> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.surge.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.surge.xyz/discovery/ignitions/for-users-earn-and-spend-ignites.md).

# For Users - Earn & Spend Ignites

For users, early adopters, and angel investors, allocating Ignites is how you build a verifiable track record as a top-tier talent spotter.

**The Value of Allocating (Why Spend Your Ignites?)**

Allocating Ignites is not just about "liking" a project; it is about securing your position as an early backer.

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**Qualify for Exclusive Perks & Rewards**: By allocating Ignites, you climb a project's specific Leaderboard. Founders use this ranking to distribute high-value rewards exclusively to their top supporters. 

* By locking in your Ignites early, you position yourself to claim:
  * **Token** **Airdrops**: Guaranteed allocations for future Web3 token launches.
  * **Private** **Beta** **Access**: Be the very first to test groundbreaking AI models and SaaS tools before the public.
  * **Lifetime** **Subscriptions** & **Discounts**: Secure heavily discounted or free pro-tier software licenses.
  * **Whitelist** & **Investment** **Access**: Gain exclusive entry to Gated Launches to buy early allocations.
  * and much more.
    {% endhint %}

* **Unlock Direct Founder Access**: Allocating at least 1 Ignite to a project permanently unlocks the "Chat with Team" feature. This acts as a spam filter for founders and gives serious backers a direct line to the creators.

**How to Earn Capacity**

You need Ignite capacity to support projects and climb leaderboards. Here is how you grow your allocation power:

* **The Starter Baseline**: Every new user starts with a default global capacity of 10 Ignites.
* **Verified Identity Multipliers**: By linking your X (Twitter), GitHub, and LinkedIn accounts to your Surge profile, you prove you are a real human and unlock an additional +5 Ignites per connection.
* **The Referral Network**: Use your unique invite link to onboard friends. You earn a +5 Ignite capacity expansion for every referred user who successfully joins and verifies their account.
* **Sweat** **Equity** (Completing Tasks): If you are out of Global Ignites, you can earn Project Ignites (PI) directly from founders by visiting their Tasks & Perks tab and completing bounties, marketing quests, or stress-testing their software.
* **Watch** & **Earn** (Livestreams): Active participation in the ecosystem is rewarded. Tune in to watch a founder's live broadcast, learn about their product in real-time, and earn an additional +1 Ignite capacity for your attendance.

**Algorithmic Discovery (Trending & Velocity)**

The Surge Discovery engine runs entirely on this attention economy. We do not use chronological "launch dates" to determine visibility. Instead, the Discovery Page sorts projects using two core algorithms:

* **7-Day Velocity**: This feed highlights projects experiencing the fastest-growing support over the current week. It acts as the heartbeat of the platform, showcasing which new ideas are rapidly capturing the community's imagination right now.
* **30-Day Trending**: This feed showcases the projects that have sustained the highest total Ignite allocation over the month. It highlights serious builders who are effectively retaining users and shipping consistent updates.

By tying visibility strictly to verified, finite Ignite allocation, the platform mathematically prevents "pay-to-win" marketing tactics. Only projects with true, ongoing market validation can reach the top of the ecosystem.

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