The Blog of beelzael

Hive has grown on me. It is to me what social media used to be, when it was not all bots, LLM, superficial comments and that entitlement to have the one and only truth. I read a lot here. That includes reading about the problems, like the ongoing inflation mentioned by memo, or the difficulties to on-board new members by acidyo who also talks about inflation and blind-votes.

Controlled immigration or diversity through masses?

To me, there are many things that relate HIVE to our real life, our society, our community. Which makes sense, as it’s made up and fed by humans. But that also allows us to reflect about it in a different way, about how we would like our society to be. Consequentially, how do we want HIVE to be?

One of the main questions for me is, regarding both the approach about marketing by acidyo and my personal experience with other social media – WHO do I want to come and join HIVE?

I know that the idea is to be broad and offer an experience for everyone. But looking at many things happening around the world and the increasing difficulty to spot LLM created content, I’m not very confident in advertising HIVE just everywhere.

Besides being a regular social media, HIVE is an economic system. And that, just like emotions in the destroyed social media, can be exploited. If I were to on-board someone, to let them into what now is also my community, I want them to be a positive addition. Not an extractor, not a scammer, not an exploiter. For that, I need to know them. And I'd like to trust the others who bring people on board to do the same.

Just as I would like for people to come into my culture (refugees being the exception). That doesn’t mean that those people have to agree with me (the only person I brought on board strongly disagrees with me on many points), but that they need to have at least some core values close to mine. Consideration and respect, for example. On the rest, we can have interesting and productive discussions on the platform later.

Is money all we are?

The main argument I always see propagated is “Write and earn money!” It’s a valid argument, of course, but maybe in these times, as the traditional (lol, they’re that old) social media is fake and destroyed by corporations and political propaganda, offering a true platform, a place where the few that still think can share their thoughts and read those of others, might be the better approach. Most people have no idea about crypto, anyway.

I know many people are tired of FB, IG and so on. The dopamine rush doesn’t work that good anymore. But learning does. Having interesting conversations does. Uncensored conversations. Real conversations, without LLMs involved. As soon as I’m ready, that will be what I focus my on-boarding on. Talking to people who like to think, read, write and discuss.

Because that’s what I’m doing here. That’s what I’m trying to do for HIVE.

I’ve run a small business for 10 years now and still, the main reason for finding new clients is not publicity, but gossip. Okay, yes, there’s a better word: referrals. I can target my ads in the best possible way, but it still works better when someone looking for the products I offer mentions that to one of my clients, and gets sent my way.

Who would you rather get on board? a) “I’m always out of money!” – “Oh, here, just write something on HIVE and earn money!” b) “I’m so tired of the superficiality in social media!” – “Oh, here, have a read of #reflections on HIVE.” (Leading statements, yes, I’m writing an argument here.)

They’re already looking for the product. And the product of HIVE is not money, but the content. At least for me (I do love buying my SPL-Assets with HIVE rewards, I admit, but as a side-effect).

The other part is having a client get enthusiastic for a minute and advertise out of pure conviction. A post, a story, sharing my products with friends. But:

There's much work to be done.

My first experience of on-boarding someone was rough. I still don’t know enough about HIVE in order to be a good guide like the ones I have, but I’m working on expanding my knowledge and am collecting a series of posts that explain how HIVE works, so I can explain it later.

I have many people in mind already, but I don’t want them to have a frustrating experience while getting on the platform. The referral system on PeakD didn’t really work, I wasn’t able to claim an ACT, the new member didn’t have RC to post, and so on.

So, I will take my time before I work on getting more people here. I’ll read more, comment more, interact more. I’ll finally write my personal beginner-tutorial (if I don’t find the perfect one until then). I’ll make myself available for questions.

I want to do it right.

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What do you think?

1. Should the focus of marketing be emphasizing the possibility to make money, or to create quality content that is appreciated and appreciate created quality content?
2. Should be try to on-board the masses, or selected people?

Any thoughts and comments, and especially critics on where I'm wrong, are welcome!