Understanding Epochs

What are Epochs?

An epoch is a time-boxed governance cycle with a specific start and end date. Think of it as a "season" of governance participation where contributors work on missions, earn points, and compete for rewards.

Each epoch typically includes:

• A specific set of governance goals and priorities
• Missions aligned with those goals
• A reward pool to be distributed among contributors
• A leaderboard tracking contributions
• Repositories where contributions are accepted

Epoch Lifecycle

Epochs progress through several stages:

Participating in Epochs

To participate in an epoch:

1. Browse Epochs: Visit the Epochs page to see all available epochs
2. Choose an Epoch: Click on an epoch to view its details, missions, and leaderboard
3. Complete Missions: Work on missions associated with that epoch
4. Track Progress: Monitor your ranking on the epoch leaderboard
5. Claim Rewards: After the epoch ends, claim your share of the reward pool

You can participate in multiple epochs simultaneously!

Epoch Details Page

Each epoch has a dedicated page with multiple tabs showing different information:

Overview Tab

• Epoch name, description, and status
• Start and end dates
• Total reward pool
• Number of repositories and contributors
• Quick stats about missions and engagement

Missions Tab

• All missions available in this epoch
• Filter and search functionality
• Real-time updates when new missions are added

Leaderboard Tab

• Live rankings of all contributors
• Your current position and points
• Contribution details for each participant
• Real-time updates when rankings change

Engagement Tab

• Top contributors and their achievements
• Repository activity breakdown
• Contribution trends and statistics

Points and Rewards Tracking

Within an epoch, your contributions are measured in points:

• Earning Points: Each completed mission awards points based on its complexity and value
• Real-time Tracking: Your points update immediately when missions are completed
• Leaderboard Ranking: Your ranking is determined by your total points relative to other contributors
• Reward Calculation: At epoch end, rewards are distributed proportionally to your point contribution

💡 Tip: Some epochs may use points only for ranking, while others directly tie points to reward distribution. Check each epoch's details to understand its specific reward model.

Epoch Status Indicators

Throughout the platform, you'll see visual indicators showing epoch status:

• Status Badge: Color-coded badge showing current state (Active, Completed, etc.)
• Date Display: Shows time remaining for active epochs or end date for completed ones
• Progress Bars: Visual representation of time elapsed in active epochs
• Live Update Indicators: Shows when you're receiving real-time data

Real-time Updates

Epochs feature real-time WebSocket updates that keep you informed of changes as they happen:

• Status changes (e.g., epoch starts or ends)
• New missions added to the epoch
• Leaderboard ranking changes
• Your point total updates

You'll receive toast notifications for important updates, and data automatically refreshes in the background.

Tips for Epoch Participation

• Join early: Participating from the start gives you more time to accumulate points
• Focus on quality: Higher-value missions earn more points than many low-value ones
• Check deadlines: Plan your contributions to complete them before the epoch ends
• Diversify: Contribute across different repositories and mission types
• Monitor leaderboard: Keep track of your ranking and adjust your strategy
• Stay updated: Watch for notifications about epoch changes or new opportunities