> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://papers.21n.org/soft/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://papers.21n.org/soft/v2/how-it-works/sustainability.md).

# Sustainability

## Revenue <a href="#membership-and-voting" id="membership-and-voting"></a>

Products produced at a SOFT org can have the following revenue model(s). The developer(s) can choose one or both depending on the market.

1. Lifetime license sale + continued maintenance subscription
2. Optional Tips  + Ad supported free usage

### Noxit strategy (No Exit)

The SOFT org is committed to achieving a balance between planet, people, and progress, and to uphold this core principle, the products it conceives and produces will never be sold to a non-SOFT based company, nor will they go public via an IPO on a regular stock exchange. This decision is rooted in the belief that such actions could undermine the organization's commitment to sustainability and its mission to create positive social and environmental impact. By keeping the products within the SOFT ecosystem, the organization can ensure that they remain aligned with its values and principles.

A product can be acquired by another SOFT organization given that the buying organization incorporates *definable bylaws* requested by the selling organization, at least at the scope of the product being sold. A product produced at SOFT org can optionally chose to go public on any sustainability-centric stock exchanges.

## Life cycle thinking

To foster efficient use of natural resources, minimize waste, and help preserve the planet, the SOFT org should adopt a life cycle thinking approach in its decision-making process. This approach involves considering the entire life cycle of a product or service, from its conception and design to its disposal or end-of-life, and assessing its environmental impact at each stage. By doing so, the organization can identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and minimize the environmental impact of its products and services. Furthermore, the organization can engage with its stakeholders, including core members, consumers, and backers, to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. By incorporating life cycle thinking in its decisions, the SOFT org can help create a more sustainable future for all.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://papers.21n.org/soft/v2/how-it-works/sustainability.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
