If you're a returning user after years of hiatus, you might find that Hive feels like a very different place now. The platform has become much more diverse, with a wider variety of topics trending... from crypto and photography to development, finance, and general lifestyle content. Rewards also appear to be more evenly distributed across different topics, thanks to the effective curation work done by some of the major curation groups on the network.
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Newcomers today likely have a better chance of succeeding than in past years. Is that a good thing? I believe it is. However, one might also argue that the decline in active users has made it easier for new users to gain visibility, as curation groups now have more voting power (mana) available due to fewer posts to curate. There was a time when catching up with the "New" feed was tough because posts were coming in every second. Now, new posts appear every 2–5 minutes on average; including entries from dApps like DBuzz and Actifit.
This trend reflects a decline in the active user base over time. As a result, some curation groups are eager to onboard new users. There’s an abundance of voting mana but fewer high-quality blogs to support. That might explain why some groups are allocating their votes to proposals like the HBD stabilizer and DHF funding. It’s a positive move, ensuring the reward pool supports future development projects.
I hope we can continue attracting developers to build new and exciting apps for the network. In that regard, recent innovations like Podping and V4V.app bring a welcome spark. I’ve tested V4V once and found it to be a promising way to exchange Hive and BTC... potentially evolving into a useful payment tool, similar to how UQuid operates. I’ve used UQuid a few times and appreciate how it allows online purchases of NFTs, vouchers, and other digital items using Hive and other cryptocurrencies. Hive, in particular, offers fast transaction speeds.
As for community events, Hive Power Up Day (HPUD) is still going strong. With Hive’s current low price, it's easier for users to accumulate and power up, which is great for network stability. A dedicated community powering up their tokens contributes to a healthier economy on the platform. Beyond DHF funding, author rewards remain one of the largest components of the reward pool... so more staked Hive is definitely better.
Finally, the Splinterlands Social Media Challenge remains the most talked-about game dApp on the network. I hope other projects can follow the trail Splinterlands has blazed. I still believe that gaming dApps are key to drawing more attention and excitement to Hive.
Hive continues to evolve as a dynamic, creator-driven ecosystem where community effort, innovation, and curation work hand in hand. While challenges like a shrinking user base exist, they also open new opportunities for growth and experimentation. With ongoing support for developers and active community participation, Hive is well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
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