MORE THAN USERS (WEEK 236)

I was not planning to write this weekend. Several reasons occupy my time. However, I always try to read the suggestions left by our host @galenkp since I knew this channel. It so happened that as I went through the suggestions, I could not contain the desire to share with the community my thoughts on this topic.

Many people here fail to build solid relationships with other users - and relationships are the key to greater success - so what could you personally do better or differently to build more solid relationships on Hive?

I was just recently commenting to friend @adaluna1973 on the matter. She and I came to Hive at the same time, about 9 months ago, but we already knew each other from other virtual environments we had shared before. Although, it has been Hive that has brought us closer together. We have helped each other during the learning process and at the same time, I feel that we have been building bonds of friendship that transcend the framework of this platform.

I was telling her that I have not been able to do the same with other users here at Hive. My experience in this type of web3 platform is very little. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I discovered this world that revived my interest in writing, something I have always liked. It was the now disappeared Noise.cash platform that was my first time in this field. I still feel nostalgic about those times. Do you know why? Because of the good relationships that were born within its environment and that went beyond its virtual borders.

At that time, we created groups in instant messaging networks such as Telegram. There we could discuss related topics, share our personal achievements or find support to face difficult moments. The fruits of that friendship were also reflected within Noise.cash, despite its technical limitations for more direct interaction. To this day I still have friends from that time when the platform closed about 2 years ago.

I came to Hive looking for something similar. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I have not yet succeeded. In my opinion, there are several reasons. On the one hand, I feel that here the greater complexity and the weight of the technical component of the platform makes it a “colder” environment. The automation of processes such as content voting does not favor the creation of real links between users.

There is a reality that makes a difference when it comes to building strong relationships when I compare my Hive experience with the previous one. In the pandemic, we had more free time and were isolated from other people in the real world. The repressed need to relate may have acted as a favorable breeding ground for the virtual friendships that emerged then.

Another aspect, which I consider important in my case, is that I was not here when this network was created. In Noise.cash I was one of the pioneers. That foundational moment creates stronger bonds between users and somehow distinguishes them. Those of us who arrived later are viewed with a dose of suspicion. It is logical, when it is not clear, what are the intentions of the newcomers. The founders try to protect what they have built up with so much effort.

What I enjoy most, when it comes to content creation, is writing fiction stories. Writers are usually lonely people locked in the fantasy world of literature. I recognize that this is not the best ground for creating friendships. Communities dedicated to sharing life experiences are more favorable for the rapprochement of the users who are part of them.

Since, in addition to sharing what I write, I am interested in the social side of such platforms, I look for ways to diversify what I do. Debating respectfully on topics that attract the interest of other users is something I also enjoy. For some time now, this community has become a space where I can leave my reflections. Here, those who read me, can get a closer idea of the person behind the avatar of @leopard0. That's why I thank @galenkp for the initiative to create this community and my friend @adaluna1973 for inviting me to participate in the Weekend-Engagement.

I believe that time will play its role and the moment will come when I will feel proud of the relationships that were born within Hive. In the end, that's what being a social network user is all about, don't you think?