Hive Membership Terms and Conditions 

last updated 7 September 2023

Hives are fractional micro-agencies on Swarm. They enable a group of fractional builders to team up and work on tech projects together. Hives have the advantage of sharing their reputation, skills, and support with each other, increasing their chances of winning and executing projects.

Glossary

1. Hive: A Hive is a group of fractional tech professionals who collaborate on projects, leveraging their collective skills and reputation.
2. Hive Leader: The Hive Leader is responsible for inviting, vetting, and managing other Hive members. They play a central role in decision-making within the Hive.
3. Amber: Amber is a digital reward that Hives and individual members earn for certain actions that are deemed valuable in the Swarm Community such as take on projects through Swarm. It can be redeemed for perks and benefits.
4. Amber Store: The Amber Store is a platform feature where Hive members can exchange their earned Amber for various perks and benefits.
5. Amber Pool: The Amber Pool is the portion of Amber earned from projects that is allocated to the Hive as a whole.
6. Project Allocation: The process through which Hive Leaders and the Swarm team decide which projects the Hive will take on based on alignment with the Hive's goals.
7. Conflict Resolution: The steps taken to address disputes or issues within a Hive, which can involve self-resolution within the Hive or escalation to the Swarm team for assistance.
8. Project Dissolution: If a project cannot proceed or encounters issues, it may be dissolved, and any earned Amber is handled accordingly.
9. Hive Dissolution: When a Hive disbands or no longer functions as a group, the distribution of any remaining Amber is determined, usually involving equal distribution among members and the Hive Leader.
10. Perks and Benefits: Rewards that can be obtained by redeeming earned Amber in the Amber Store. These rewards may include software licenses, training opportunities, or other offerings.
11. Membership Criteria: Specific requirements or qualifications set by Hive Leaders for individuals seeking to join their Hive.
12. Hive Reputation: The collective reputation and skillset of a Hive, which can influence project opportunities and Amber rewards.

Creating a hive

1. Eligibility: To become a member of a Hive on Swarm, you must be a registered user of the Swarm app and meet any additional eligibility criteria set by the Hive Leader.‍
2. Becoming a Hive Leader: To create a Hive within the Swarm, an individual must be appointed as a Hive Leader. Hive Leaders are selected by Swarm's team based on their expertise and willingness to lead a group of fractional tech professionals.‍
3. Setting Membership Standards: Hive Leaders are authorized to establish membership standards and criteria. They decide who qualifies for membership and set the bar for the skills and qualifications that members should possess.‍
4. Reputation Staking: By inviting members to their Hive, Hive Leaders stake their reputation on the professional conduct and abilities of their Hive members. Hive Leaders must ensure that their Hive maintains a high level of professionalism.‍
5. Working with the Swarm Team: Hive Leaders collaborate with key account managers (KAMs) from the Swarm team to qualify clients and projects. They work together to determine whether a particular project aligns with the Hive's capabilities and objectives.

Hive Leadership

1. Inviting and Vetting Members: Hive Leaders have the responsibility to invite members to join their Hive. They should exercise diligence in vetting potential members to ensure alignment with the Hive's values and goals.‍
2. Project Decision Making: Hive Leaders have the authority to decide whether their Hive will take on a project or refer it to other members. This includes assessing the project's fit with the Hive's skills and capacities.‍
3. Maintaining Hive Reputation: Hive Leaders are accountable for their Hive's overall reputation. Ensuring that Hive members maintain high standards of professionalism and quality work is essential to uphold this reputation.‍
4. Facilitating Hive Activities: Hive Leaders are responsible for fostering engagement and collaboration within their Hive. This includes initiating discussions, setting goals, and facilitating activities that contribute to the Hive's success.‍
5. Stakeholder Communication: Hive Leaders serve as the primary point of contact between their Hive and the Swarm team. Effective communication with the assigned KAM ensures smooth project allocation and coordination.‍
6. Conflict Resolution: In the event of conflicts within their Hive, Hive Leaders are expected to initiate conflict resolution processes and, if necessary, escalate them to the Swarm team via their account manager.‍
7. Hive Amber Rewards Distribution: As projects are completed, Hive Leaders manage the distribution of Amber rewards earned by their Hive. This involves ensuring equitable distribution among members and handling disputes if they arise.‍
8. Transparency: Hive Leaders are encouraged to maintain transparency in their decision-making processes and project allocation. Open communication fosters trust and collaboration within the Hive.

Hive Creation and Leadership

• Hives are fractional micro-agencies on Swarm, formed by a Hive Leader appointed by the Swarm team.
• Hive Leaders have the responsibility to invite, vet, and vouch for members within their Hive.
• Hive Leaders have decision-making authority over project selection, either accepting, referring, or rejecting projects.

Membership

• Hive Leaders set their membership criteria and standards for allowing members to join.
• Membership is expected to self-moderate, given the smaller group size, and is subject to Hive Leader approval.

Project Allocation

• Hive Leaders work with a Key Account Manager (KAM) from the Swarm team to qualify clients and projects.
• The Hive Leader makes decisions on which projects to take on and which to refer to or reject based on criteria set by the Hive.

Amber Rewards

• Hives can earn Amber by taking on projects, potentially up to 4% of the project contract value.
• Half of the earned Amber goes to individual builders involved in the project, and the other half goes to the Hive's pool.
• Specific perks and benefits for Amber redemption are determined by the Hive Leader and members.

Hive Dissolution

• In the event of Hive dissolution, the Swarm team will facilitate the distribution of the remaining Amber on a case-by-case basis.
• By default, the team will distribute Amber equally between members and the Hive Leader.

Amber Redemption

• Hive members can redeem perks and benefits from the Amber store on the platform in exchange for earned Amber.

Exit Mechanism

• Members can escalate exit requests to their Hive Leader or their assigned Swarm Key Account Manager.
• In cases of a toxic Hive Leader, members should have a way to exit the Hive without Hive Leader involvement.

Conflict Resolution

• Hives are encouraged to resolve conflicts internally.
• If conflicts become too challenging, members can escalate issues to the Swarm team through their Key Account Manager.

Please note that these terms and conditions are subject to change and may evolve as Hives on Swarm develops and matures.

Joining a hive

1. Membership Invitation: Acceptance into a Hive is by invitation only. Prospective members may express their interest in joining a Hive, but final membership decisions rest with the Hive Leader.‍
2. Acceptance Criteria: Hive Leaders have the discretion to set criteria and standards for membership. This includes evaluating a potential member's skills, qualifications, and alignment with the Hive's goals.‍
3. Commitment to Hive Values: Members are expected to uphold the values and standards set by the Hive Leader. This includes demonstrating professionalism, contributing to the Hive's success, and fostering a positive and collaborative environment.‍
4. Reputation Staking: By accepting membership into a Hive, members acknowledge that the Hive Leader has staked their reputation on their conduct and capabilities. This mutual trust is essential for maintaining the integrity of the Hive.‍
5. Compliance with Swarm Policies: Hive members must adhere to all policies and guidelines set forth by the Swarm platform. Failure to comply may result in sanctions or expulsion from the Hive.

Taking on projects

1. Project Evaluation: When a project opportunity arises, the Hive Leader, in coordination with the Hive, evaluates the project's suitability. This includes assessing the project's alignment with the Hive's capabilities, resources, and availability.‍
2. Client Interaction: Members may interact directly with clients as part of project execution. Professionalism, clear communication, and adherence to project timelines are expected at all times.‍
3. Quality Assurance: Members are responsible for delivering high-quality work in line with the project's requirements and the client's expectations. Quality assurance and peer review within the Hive are encouraged.‍
4. Project Timeline: Projects must be executed within agreed-upon timelines. Delays or setbacks should be promptly communicated to the client and the Swarm team.‍
5. Client Satisfaction: Client satisfaction is a top priority. Members should strive to ensure that clients are pleased with the project's outcome and the quality of work delivered.‍
6. Conflict Resolution: In cases of disputes or conflicts related to project execution, members are encouraged to resolve these issues within the Hive. If resolution proves challenging, escalation to the Hive Leader or the Swarm team may be necessary.‍
7. Hive Reputation: The successful execution of projects contributes to the reputation and credibility of the Hive within the Swarm community. Members are encouraged to maintain the Hive's positive standing.‍
8. Amendments and Changes: Any amendments or changes to project details or scope should be communicated to the client, the Hive Leader, and the Swarm team for approval.

Hive Amber and Benefits

1. Earning Amber: Hives have the potential to earn Amber by successfully completing projects within the Swarm app. This Amber is divided into two parts: individual and group.‍
2. Individual Amber: Half of the Amber earned from a project is allocated to the individual members who participated in the project. This serves as a reward for their contribution and can be used for personal benefits and perks.‍
3. Group Amber: The remaining half of the Amber is pooled into the Hive's collective Amber balance. The Hive Leader and members decide on how this Group Amber is utilized, ensuring benefits that enhance the collective experience.‍
4. Amber Redemption: Members can access the Swarm Amber Store within the Application. Here, they can redeem their individual Amber for a variety of perks and benefits available in the store.‍
5. Benefits and Perks: Specific benefits and perks available for redemption in the Swarm Amber Store will vary. These may include but are not limited to team licenses for software tools, group discounts on professional services, access to exclusive events, and more.‍
6. Amber Payouts: The Swarm team will facilitate the distribution of Amber rewards to the Hive members following the successful payment and positive review from a client. It is the responsibility of the Hive Leader to ensure (review being positive), equitable distribution within the Hive.‍
7. Amber and Hive Dissolution: In the event of Hive dissolution, the Swarm team will intervene to ensure fair distribution of any remaining Group Amber among the members and the Hive Leader.

Exiting hive as a leader

1. Voluntary Exit:
2. Hive Leaders have the autonomy to decide when to step down from their leadership role within a Hive. A Hive Leader may voluntarily exit their position for various reasons, including personal or professional commitments.
3. Appointment of a Successor:
4. When a Hive Leader decides to exit their leadership role, it is their responsibility to appoint a successor from within the Hive members. The successor will take on the role of Hive Leader and assume leadership responsibilities.
5. Communication with Hive Members:
6. The exiting Hive Leader should communicate their decision to the Hive members promptly. This ensures transparency and allows for a smooth transition of leadership.
7. Supporting the Successor:
8. Hive Leaders should collaborate with their appointed successor to facilitate a seamless transition of leadership. This includes transferring any relevant information, responsibilities, or ongoing projects to the new Hive Leader.
9. Timely Handover:
10. A Hive Leader should work closely with the Swarm team to ensure that all necessary administrative actions related to leadership transition are executed in a timely manner.
11. Post-Exit Involvement:
12. Hive Leaders who step down may choose to continue as a regular Hive member. Their involvement in projects and activities within the Hive may continue as decided by the new Hive Leader and the other Hive members.

Exiting hive as a member

1. Voluntary Exit: Hive members have the autonomy to choose their level of engagement within a Hive. Should a member decide to leave a Hive voluntarily, they must follow the internal Hive processes, which may include notifying the Hive Leader.‍
2. Escalation and Conflict Resolution: In cases where a Hive member faces challenges exiting a Hive, such as a uncooperative Hive Leader, they have the option to escalate the matter. Members can escalate the issue to their assigned Swarm KAM for guidance and resolution.‍
3. Hive Leader Accountability: Hive Leaders are responsible for ensuring a smooth exit process for members. They are expected to facilitate a member's exit promptly upon request, respecting the member's decision.‍
4. Resolution of Disputes: Should conflicts or disputes arise during the exit process, members can seek resolution assistance from the Swarm team through their KAM. The Swarm team will work to address the issue and find an amicable solution.‍
5. No Retaliation: Hive members should feel secure and confident in their ability to exit a Hive without fear of retaliation or negative consequences from other Hive members or the Hive Leader.‍
6. Timely Communication: Both exiting members and Hive Leaders are encouraged to maintain open and transparent communication throughout the exit process to ensure clarity and cooperation.

Disclaimers

1. Independent Collaboration: Hives on Swarm facilitates collaboration among fractional tech professionals. However, each Hive is an independent entity, and Swarm does not govern the internal workings, decisions, or actions of any Hive.
2. Community-Driven: Hive Leaders are responsible for inviting and vetting members. Swarm encourages members to actively engage and self-moderate their Hives. We do not endorse or control the membership criteria set by Hive Leaders.
3. Amber Rewards: Earnings in Amber by Hives and their members depend on successfully completed projects. Swarm is not liable for specific earnings or the use of Amber rewards, which are determined by the Hives themselves.
4. User-Created Content: Swarm features user-generated content, including Blocks, Canvases, and Hives. Swarm does not endorse or verify the accuracy, quality, or legality of user-generated content. Users are responsible for the content they create and share.
5. Project Outcomes: Swarm connects users for project opportunities, but we do not guarantee project success or outcomes. Users should exercise due diligence in evaluating projects and collaborators.
6. Platform Changes: Swarm reserves the right to modify platform features, terms, and policies. Users are encouraged to review our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy regularly for updates.