And so once the money in the fund runs out the payouts stop, causing most of your "investors" to lose money, as you're taking a 17% cut.

It might be transparent, but it's still extremely scummy and a pyramid scheme where i can't fathom how most people will even be able to even break-even.

Would AVOID this project at all times.

You're bound to lose money, but hey, you're a ponzi promoter, so you probably know better than me what you're doing.