![ede.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/jongolson/48SNZt8xpZJP7YSPaP4jhbiNNw9q34KmMSkAkRaybFJQQ7QkycF2z1Etd5J8MuEFAm.png)


Deep thoughts by Jongo...

I've been scratching my head over why so many people know about Hive, yet don't seem to jump on board and fully embrace this blockchain.

What could it be?

#### Downvotes?

There are those that say downvotes are the main reason people stay away from Hive.  I'm sure some feel slighted and have left for greener pastures, but downvotes are a part of the blockchain and have been since day one.  Personally, I'd love to see less downvoting on opinions and more downvotes to protect the chain from abuse, but I do understand why they are here.  Still, I'm not sure this is the reason people come and go...

#### Ease Of Use?

When you first join Hive, there's a big learning curve!  You start hearing about '*memo keys and posting keys*' and all you are used to is a password.  Combine that with the fact there is no 'retrieve password' function and this may scare off some.  Oh man, and then you need to start learning about front ends, HBD, resource credits....There's a lot.  Still, this can always be improved but I'm not sure that scares the majority away.

#### The Tribes

I'm not talking about the layer 2 tokens here, I'm talking about the 'circle of friends' in different niches and communities.  It's a tough nut to crack and people are very protective about who gets in and who has to show and prove.  And rightfully so, a lot of these communities on Hive have been 'friends' since the previous blockchain.  There is a sense of belonging to these communities, and for a new person looking from the outside, it can seem daunting to show up and try to fit in.  I think this may play a bigger role than we may admit.

#### The Culture on Hive

What is delegated proof of stake?  What is Hive Engine? What is Splinterlands? What the heck is PeakD? LeoFinance?  I can go on and on...Each one of these communities and circles have their own unique culture.  You can talk to someone in LeoFinance and then talk to the same person in Splinterlands, the culture is completely different.  And that's to be celebrated I think...However, for someone new, they may not know where they fit in right away.  It takes time...

I believe it may be a combination of all of these factors and I'm sure we can come up with more however for me, I think it comes down to the last 2 the most.

You see, a lot of people find out about Hive because of it's social media elements.  And then they hear about the rewards and it gets them curious.  They go through the sign up process, learn the terms and how the front ends operate but then they come to a fork in the road.

That fork is.....

You are either going to learn the culture and become part of a tribe / community...This is going to take an investment in time and effort.  It won't happen overnight and there is no guarantees.  

Or...

Give it a try for a few weeks, don't earn what you think you should and give up.

I mentioned this on yesterday's Crypto Maniacs podcast and it's something I've taught in the CTP circle for years.  Entrepreneurs (content creators too) are a strange bunch because you work your butt off, sometimes much more than 40 hours a week...For the OPPORTUNITY to generate income.

*No guarantee.*

*No punching clocks with a boss over your shoulder.*

And that's a tough lesson for people to learn that don't want to put in the effort needed on Hive.  Plugging into a community / tribe and learning the culture of it takes time and effort. I have seen over my years here a number of amazing creators come and go, and I do feel the biggest reason they left was...They didn't understand the amount of time and effort it takes here to...Fit in.

And by fitting in I mean, becoming a valuable member of a community and tribe. Adding more value than you are taking out.  Showing up every day for years.  And not abandoning ship when times got rough....

**We're unique!**  This place has it's quirks for sure.  But I'll tell you what, every second I have invested into this blockchain, has been worth it a million times over.  Put in the effort and time, I think you'll agree in the future.

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