As we all know, witnesses are the backbone of the Hive platform—the unsung heroes who ensure everything runs smoothly. They operate critical nodes that keep the platform alive and thriving. Without witnesses, Hive wouldn’t exist, and without us, there would be no content to share and engage with, which is why we need to get familiar with who our witnesses are.
That's why I've created this special edition of "Meet Our Hive Witnesses."
This interview series aims to connect with our witnesses, giving you a closer look at the people who keep Hive running. We’ll dive into their work, motivations, and insights through a series of thoughtful questions.
It is the second edition of meet our hive witnesses interview and before I continue with the introduction of the next witness that has honoured us to be interviewed, I'd like to say that, as a Hive user who want to see this platform continue to grow and flourish, we all have 30 votes to cast for any Hive witness of our choice and I will say this is the most important 30 votes you will ever cast on this platform for any of witnesses that you deem it fit.
In this episode, I am excited to bring to you the crypto PIMP, our second witness interviewee, a committed witness and developer, who goes by the name @enginewitty
Welcome to my interview and thanks for the honor @enginewitty
"Disclaimer: this is all opinion and should only be taken as such. Also, I appreciate your interest in mine. " —Witty
What do you believe is the single most important responsibility of a Hive witness?
@enginewitty I would have to say maintaining their server/node to assure proper transaction processing. Transactions on Hive include but are not limited to; posts, comments, replies, market orders and NFT transfers.
Do you feel the witness election process is accessible and transparent? If not, how can it be improved?
@enginewitty I do believe it is accessible and transparent, I think the biggest issue is awareness of witnesses themselves. I'd go out on a limb and say close to half of all active users (not active accounts, but individual users) aren't even keen on what a witness does or that they exist.
How do you handle the competition among witnesses, and what differentiates you from other witnesses?
@enginewitty Competition is stiff, as I don't think I have many 'whale votes' but then again, I'm also known for not kissing anyone's ass. Add that to me being (and having coined the term several years ago) a social witness, and most people would find I'm probably one of the best things to ever happen to Hive.😜
Do you think Hive’s DPoS model needs modifications? If yes, what specific changes would you recommend?
@enginewitty I don't think the DPoS needs any modifications. It's a great model imo.
What steps can be taken to ensure more transparency in decision-making, reward distribution, and governance?
@enginewitty This is actually three questions so let's go like this:
5A) For better transparency in decision making, I think some of the top twenty need to come off their high horse and post more on Hive - where we all are - to increase community awareness, interest and participation.
5B) Transparency for reward distribution? Not sure what is being asked, it's 50/50 author and curators. Doesn't get much more plain than that.
5C) As for governance, that's almost the same as decision making and should be the same category. All governance is decided by stake so if one wants change, they need to use their stake and convince others to do the same to achieve their goal(s).
Should witnesses have a formal mechanism for accountability? If yes, how would you envision such a system working?
@enginewitty Yes, though the major question is, what should they be held accountable for?
Since you became a witness, what impact have you made on the community that other witnesses have not done?
@enginewitty I've done many a thing, but my 'proudest moment', I suppose would be in reference to savings.
Credit given or not, I was the one that prodded the higher ranks to add interest to HBD savings as a way to relieve sell pressure, entice new investors and compete with other blockchains.
How do witnesses collaborate to solve community-wide issues, and what can be done to improve this process?
@enginewitty As mentioned before, to improve, I think more on chain discussions should be taking place instead of in invite only closed door chat rooms.
Do you believe there should be a structured process for witness succession or rotation to encourage fresh ideas?
@enginewitty Rotation would be amazing. If this place was truly decentralized? I think a 12 month maximum as a top 20 witness should be instituted with a 3 month cool down before they can be reinstated as a witness. Likely won't happen as some people love their paychecks and seats of power.
How do you handle criticism from the community, and how has it shaped your approach as a witness?
@enginewitty Me? Get criticized? Bwahaha! I take it with a grain of salt and see why they are scrutinizing to begin with. I know my shortcomings already, like I'm not an expert developer. But, I also know my strong suits. So, if they are coming from an actual concerning position with a good argument, I will listen intently. If the gouge is from a vindictive or begrudging corner, I'll likely pay no actual mind.
How do you see the role of witnesses evolving as the Hive platform grows and changes?
@enginewitty I think at some point, it will extend beyond the top twenty to distribute the rewards pool more effectively, but we'll need to see tens of thousands more users before that happens. It will also become more political and undoubtedly more underhanded.
Some users feel witnesses hold too much power. What are your thoughts on decentralizing witness influence further?
@enginewitty I have a few ideas I won't let out of the bag quite yet, as I, have not enough HP to effectively get my point across. My question is, who keeps giving them that power?
Everyone reading this, that wants actual change needs to follow the bread crumbs and see that it is still the same people up there in the too 30 since Hive began. You want change or to give them less power? CHANGE YOUR VOTES.
- Witty
It is so awesome finally having a chat with you @enginewitty
Thanks so much for creating time for meet our Hive witness. Have a wonderful day 🤝🏻
You're welcome.
PROMOTING AND INTERVIEWING HIVE WITNESSES IS ALL I DO
