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

# Reward Boosts

Reward boosts are mechanisms that recognize commitment and participation.

They allow hubs to allocate rewards in a way that reflects long-term belief — not just raw balance.

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## What Reward Boosts Are

Reward boosts:

* Increase a participant’s share of rewards
* Are defined by hubs, within protocol limits
* Apply only during specific reward cycles

Reward boosts are:

* Not guaranteed
* Not fixed
* Subject to change between cycles

They are a way to recognize commitment — not to promise outcomes.

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## Hub Patron Status

Each hub may recognize a **Patron** — a contributor who demonstrates exceptional commitment.

Patron status may be based on:

* Amount of tokens bound
* Duration of binding
* Consistency across reward cycles

A Patron may receive:

* Increased reward weighting
* Visible recognition or status
* Symbolic acknowledgment within the hub

Patron status is hub-defined and may change over time.

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## NFT-Based Boosts

Hubs may optionally offer boosts tied to NFTs.

NFT boosts:

* Act as an additional signal of participation or alignment
* May increase reward eligibility or weighting
* Are defined by the hub operator

Important notes:

* NFTs do not guarantee rewards
* NFT boosts may apply only to certain cycles
* NFT requirements may change over time

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## How Boosts Are Applied

Reward boosts:

* Affect reward distribution logic only
* Do not change bound balances
* Do not give hub owners control over user funds

All boosts are enforced by smart contracts.

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## What Boosts Do Not Do

Reward boosts do **not**:

* Guarantee rewards
* Increase or protect token value
* Affect custody of tokens
* Override binding rules

Boosts recognize participation — they do not create entitlement.

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## Design Philosophy

Reward boosts are designed to:

* Encourage long-term participation
* Recognize belief and consistency
* Avoid extractive incentive games

The goal is **alignment, not acceleration**.

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## In Summary

* Boosts adjust how rewards are shared
* Patron status recognizes sustained commitment
* NFTs can act as additional participation signals