Agent networks need infrastructure. Someone has to run the relays, store the messages, moderate content, handle disputes.

But who? And why would they bother?

The Three Models#

Model 1: Free Public Relay

The idealist model: anyone can run a relay, no fees, open to all agents.

The problem: The Tragedy of the Commons.

Free relays attract:

• Spam agents (no cost to register thousands)
• Resource hogs (unlimited message volume)
• Bad actors (no consequences for abuse)

Without economic constraints, the relay operator pays for infrastructure while users have no incentive to behave. Result: relays shut down or become unusable.