When asked what separates Hive from other ecosystems, many respond with one word; community.
This might sound like something that gets over done. However, it appears in this case it is valid, In fact, this weekend it was on display.
As the one who was "running" the virtual session, this was evident in a few different ways.
Let us dig in and see what we have here.
Hivefest
The people are Hivefest itself were pretty much the who's who of Hive. We had some major developers, project leaders, and large HP holders. There were a number of Top 20 witnesses there, many who presented.
This could be viewed as a circle-jerk where they were all there, spending money, and telling each other how great they are. In reality, we saw some presentations detailing plans that seek to move Hive to a much higher level. While this is outside the scope of this article, it is impressive what some are working on.
One of the keys is talent. Whether it is coding, marketing, or business building, there was a lot on display. This is likely to come from any group that is involved in something for so long.
After all, an Ethereum gathering would likely have similar talent albeit with much greater numbers.
What makes this different is the fact that we are small in number. The contribution of each person is multiplied when dealing with a close-knit community that comes to depend upon each other.
We were show the level that some of the people behind our favorite projects (or the base coding itself) are operating from.
Virtual Community
Here we see another situation where the numbers are relatively small compared to the rest of the digital world. However, we see how dedication and interest shine through.
We did roughly 12 hours of X Spaces. This was a grind for all involved.
What stood out is the number of people who showed up for each broadcast. This is multiplied when consider the time zone difference. We were conducting post-Hivefest sessions at the end of each day. For many, this was the middle of the night.
On Hive, we often discuss communities such as Venezuela, Ghana, Nigeria and Cuba. These are epicenters for what we are creating since it provides them with near immediate solutions.
These countries are facing tough economic situations. Hive is a lifeline for them, allowing them to earn immediately and start to acquire some basic necessities.
It is one thing to talk about this, it is another to see it on display.
The Spaces and Threadcasts were full of people from these nations. No matter what the hour, they were up, trying to learn and find out all they could. Many saw their excitement level for Hive grow as a result of what was presented.
It is easy to overlook people who are tuning in remotely for events like this. However, with Hive, it is a different situation when you consider the potential.
We Are Creating The Future
When we look at Web3, we have to realize that each of us is helping to forge the paths forward. There is no system in place for the attainment. We are the ones developing it.
This means we are designing the future when it comes to Web3. For those who believe in the potential it offers, this is enormous.
Of course, those presenting on stage are a major piece to the puzzle. However, they are not the only ones.
It is a process that is going to take the efforts of thousands of dedicated people. We require projects to spread their tentacles wide. This requires hundreds of people supporting them, and discussing it with others.
While the coding is providing much needed infrastructure, we can turn around and start to enhance the results through utility. Each layer is in need of people.
Here is where those following along are crucial. Collectively is how this is formed. It does no good for a developer to bring something out if it is ignored or not utilized.
No Clear Message
One of the point brought up is that Hive does not have a singular message. What was evident from the stage is the opportunities within this ecosystem are expanding. It is safe to say we no longer appeal only to content creators.
While this is viewed as a negative, to me, it says we are doing it right. This is what decentralization is all about, When people build infrastructure that other use, it becomes something that takes on a life of its own. This is how complex systems form.
They are not planned. At the same time, their intention cannot be summarized or captured.
Instead, we are dealing with each aspect expanding according to its own nature. This is not often in congruence with the direction of something else although they all do serve their role and contribute to the whole.
Once again we see where the community, especially those spread throughout the world, enter. They are the ones who are going to carry with them what is important. These are also the people who will share their results with others.
On Chain Activity
Most other ecosystems have to take to traditional social media to engage. While this can be effective, we know the most common discussion is how great the coin or token is and that it will moon.
With Hive, we are engaging on the ecosystem we are talking about. The discussion is rarely about the price. Instead, many revolve around setting up infrastructure, commerce, finance, or marketing.
In other words, there is a business aspect to this that is not present in other communities discussion. While the principal participants will carry this on, few outside of it.
Yet, on Hive, we have many people outside the project team discussing (and presenting ideas about) the rebrand.
Do we see that happening elsewhere?
Not to the same degree.