I’m having a conversation with my older brother about the social nuance that is Hive. The truth is, for most of us who remain all these years later, this complexity is probably what keeps us here. But I’m also well aware it doesn’t suit everyone.
In fact, I often find myself explaining to people that the social nuance of Hive isn’t that different from “real life,” so to speak. Most of the time in life, it’s not only about what you know, but who you know. And sadly, I admit, sometimes the who outweighs everything else.
We may be upset about this reality—I certainly can be. But the truth is we can’t really change that human bug (or feature, depending on who you ask).
I like to think I operate in reality, and I recognized the similarities quite early too. Of course, I’m human. I’m flawed. I’ve made mistakes here as well. But then again, haven’t we all in real life?
A friend called me today, and we ended up talking again about Hive’s retention challenge. Because yes—it is a challenge. Keeping people here and engaged is the formula none of us have cracked. Yet we old dogs keep trying. Sadly, nothing he said was new to me: content discovery, the loss of hype, the whale circle-jerking… absolutely nothing.
Sometimes when I hear or read people complain about Hive and its distribution, I feel like I’m watching Groundhog Day for the 100th time. I haven’t heard a fresh insight in a while, and I doubt I will anytime soon.
The thing is, we can’t have it both ways. We can’t demand full control over our online footprint, free from algorithms that manipulate us, and at the same time be angry our posts aren’t magically served to consumers. Upset that the feed isn’t showing our writing to whales with big upvotes. Those two ideas, my friends, are as incompatible as Britney Spears in a silent retreat for inner soul-searching.
Again, I’ll admit that social nuance is complex. That our ideas of merit exist within a scope. I’ll admit even us old dogs can’t agree on solutions. I’ll admit it all. But here’s the kicker: I don’t want to hear the same things over and over.
If you want to contribute with solid ideas—or better yet, implement them—then I’m here for it. I’ll support you if I can. If you want to complain and sing the same tired song I’ve been hearing for eight years, I’ll be a friend and listen. But don’t expect me to sing along with you.
MenO
