Rebel Earthling License (RE License)

RE License Development Overview

The **Rebel Earthling License (RE License)** is a modular licensing model designed to support ethical, traceable, and community-driven content. It enables a dual-function approach, making it suitable for both blockchain-stored and non-blockchain files. The RE License ensures that all contributions, updates, and modifications are transparently logged, independently signed, and attributed within the project’s metadata.

Purpose of the RE License

The RE License’s core mission is to:

• Empower creators to share, adapt, and build upon original works with full transparency and traceability.
• Support modular, collaborative contributions that enable each part of a project to be independently signed and verified.
• Facilitate ethical and sustainable practices within a collaborative ecosystem.
• Provide robust tracking for files stored on blockchain and non-blockchain systems, supporting a decentralized library of all versions and contributors.

Key Elements of the RE License

The RE License is structured around several key components that ensure traceability, modularity, compatibility, and ethical alignment.

1. Contribution Units (CUs) for Modularity

Each unique input, such as an instrument track, text section, artwork, or code segment, is stored as an independent **Contribution Unit (CU)** within the license. CUs are modular blocks that allow contributors to:

• Independently Sign Contributions: Contributors sign CUs using their preferred identifier (e.g., name, digital wallet, pseudonym).
• Add Detailed Metadata: Each CU includes metadata detailing the contributor’s role, date, contribution type (e.g., “visual enhancement,” “audio remix”), and linkages to other CUs.
• Build Contribution Chains: CUs are interlinked through **Contribution Chains**, creating traceable connections between related inputs. For example, a CU containing a drum track might link to CUs for mixing and mastering.

The **modular CU structure** allows each contribution to retain its own metadata while contributing to the overall project.

2. Collaborative Contribution Log

The RE License includes a **Collaborative Contribution Log** that documents each CU, creating a comprehensive record of contributions across different versions and collaborators. This log captures:

• Contributor Name(s): Listing all creators for each CU in a project.
• Contribution Type: Descriptions for each change (e.g., “code update,” “art enhancement”).
• Timestamp: Date and time of each CU addition or modification.
• Change Description: Summary of the CU’s role and specific change in the project.
• Version Number/Hash: Sequential numbering for non-blockchain or cryptographic hash for blockchain-stored versions.
• Licensing Tag: Specifies permissions or restrictions for the CU (e.g., “non-commercial use only”).
• Sustainability and Ethics Tags: Optional fields for contributors to specify eco-friendly practices or ethical considerations.

Each CU’s data is accessible within the final project file’s metadata, allowing full transparency.

3. Digital Signature and Aggregated Metadata Integration

To ensure authenticity, a **digital signature tool** allows users to embed RE License metadata directly into any CU and the final project file. This signature:

• Supports contributors’ use of any identifier format (name, wallet, pseudonym).
• Consolidates CU metadata into an **Aggregate Metadata Layer** in the final file, which includes:

  - **Contributors’ Manifest**: Lists each CU’s contributor, their role, and type of signature.
  - **Contribution Summary**: An overview of CUs and their contributions within the project.
  - **Usage Metadata**: Guidelines for interacting with or extracting individual CUs.

The **Aggregate Metadata Layer** is stored in standard file structures (e.g., JSON, EXIF, IPTC) for easy readability across devices.

4. RE L-to-RE L: Layered Modularity in the RE License

The **RE L-to-RE L (Reel-to-Reel)** concept is an innovative feature of the RE License designed to enable **layered, modular collaboration**. Inspired by reel-to-reel audio layering, each new derivative of an original RE-licensed work becomes an independent layer—or “block”—in a cumulative, traceable structure. Every derivative work (e.g., remix, adaptation, enhancement) adds a new **RE L layer** to the project, preserving its unique metadata while linking back to the original and prior layers.

This layered approach allows for:

• **Independent Contribution Units (CUs)**: Each layer includes individually signed contributions that are traceable back to specific creators.
• **Adaptive Contribution Units (ACUs)**: Modifications or additions specific to each derivative layer, enhancing the original work without altering previous layers.
• **Complete Derivative Chains**: The entire lineage of the project remains visible, allowing users to see every layer from the original work to the latest modification.
• **Aggregate Metadata Layer**: A unified metadata record that displays the complete contribution history and licensing details across all layers.

With RE L-to-RE L, each new layer enhances the modularity and traceability of RE-licensed works, creating a flexible but solid foundation for creative evolution.

For a deeper exploration of RE L-to-RE L key features, see RE L-to-RE L Key Features.

5. Unified Contributor Registry

The RE License maintains a **Global Contributor Registry** that tracks contributor involvement across all RE-licensed projects:

• Each contributor’s work within CUs is visible and searchable within the registry.
• Contributors can link entries to profiles (e.g., GitHub, wallet address), maintaining consistent credit across all projects.

6. Community Integrity and Flagging

A **Community Integrity Flagging System** is in place to maintain ethical standards:

• Community members can flag CUs or projects for ethical breaches (e.g., environmentally harmful use).
• Flagged entries are visible in the blockchain and embedded metadata, enabling users to identify ethical issues.

Practical Workflow

The RE License Verification Tool supports easy adoption and transparent collaboration:

1. **File Creation and Initial CU Generation**: The original author creates the initial file, logging the first CUs with metadata using the digital signature tool. 2. **Adding and Modifying CUs**: Contributors sign each CU independently and link related contributions through Contribution Chains. All new entries are automatically added to the Collaborative Contribution Log. 3. **Blockchain Updates**: If the file is stored on the blockchain, each update generates a unique hash, preserving the file’s contribution history. 4. **File Verification**: Recipients use the RE License Verification Tool to view each CU’s metadata and verify contributions against blockchain entries. 5. **Global Recognition**: All contributors are logged in the Global Contributor Registry, making their contributions traceable across projects.

Goals for Development

1. **Digital Signature Tool for Modular CU Integration**: Develop a tool for embedding RE License metadata into individual CUs and final project files. 2. **RE License Verification Tool**: Allow users to read metadata, track CUs, and verify blockchain data. 3. **Seamless Blockchain and Non-Blockchain Compatibility**: Ensure that files can retain their CU data across blockchain and traditional storage. 4. **Unified Contributor Registry**: Create a searchable database for all contributors, with linked profiles. 5. **Community Integrity Protocol**: Implement flagging for ethical breaches to uphold community values.

Future Considerations

Future features may include:

• **API Integration**: Allow websites to embed RE License metadata in real-time.
• **Cross-License Compatibility**: Support compatibility with other licenses (e.g., Creative Commons).
• **Dynamic Online Verification**: Enable verification of online content, showing contribution history and metadata in real time.

Next Steps

1. Finalize metadata structure for both blockchain and non-blockchain CUs. 2. Develop Digital Signature Tool and RE License Verification Tool. 3. Beta-test Community Integrity Protocol with a small user group. 4. Launch the Unified Contributor Registry to track and link contributor data.

This page will be updated as development progresses, ensuring the RE License remains adaptable, ethical, and aligned with Rebel Earthling’s mission.