Your credibility score directly affects how much XP you earn. Users with higher credibility scores earn more XP, and users with very low credibility can earn little to nothing. The multiplier ranges from 0 for untrusted users up to 2.5x for the most reputable.
How it creates a virtuous cycle
The credibility multiplier is designed to create a positive feedback loop: trustworthy behavior improves your credibility, which increases your XP earnings, which enables more participation, which further builds credibility.
This means the users who contribute the most to network health — leaving honest reviews, vouching thoughtfully, participating in governance — are also the ones who earn the most.
What this means for new users
New users start with modest multipliers that grow as they establish a track record. You won't immediately earn at the same rate as a long-standing, highly trusted participant, and that's by design. The system advantages long-term participants over newcomers attempting to extract value quickly.
The good news is that the path forward is clear: participate honestly, build relationships through vouching and reviews, and your credibility multiplier will grow over time.
Why credibility affects earnings
Reputation networks only work if reputable behavior is rewarded. If everyone earned XP at the same rate regardless of their standing, there would be no incentive to build and maintain credibility. By tying XP earnings to your credibility score, the system ensures that the people who make Ethos trustworthy are the same people who benefit most from using it.