I often wonder what makes me use Hive daily. When the problems that you outline irritate me hourly. Then you nailed it when I reread your opening paragraph.

this complexity is probably what keeps us here. But I’m also well aware it doesn’t suit everyone.

I'm attracted to Hive because of its complexity. Simple shit doled out on modern social media bores me to tears. And it's in my DNA.

When most of my generation were obsessed with the Top 20, I was checking the new album releases. And forgive the UK references. But while they watched Top of the Pops and adored the daytime radio DJs, I was watching The Old Grey Whistle Test or listening to John Peel.

In fact anything offbeat attracts me. Which is invariably more complex than the norm. But who wants to be normal?

Hive Retention Rate

I realised something about retention rates when I ran online forums. Many forum contributors wanted simple answers to complex questions. And most didn't know what they wanted. So the vast majority of them went to the trouble of registering. Then never posted. Or just posted once and never responded to their replies.

Almost as many were only there for self promotion. So I often felt like giving up. But 1 in 1,000 people would engage with replies to their posts. 1 in 10,000 would become regular contributors. And 1 in 100,000 became super fans. People who I came to rely on to provide genuine support to members seeking help.

Hive Humanity

Along the way, differences of opinion might cause concern. But that's the same in any passionate group of people. Many will avoid the group to avoid making effort. Losing out on unique moments of Hive Humanity

So let's celebrate the rich complexity of our communities. As measured by the expected low retention rates. Because dumbing down to attract more quick buck seekers is not the Hive way. In my humble opinion.

!BBH

P.S. MenO, I promise to stop moaning about down voting. Instead, I will celebrate its controversial contributions to our rich, complex Hive culture.