Given some of the less attractive things and scenarios I have personally witnessed in and around the Hive community in recent weeks which have really disappointed me, I have been procrastinating on an idea that I think would help put Hive further on the blockchain map, while cleaning up the platform.
Sadly where people go drama tends to follow in one way or another. Whether on the blockchain or out there in the physical world the human condition is susceptible to corruption, ugliness and self destruction, it's something I have never understood. As a specie we have so much potential, just like Hive has. But humans being humans all too easily digress from the wholesome path of self-fulfilment.
Hive reflects the real world. It is a unique place with a unique community but principles matter. They matter just as much on chain as in real life. I have been deeply disappointed with some of the behaviour I have seen in recent weeks from some community members including senior witnesses. I appreciate that money is king and many don't wish to talk about this issue let alone speak out but we do need to address it in one form or another.
I fully understand that people with a large stake don't wish to rock the boat. I appreciate and even accept there is a hierarchy innate in the Hive system and that we all have to work within the parameters of that hierarchy if we want rewards. However, I refuse to accept the premise that freedom of speech doesn't exist on Hive if we want rewards.
I had hoped the blockchain was the solution, or at least a partial solution, to all of the financial repression and corruption in the physical world. I wish that the blockchain was the alternative that gives us light and hope. And in many ways it is. It has helped many people in this world of that there can be no doubt.
But the blockchain is also vulnerable. As with the real world humans can go wrong and get it wrong. Throw money into the mix and boom you have a situation ripe for trouble. But the situation could be improved if we had a little more ethical vision from the top, from witnesses and engagement on this issue from the whole community.
It would be good if people could put aside money for one moment and ask themselves what could Hive be? More importantly what can we achieve as a platform and prove to the world? Try answering it and then put money back into the equation and ask yourselves the same two questions again. We could so easily generate the same level and even increase rewards overall using the same DPoS protocol, but adding a layer of ethical conduct that could even be voted on as part of the Hive constitution could take us to new more profitable heights. An ethics layer could even be integrated into the governance structure.
Yes, it would take a lot of effort, as does most things of this nature, but it would not only be in the interests of Hive it would set a standard and serve as an example to other blockchains in my humble opinion. This goal could be achieved better if we had an Hive Ethics Tsar. If you could take a moment to register your answer in the poll below I would be very grateful.
Further to our personal conversations on Discord I would be very interested to learn what 
Peace!