Difference between revisions of "Contribution Accounting System"
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| − | See [[screenshots|Screenshots]] of the new | + | See [[screenshots|Screenshots]] of the new Contribution Accounting System of [[Sensorica]] |
See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOlzNsv8ly0&feature=share latest demo video] March 2014. | See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOlzNsv8ly0&feature=share latest demo video] March 2014. | ||
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=Theory= | =Theory= | ||
| − | The ''contribution accounting system'' (CAS) is an IT tool for commons-based peer production or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_production peer production]. At the network level, it describes | + | The ''contribution accounting system'' (CAS) is an IT tool for [[commons-based peer production]] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_production peer production]. At the network level, it describes flows of [[resources]]the amalgamation of [[resources]] and [[contributions]] into something. |
| − | [[Contributions]] are evaluated and a [[Benefit redistribution equation]] is used to turn them into benefits, including [[fluid equity]]. The production and the resulting benefits is attributed to its creators. | + | [[Contributions]] are evaluated and a [[Benefit redistribution equation]] is used to turn them into [[benefits]], including [[fluid equity]]. The production and the resulting [[benefits]] is attributed to its creators. |
| − | The CAS is NOT a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency currency] system, it is not a system of exchange. It keeps track of how contributions amalgamate into | + | The CAS is NOT a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency currency] system, it is not a system of exchange. It keeps track of how [[contributions]] amalgamate into artifacts (can be [[products]] or services), infrastructure, social goods, etc. It keeps a record of who is doing what ([[role]]), how well ([[reputation]]) and how much ([[value]]) in a particular [[venture]]. Its output is a normalized distribution [[benefits]], including [[fluid equity]] for a particular [[venture]]. If goods and services are created to be exchanged on the [[market]], the CAS helps redistribute the [[revenue]]. |
| − | The CAS reappropriates | + | The CAS reappropriates labour, which is a major departure from capitalism. In capitalism, labour becomes a commodity. In a corporation for example, the worker exchanges his labour against wage. This transaction dispossesses the worker of the fruits of his own labour. In other words, the owner of capital owns the production of all workers. The CAS allows peers to turn their labour into [[fluid equity]] and thus to own the future revenue generated from the products they co-produce. |
| − | The CAS embodies tangible/extrinsic incentives. It allows redistribution of benefits to participants in ventures. Moreover, the CAS incentivizes collaboration by reducing the risk. If someone creates a venture and asks for collaboration but there is no documentation, no sharing of designs, or R&D processes, or of recipes (manufacturing script with bill of materials), other [[affiliates]] of the [[OVN]] might grow reluctant to participate, because the venture becomes too dependent on its initiator or main facilitator. If this affiliate leaves the OVN, no one can continue the work. Therefore, past investment is lost or eventual benefits are delayed. Proper documentation and logging into CAS reduces the risk for investment (in time, $, materials, and other), because it insures continuity of the venture in case the initiator or main facilitator leaves. | + | The [[NRP-CAS]] embodies tangible/extrinsic [[incentives]]. It allows redistribution of [[benefits]] to participants in [[ventures]]. Moreover, the [[NRP-CAS]] incentivizes collaboration by reducing the risk. If someone creates a [[venture]] and asks for collaboration but there is no documentation, no sharing of designs, or R&D processes, or of recipes (manufacturing script with bill of materials), other [[affiliates]] of the [[OVN]] might grow reluctant to participate, because the [[venture]] becomes too dependent on its initiator or main facilitator. If this [[affiliate]] leaves the [[OVN]], no one can continue the work. Therefore, past investment is lost or eventual [[benefits]] are delayed. Proper documentation and logging into [[NRP-CAS]] reduces the risk for investment (in time, $, materials, and other), because it insures continuity of the [[venture]] in case the initiator or main facilitator leaves. |
==About value== | ==About value== | ||
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{Contact [[Tibi]] for more, proposed in a discussion about [[Social capital]]} | {Contact [[Tibi]] for more, proposed in a discussion about [[Social capital]]} | ||
| − | One can argue that nothing logged in [[NRP-CAS]] | + | One can argue that nothing logged in [[NRP-CAS]] is [[valuable]] a priori. A [[prototype]] that someone physically assembles today and is logged in [[NRP-CAS]] and linked to different types of [[contributions]] (time, $, etc,) can end up never being used by the community, never cited, entirely forgotten. One way to see it is that something is [[valuable]] if it finds its way into other things. But nothing has is priori [[valuable]], no matter how tangible or real it is. We can legitimately use an interpretation according to which [[NRP-CAS]] is only about '''potentials'''. Nothing has been marketed as [[valuable]] in the OVN's [[NRP-CAS]] until now. It only contains logged [[contributions]]. According to this new interpretation of the [[NRP-CAS]] we can say that things that are already linked together, these things that are used/consumed/cited in other things, are [[valuable]] or are in the process of becoming [[valuable]]. In other words, [[value]] in the system becomes actualized when [[resources]] (created through [[contributions]]) are linked together, [[value]] is actualized by the edges of the network of [[resources]]. But to quantify further (it's always a relative quantity set in comparison with other things) we need another process, and a part of that is subjective. |
=General layout of the value accounting system= | =General layout of the value accounting system= | ||
==OVN-OS== | ==OVN-OS== | ||
| − | As developed by [[Bob]] and [[Lynn]], in collaboration with [[Tibi]], [[Francois]] and other [[ | + | As developed by [[Bob]] and [[Lynn]], in collaboration with [[Tibi]], [[Francois]] and other [[Sensorica]] [[affiliates]]. |
OVN-OS stands for Open Value Network Operating System. | OVN-OS stands for Open Value Network Operating System. | ||
| − | Other ways to refer to it are: Open Value Network infrastructure (OVNi), Network Resource Planning (NRP), of simply | + | Other ways to refer to it are: Open Value Network infrastructure (OVNi), Network Resource Planning (NRP), of simply Contribution Accounting System (CAS). |
| − | * Bob's [http://metamaps.cc/maps/442 - OVN-OS architecture layout] for an | + | * Bob's [http://metamaps.cc/maps/442 - OVN-OS architecture layout] for an OVN node |
* Bob's [http://metamaps.cc/maps/437 - OVN-OS internetworking protocol], for network to network interaction | * Bob's [http://metamaps.cc/maps/437 - OVN-OS internetworking protocol], for network to network interaction | ||
==Contributions log== | ==Contributions log== | ||
| − | The [[contributions log]] system assists [[affiliates]] in recording/logging [[contributions]]. One expects rewards (revenues) after the | + | The [[contributions log]] system assists [[affiliates]] in recording/logging [[contributions]]. One expects rewards (revenues) after the production/creation process, after efforts have been deployed. Fair redistribution of revenue, if based on [[authority ranking]], i.e. if meritocratic, i.e. if in proportion to everyone’s [[contribution]], which arrives at a time in the future, requires information on past [[contributions]], risk levels, etc.. It is very important to record enough information about involvement, participation, [[contributions]], even before formalizing the revenue redistribution scheme. |
| − | [[Contributions]] can be time (which is complemented by a description of activities/tasks performed), money (spent in a particular [[venture]]), a virtual or physical space (for a given activity within a given [[venture]]), materials (including tools/instruments), access to [[resources]] or to the market (using social capital), etc. | + | [[Contributions]] can be in time (which is complemented by a description of activities/tasks performed and skills required), money (spent in a particular [[venture]]), a virtual or physical space (for a given activity within a given [[venture]]), materials (including tools/instruments), access to [[resources]] or to the market (using social capital), etc. |
[[Contributions]] have quantities AND qualities associated with them. | [[Contributions]] have quantities AND qualities associated with them. | ||
| − | The [[contribution log system]] is organized to map formal [[ventures]] | + | The [[contribution log system]] is organized to map formal [[ventures]], some of which may have a direct [[path to market]], i.e. resulting in [[products]]/services that will be exchanged on the market and generate [[revenues]]. [[Revenue]] and acknowledgement are extrinsic [[incentives]]. The value system also contains other categories/[[projects]]/[[ventures]] which don't have a traced path to a particular market. These are exploratory [[projects]]/[[ventures]] or passion-driven [[projects]]/[[ventures]] (see section on [[Integrating a gift economy within a value network]]). |
| − | Read about [http://valuenetwork.referata.com/wiki/Contributions_log#SENSORICA.27s_first_prototype_of_contribution_log_system | + | Read about [http://valuenetwork.referata.com/wiki/Contributions_log#SENSORICA.27s_first_prototype_of_contribution_log_system Sensorica's first contribution log system]. |
| − | |||
==Evaluation of contributions== | ==Evaluation of contributions== | ||
| − | How different types of contributions are evaluated. This system has an objective part, which relies on some metrics, and a subjective part, which relies on negotiation. See more on [[The evaluation system]] | + | How different types of [[contributions]] are evaluated. This system has an objective part, which relies on some metrics, and a subjective part, which relies on negotiation. See more on [[The evaluation system]] |
===Back office catalog=== | ===Back office catalog=== | ||
| − | Assigns value to deterministic, recurrent back office tasks. See the [[Back office catalog]] page. | + | Assigns [[value]] to deterministic, recurrent back office tasks. See the [[Back office catalog]] page. |
(for continuous [[contributions]]) | (for continuous [[contributions]]) | ||
| − | ==Amalgamation | + | ==Amalgamation== |
Describes how different types of [[contributions]] are amalgamated into a single deliverable. The output is the [[fluid equity]] piechart. | Describes how different types of [[contributions]] are amalgamated into a single deliverable. The output is the [[fluid equity]] piechart. | ||
| − | ===The | + | ===The Benefit redistribution algorithm=== |
| − | Describes how evaluated [[contributions]] are turned into [[fluid equity]]. See the [[ | + | Describes how evaluated [[contributions]] are turned into [[fluid equity]]. See the [[Benefit redistribution algorithm]] page. |
===Solidarity mechanisms=== | ===Solidarity mechanisms=== | ||
| − | Pay dead ends or mistakes, bring in the main value stream other contributions. | + | Pay dead ends or mistakes, bring in the main value stream other [[contributions]]. |
| − | Solidarity mechanisms are part of the | + | Solidarity mechanisms are part of the [[OVN]] model to ensure two unique aspects: compassion and distribution of risk. Compassion is an important part of human-collaboration and therefore, the network provides insurance mechanism for its members based on the members’ [[reputation]]. In addition to compassion, solidarity mechanisms are used to partially reward for unavoidable failures in order to create higher levels of trust and knowledge base within the network; these failures include: process inadequacy, task challenge, process complexity, uncertainty, hypothesis testing, and exploratory testing. The network [[governance]] determines the decisions on the implementation of solidarity mechanisms. |
==Project== | ==Project== | ||
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==CAS simulator== | ==CAS simulator== | ||
| − | Allows | + | Allows [[OVN]] [[affiliates]] to plan their [[contributions]]. This engine uses history to predict [[fluid equity]] once the [[venture]] reaches maturity and generates [[benefit]] (which can also come in the form of [[revenue]]). [[Affiliates]] can use it to decide how to allocate their [[resources]] across different [[ventures]] and [[projects]], in order to optimize their investments, to mitigate their risk, etc. |
| − | The CAS simulator also intervenes in the [[Project and task management]] system. For every available task it estimates the [[fluid equity]] once the [[venture]] reaches maturity and generates revenue. This acts as a direct incentive for affiliates to take the task, knowing the impact is will have on their future | + | The CAS simulator also intervenes in the [[Project and task management]] system. For every available task it estimates the [[fluid equity]] once the [[venture]] reaches maturity (and generates [[revenue]]). This acts as a direct incentive for [[affiliates]] to take the [[task]], knowing the impact is will have on their future [[benefits]], and the risk associated with it (see [https://groups.google.com/d/topic/sensorica-infrastructure/fmuDhXIh1po/discussion discussion]). |
=Install a CAS= | =Install a CAS= | ||
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See [[SENSORICA's Google-based value accounting system]] | See [[SENSORICA's Google-based value accounting system]] | ||
| − | See [http://valnet.webfactional.com/ | + | See [http://valnet.webfactional.com/ Sensorica's new contribution accounting system] |
=External links= | =External links= | ||
Revision as of 19:54, 7 May 2024
!!! NOTE: MERGE THIS PAGE WITH NRP-CAS !!!
Published on April 29, 2011, edited by Tibi, Kurt, Ishan, Ian, Francois, and Steve. See original doc, last modified on Oct 14, 2012 before content was moved here.
Work on the value system is hosted on github. We are using REA (for Resources, Events and Agents) designed by Bill McCarthy of Michigan State University (See more on Bill McCarthy’s website). See a prototype HERE.
See Screenshots of the new Contribution Accounting System of Sensorica
See latest demo video March 2014.
More on NRP-CAS
Theory
The contribution accounting system (CAS) is an IT tool for commons-based peer production or peer production. At the network level, it describes flows of resourcesthe amalgamation of resources and contributions into something.
Contributions are evaluated and a Benefit redistribution equation is used to turn them into benefits, including fluid equity. The production and the resulting benefits is attributed to its creators.
The CAS is NOT a currency system, it is not a system of exchange. It keeps track of how contributions amalgamate into artifacts (can be products or services), infrastructure, social goods, etc. It keeps a record of who is doing what (role), how well (reputation) and how much (value) in a particular venture. Its output is a normalized distribution benefits, including fluid equity for a particular venture. If goods and services are created to be exchanged on the market, the CAS helps redistribute the revenue.
The CAS reappropriates labour, which is a major departure from capitalism. In capitalism, labour becomes a commodity. In a corporation for example, the worker exchanges his labour against wage. This transaction dispossesses the worker of the fruits of his own labour. In other words, the owner of capital owns the production of all workers. The CAS allows peers to turn their labour into fluid equity and thus to own the future revenue generated from the products they co-produce.
The NRP-CAS embodies tangible/extrinsic incentives. It allows redistribution of benefits to participants in ventures. Moreover, the NRP-CAS incentivizes collaboration by reducing the risk. If someone creates a venture and asks for collaboration but there is no documentation, no sharing of designs, or R&D processes, or of recipes (manufacturing script with bill of materials), other affiliates of the OVN might grow reluctant to participate, because the venture becomes too dependent on its initiator or main facilitator. If this affiliate leaves the OVN, no one can continue the work. Therefore, past investment is lost or eventual benefits are delayed. Proper documentation and logging into NRP-CAS reduces the risk for investment (in time, $, materials, and other), because it insures continuity of the venture in case the initiator or main facilitator leaves.
About value
See more on Value
Interpretations of the CAS
The interpretation of the actual version of the CAS is not settled yet.
CAS and potential of value
{Contact Tibi for more, proposed in a discussion about Social capital}
One can argue that nothing logged in NRP-CAS is valuable a priori. A prototype that someone physically assembles today and is logged in NRP-CAS and linked to different types of contributions (time, $, etc,) can end up never being used by the community, never cited, entirely forgotten. One way to see it is that something is valuable if it finds its way into other things. But nothing has is priori valuable, no matter how tangible or real it is. We can legitimately use an interpretation according to which NRP-CAS is only about potentials. Nothing has been marketed as valuable in the OVN's NRP-CAS until now. It only contains logged contributions. According to this new interpretation of the NRP-CAS we can say that things that are already linked together, these things that are used/consumed/cited in other things, are valuable or are in the process of becoming valuable. In other words, value in the system becomes actualized when resources (created through contributions) are linked together, value is actualized by the edges of the network of resources. But to quantify further (it's always a relative quantity set in comparison with other things) we need another process, and a part of that is subjective.
General layout of the value accounting system
OVN-OS
As developed by Bob and Lynn, in collaboration with Tibi, Francois and other Sensorica affiliates.
OVN-OS stands for Open Value Network Operating System.
Other ways to refer to it are: Open Value Network infrastructure (OVNi), Network Resource Planning (NRP), of simply Contribution Accounting System (CAS).
- Bob's - OVN-OS architecture layout for an OVN node
- Bob's - OVN-OS internetworking protocol, for network to network interaction
Contributions log
The contributions log system assists affiliates in recording/logging contributions. One expects rewards (revenues) after the production/creation process, after efforts have been deployed. Fair redistribution of revenue, if based on authority ranking, i.e. if meritocratic, i.e. if in proportion to everyone’s contribution, which arrives at a time in the future, requires information on past contributions, risk levels, etc.. It is very important to record enough information about involvement, participation, contributions, even before formalizing the revenue redistribution scheme.
Contributions can be in time (which is complemented by a description of activities/tasks performed and skills required), money (spent in a particular venture), a virtual or physical space (for a given activity within a given venture), materials (including tools/instruments), access to resources or to the market (using social capital), etc.
Contributions have quantities AND qualities associated with them.
The contribution log system is organized to map formal ventures, some of which may have a direct path to market, i.e. resulting in products/services that will be exchanged on the market and generate revenues. Revenue and acknowledgement are extrinsic incentives. The value system also contains other categories/projects/ventures which don't have a traced path to a particular market. These are exploratory projects/ventures or passion-driven projects/ventures (see section on Integrating a gift economy within a value network).
Read about Sensorica's first contribution log system.
Evaluation of contributions
How different types of contributions are evaluated. This system has an objective part, which relies on some metrics, and a subjective part, which relies on negotiation. See more on The evaluation system
Back office catalog
Assigns value to deterministic, recurrent back office tasks. See the Back office catalog page.
(for continuous contributions)
Amalgamation
Describes how different types of contributions are amalgamated into a single deliverable. The output is the fluid equity piechart.
The Benefit redistribution algorithm
Describes how evaluated contributions are turned into fluid equity. See the Benefit redistribution algorithm page.
Solidarity mechanisms
Pay dead ends or mistakes, bring in the main value stream other contributions.
Solidarity mechanisms are part of the OVN model to ensure two unique aspects: compassion and distribution of risk. Compassion is an important part of human-collaboration and therefore, the network provides insurance mechanism for its members based on the members’ reputation. In addition to compassion, solidarity mechanisms are used to partially reward for unavoidable failures in order to create higher levels of trust and knowledge base within the network; these failures include: process inadequacy, task challenge, process complexity, uncertainty, hypothesis testing, and exploratory testing. The network governance determines the decisions on the implementation of solidarity mechanisms.
Project
See the Project page.
Venture
See the Venture page.
Transfers between ventures
See the Transfers between ventures page
CAS simulator
Allows OVN affiliates to plan their contributions. This engine uses history to predict fluid equity once the venture reaches maturity and generates benefit (which can also come in the form of revenue). Affiliates can use it to decide how to allocate their resources across different ventures and projects, in order to optimize their investments, to mitigate their risk, etc.
The CAS simulator also intervenes in the Project and task management system. For every available task it estimates the fluid equity once the venture reaches maturity (and generates revenue). This acts as a direct incentive for affiliates to take the task, knowing the impact is will have on their future benefits, and the risk associated with it (see discussion).
Install a CAS
Open NRP-CAS github
Open Lynn's guide to install the NRP-CAS
Network of networks
See the Network of Networks page.
Praxis
See SENSORICA's Google-based value accounting system
See Sensorica's new contribution accounting system
External links
P2P_Accounting on p2p foundation
Discussions
- August 2014 - Salary in value networks
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