1. Introduction
These Validator Terms ("Terms") supplement our general Terms of Service and apply specifically to users who delegate tokens to J•Node validators or use our validator-related services. By delegating to our validators, you agree to these Terms.
2. Service Overview
J•Node operates professional validator nodes on multiple blockchain networks. Our services include:
- Non-custodial validator operation
- Automatic reward distribution
- 24/7 monitoring and maintenance
- Governance participation
- Slashing protection guarantee
3. Slashing Protection & Compensation
🛡️ Our Protection Guarantee
J•Node offers comprehensive slashing protection to give delegators peace of mind.
3.1 Coverage Details
We provide the following slashing protection:
- Downtime Slashing: 100% refund of slashed tokens (typically 0.01%-0.1% penalties)
- Double Signing Slashing:
- 100% refund up to $5,000 USD per incident
- 50% coverage for amounts above $20,000 USD
- Annual Coverage Limit: Maximum total compensation of $20,000 USD per calendar year across all networks
- Eligibility: Delegations must be active for at least 30 days prior to the slashing event
3.2 Exclusions
Our slashing protection does NOT cover:
- Slashing due to network-wide issues or protocol bugs
- Loss due to token price fluctuations
- Slashing during emergency network upgrades with less than 24-hour notice
- Events classified as Force Majeure (see Section 9)
- Slashing on testnet validators
3.3 Claim Process
- Submit claim within 30 days of slashing event via josephtran@j-node.net
- Provide transaction hash and delegation proof
- Claims reviewed within 7 business days
- Approved compensation paid within 14 days in original token or USDT equivalent
4. Commission Rates & Rewards
| Network | Current Rate | Max Rate | Change Notice | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Story | 10% | 20% | 7 days | Active |
| Kava | 5% | 10% | 7 days | Active |
| Zeta Chain | 5% | 15% | 7 days | Active |
| Band Protocol | 5% | 10% | 7 days | Active |
| Persistence | 5% | 10% | 7 days | Active |
4.1 Reward Distribution
- Rewards distributed automatically per network protocol
- No manual claiming required on most networks
- Delegators receive rewards minus validator commission
- Some networks support auto-compounding
4.2 Commission Changes
- Changes announced 7 days in advance via all communication channels
- Rates will never exceed the maximum stated above
- No surprise fee increases
5. Performance Commitments
📊 Our Service Level Agreement
We maintain enterprise-grade infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
- Uptime Target: 99.9% measured over 30-day rolling periods
- Monitoring: 24/7 automated monitoring with human oversight
- Response Time: Critical issues addressed within 1 hour
- Upgrades: Network upgrades completed within 24 hours of release
- Security: Hardware security modules (HSM) for key management
- Infrastructure: Geographically distributed with DDoS protection
6. Delegation Guidelines
6.1 Before Delegating
- Ensure you understand the unbonding period (14-28 days depending on network)
- Verify minimum delegation amounts for each network
- Never share your private keys or seed phrase
- Use a hardware wallet for large delegations
6.2 During Delegation
- Monitor your rewards regularly
- Consider compounding rewards when beneficial
- Stay informed via our communication channels
- Participate in governance if desired
7. Governance Participation
- We actively vote on all governance proposals
- Voting rationale shared in our Discord
- Delegators retain their voting rights
- We never override delegator votes
- Focus on long-term network health and sustainability
8. Risk Disclosures
⚠️ Important Risk Information
Staking involves risks. Please read and understand before delegating.
By delegating, you acknowledge and accept these risks:
- Slashing Risk: Despite our protection, permanent token loss is possible
- Market Risk: Token values can fluctuate dramatically
- Liquidity Risk: Tokens locked during unbonding cannot be traded
- Technical Risk: Smart contract bugs or network failures
- Regulatory Risk: Laws may change in your jurisdiction
- Tax Obligations: You are responsible for tax compliance
9. Force Majeure
J•Node is not liable for failures due to circumstances beyond our control, including:
- Natural disasters, war, or terrorism
- Government actions or regulatory changes
- Internet or power infrastructure failures
- Blockchain network halts or consensus failures
- Zero-day exploits in blockchain protocols
10. Communication & Support
📞 Stay Connected
Multiple channels to stay informed and get support.
- Primary: Discord Server
- Updates: Twitter/X (@jnode_operator)
- Emergency: Telegram (@josephtran)
- Email: josephtran@j-node.net
11. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms periodically. Material changes will be announced 30 days in advance through our communication channels. Continued delegation after changes constitutes acceptance.
12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws applicable to decentralized systems and smart contracts. Disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration using established blockchain dispute resolution mechanisms.