> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.ethos.network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.ethos.network/ethos-mechanisms/vouch.md).

# Vouch

**Vouching** indicates a high degree of trust.

In Ethos you vouch by staking $WHUF, the network's native token, in an Ethos profile, a wallet address, or a social attestation. This fundamental core mechanism is how Ethos captures a network of trusted relationships. It represents the extent to which you are supported by allies and supporters, and thus strongly impacts credibility.

{% hint style="info" %}
Ethos operated with ETH as the sole vouching asset from launch through the introduction of $WHUF. Existing ETH vouches were not reset or unwound by the transition: they continue to count toward credibility scores, and the Ethos app provides a conversion flow that lets a voucher move an ETH vouch to a $WHUF vouch while retaining the vouch's standing and score impact. No staked ETH is moved or converted without the voucher initiating it. See the $WHUF Token Whitepaper for details.
{% endhint %}

### Financial Stakes

Vouching, unlike [Review](/ethos-mechanisms/review.md), requires a backing asset: staked $WHUF. This forces you to choose how you would allocate your trust and in what amounts and ratios. Does your entire network get equal trust, or would you vouch for some more than others?

The amount staked represents the magnitude of the trust placed in you. With $WHUF vouching, the score contribution from vouching is distribution-based: it is determined by a voucher's standing among all vouchers rather than a fixed curve, which keeps the credibility signal independent of market movement and prevents whale abuse. 100 vouchers staking a small amount for the same person have an outsized impact compared to 1 whale staking the same total.

However, the person you vouch DOES NOT HAVE DIRECT CONTROL over the backing asset. They cannot withdraw, spend, or re-allocate those staked funds.

### Impact on credibility score

In the Ethos webapp, credibility score is earned through vouching over time, as opposed to instantaneously. That credibility is currently earned over a 6 month bond.

#### Contributor Rewards

Active vouchers earn contributor rewards in $WHUF, emitted by smart contract from a fixed pool (18% of total supply) on a continuous decay schedule. Rewards are proportional to the amount a user has actively committed through vouching. Because the work vouchers perform, identifying who is trustworthy, is essential to the network, the protocol pays for it in ownership. Details in the $WHUF Token Whitepaper.

### Mutual Respect

When you vouch someone and they vouch you back, Ethos notes your mutual stake. This is commonly referred to as a (3,3) relationship. Credibility and rewards for both of you are magnified. However, defecting from a mutual stake represents a greater indication that you might be untrustworthy; why would you turn your back on a friend who vouched for you?

### Slashing

Slashing provides a mechanism by which unethical behavior may be identified, socially validated, and punished via fines and reduced reputation. Slashing can induce penalties of one's total stake in Ethos. Details in [Slash](/ethos-mechanisms/slash.md).

### Unvouch

You may withdraw your staked funds at any time by unvouching.

You may also decrease the amount staked in an existing vouch without withdrawing it entirely.

When unvouching, you're given the option to mark the unvouch as "healthy" or "unhealthy" to signal to the network if the vouch ended on poor terms.

Note for token sale participants: unvouching or decreasing a vouch permanently forfeits the price guarantee on the unvouched or decreased amount. See the $WHUF Token Whitepaper for the full guarantee terms.

### **Philosophy**

A long standing mutually beneficial relationship is the single best indicator of trust.

People make mistakes. Penalties should be proportional; not everything is a “completely ruin your reputation” event.

However, explicit deceit and defection *for the purposes of financial gain* should have the potential to prompt strong financial disincentives.

In the case where unethical behavior is sufficient to completely destroy one's reputation, all stakers will withdraw their funds and credibility will drop. This is the social equivalent of bankruptcy. Because Ethos is pseudonymous, it is always possible to start a new profile from scratch.