The cost formula
For a vote vector across alternatives, Nicolas computes spend as the sum of squared intensities, so a value of 2 costs 4 voice credits while a value of 3 costs 9.
The sign determines whether the vote supports or opposes an alternative. Magnitude determines spend, so positive and negative votes are symmetric in cost.
Why the cost is convex
A convex cost lets participants show deep conviction while making concentration progressively harder. It measures intensity instead of simply handing out equal dots.
The finite voice budget also creates opportunity cost. Spending more on one alternative leaves fewer credits for support or opposition elsewhere.
What Nicolas shows
Nicolas displays the submitted intensities, aggregate support, quadratic costs, delegation context, and outcome probabilities for a decision.
The cost display does not claim money movement, because voice credits are part of the decision model rather than a payment flow.