Membership Application

In the long run, however, the community at large may wish to consider more elaborate membership protocols. For example:

An existing member can invite a non-member to join the network. A non-member can also voluntarily nominate to join the network. In either case, to be valid, the non-member’s application / nomination for membership must be:

1. Sponsored by a nominator (who is already a member); and

2. Be approved by other members in accordance with the prevailing multi-sig approval procedure applicable at the time.

The long run design intent is for a nomination to be submitted together with a (non-refundable) Nomination Fee. The nomination must be accompanied by a valid Know Your Client identity verification, and the nominee shall also be defined by its function in the supply chain.

A nomination will be voted upon within 72 hours of the date and time of the nomination being validly submitted. A nominee is accepted to the network as a member on the basis of approval via the multi-sig of existing members.

Upon acceptance, the member must pay a Membership Fee. The membership becomes valid upon payment of the Membership Fee.

The Nomination Fee will be paid to a BeefLedger Limited wallet. The Membership Fee shall be paid to a smart contract, which will then disperse the Fee to BeefLedger Limited (25%) and participating Nodes (75%).

Membership Renewal

There shall be an Annual Membership Renewal Fee (to be determined by members). The fee is payable 30 days prior to the 365th day of the member’s anniversary of membership. Non-payment of the fee shall result in temporary suspension of membership (until the fee is paid).

Loss of continuity of membership for 2 years or more will require the lapsed member to re-apply or be re-nominated.

Membership Suspension

A member may be nominated for suspension as a validator should X% of total members petition for suspension. Nominations for suspension will be voted upon by the consensus community.

For example, an absolute majority of votes will be required for the suspension to be effective. A member can be suspended for a specified duration. A member may be suspended as a member by a decision of the members. A procedure will be necessary to give effect to the suspension of membership function.