Many months ago, as the conversations about funding projects on Hive began to get heated, I brought up the possibility that it almost did not matter if we agreed or disagreed, because defunding was in the cards.
Of course, it sounds like I'm being a negative Nancy, but I'm just trying to keep it real, as they say.
You see, there was this implicit idea that if we kept the important projects funded, it would all sort itself out. The hope was that as long as we could retain our talent, we would eventually heal.
The problem with that sentiment is precisely the underpinning.
The only way to keep talent is to keep developers funded.
Listen, I'm not an idealistic buffoon. I have bills to pay too, and I'm certainly trying to squeeze everything I can out of my material possessions. I picked up two jobs recently, and I hope that is the turnaround I need personally.
But that is hardly a solution that would echo into Hive. It doesn't resonate into our ecosystem. Me finding another way to pay my bills doesn't somehow solve the problem of funding development on Hive.
So I want to propose a mental experiment, if you will.
For those who know me well, and for those who might have an inkling of how I think, what would be the sane, normal reaction if I said publicly:
Either I get funded, or I'm leaving.
Meaning, either 
I would hope, and I mean this sincerely, that I would be told to fuck off.
Yes. I mean it.
If any talent is here with such a cut and dry approach to it all, I would say that if they leave, that's a blessing in disguise.
I've never been too fond of fair-weather friends in real life, so why would I make exceptions now?
Times are rough. We are likely to see things get worse before they get any better. That's just where we are.
And perhaps that's not entirely a bad thing.
Because this turmoil, these red screens, these periods where everything looks like it's falling apart, are working like a sort of filter.
There are those who refuse to stop.
Those who keep building when there is no guarantee that anyone is going to pay them.
Those who keep showing up because they actually give a shit about what they are building.
Those are the guys and gals I want in the trenches with me.
Not because they are willing to work for free forever.
Not because developers shouldn't be paid.
Quite the opposite.
I want them there because when things get ugly, their first instinct isn't to look for the exit.
And maybe that's one of the few useful things this current mess is giving us.
A filter.
Let's see who remains when the screens are red.
MenO
