Am just trying to imagine how different transactions might have been if we didn't have our Hive power locked up for good. I think the space would have been very different, especially at the initial (early) stages where People were lured in by the thought of quick/early profit making.

Having our Hive power locked up for the period has been a necessity to growing the Hive network and keeping us disciplined in our progress on Hive so far. In fact, the entire reward system was well thought out in my view, and leaves us with liquids that can be spent pending emergencies and what not.

Of course our Hive power can still be spent, but at least now it doesn't have to be spent compulsively. You can imagine how many people would have taken action when the price went to $0.11 cents or $3 and the implications it would have had on stability. So far, Hive remains one of the more stable assets in the crypto space largely because of the community.

Backed by Community

I am aware that there are those who trade the token, and they invest significantly more than those in the community. Yet I attribute stability to the community for deliberate reasons. It is the community that gives the token leverage and prestige, and it is holders that instill confidence that we have a value asset present.

From a personal perspective, I feel Hive Power gives a certain amount of confirmation in our personal finances, as well as our community interactions. While it may be a fraction of the $3 it went up to last December, there is always the feeling of gathering more value and it being only a matter of time before we are blessed with even more value.

Again Hive Power is kind of like an emergency option that we know is present, but ignore. I have realized that simply having money does wonders for my state of mind as I am restless when broke, particularly when I have projects or obligations at hand. Even when not spending, knowing I have a backup somewhere is significant and helps put me at ease.

Then there is the opportunity to contribute to the Hive community. While my vote weight is still comparatively small, it does feel good to be able to support other people's work significantly rather than relying entirely on support and being unable to contribute. The opportunity to earn and distribute Hive every single day is nothing short of a blessing.

In this crypto downturn, we Hivers are less concerned with the price fluctuations and rather focused on community activity. That is the kind of project we have, and there is even less temptation to sell than there ever was. A real blessing