> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://crowdmuse.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://crowdmuse.gitbook.io/docs/overview/background.md). # Background For too long, creators have been isolated in their pursuits, and their creativity has been stifled by the limitation of upfront capital, network, and distribution. Consumer products like fashion are expensive to design and produce. The market is dominated by centralized supply chains and brand conglomerates with deep pockets, existing distribution channels, and vertically integrated value chains. Creators working for traditional brands are paid only a fraction of the value they help create, and they are unable to retain ownership rights over their Intellectual Property. Independent creators often struggle to gain recognition because they lack the upfront capital and resources required, distribution networks to grow their audience, and are limited in how they can monetize their Intellectual Property. Until now, the creator economy has been limited to the single-player sandbox with consumer social apps like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok; marketplaces like Kickstarter, Etsy, and Shopify; and gig platforms like Fiverr. With NFTs, creators can tap into (decentralized) distribution channels to monetize their creations using marketplaces like Zora, Metalabel, and Sound. Crowdmuse enables creators to scale their skills by tapping into a network of value-aligned creators, brands and makers to collaborate on digi-physical products. Much like the days of the Renaissance, we envision a world where creators will hold an esteemed role in society as technology frees them from the busywork of coordination between brands and communities to sustain themselves. Creators will be able to focus on what they do best: create. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://crowdmuse.gitbook.io/docs/overview/background.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.