Hive is an ecosystem. It is alive. That means is grows and changes with time. Over the past few months we saw a lot added, a trend that we can expect to continue.
This is the beauty of open and decentralized. We are at the whim of the community and whatever ideas that come to mind. Whereas centralized entities have a system that all follow, a platform like Hive presents the opportunity and it is up to individuals to forge their own paths. They have the freedom to create as they see fit. Ultimately, the user base decides what will succeed.
Some have a vision while other simply start down a path to see where it takes them. Collectively, this makes us our ecosystem. A bunch of individuals who are pursing their own interests while following the parameters outlined by the code.
The collective is protected by said code. It is what makes the commons hold up. Traditionally, commons had difficulty scaling since, ultimately, individual self-interest overrode all else. We often ended up seeing the Golden Goose destroyed.
Blockchain answers some of these issues. No longer is localized trust required. The blockchain acts on behalf of all and protects the collective interest. Whatever is coded into the blockchain is what all must adhere to. It is within this context that we can scale and grow.
Individuality is thus formed from this basis. Each are free to create, add, and build as he or she sees fit. Within the open context of software, one can also take what is created as a basis, add to it, and develop something else for others to follow.
Many feel the identity does not change over time. To me, this is an impossibility. Anything that is alive must evolve. It is a law of nature. Nothing stays the same. Over the last 4 years, Hive has changed a great deal.
Again, this is something we can expect to not only continue but also accelerate.
There was a post the other day by 
The first is with regards to SMTs. This is something that many of us were looking towards for far too long. As of now, the community has nothing concrete on this end. Hive-Engine was developed to fill the void, which it did to a degree. Token creation is available on Hive. That said, it is not the same as being available at the base layer.
Nevertheless, this was addressed.
Obviously, this would be a major game changer (as well as a relief) for the Hive community. While nothing is certain at this point, it is evident that it is going to be pursued. Some type of token creation at the base layer is vital. What is interesting is the code for all that is out there is going to be looked it. The presumption that the SMT protocol is the best might not be accurate. Since that project was started, a lot of software was developed within the industry that might provide a better solution.
Ultimately, if we do not keep evolving, we are dying.
Another comment was one that I did not give much consideration to yet could be of great appeal. The Hive blockchain has a reward system built in. This is what makes it specialized since that is coded at the base layer. Thus far, that model was followed by the other projects developed on Hive.
However, does that need to be the case? Once again, we see a comment that helps to explain this.
@blocktrades/weekly-update-on-hf24
The intent is to build a layer 2 solution that offers a different reward system. Bear in mind, the base layer system would still be the same. This would not replace what is already being used. Hive would still operate as always and the tribes could continue as they are. However, it appears that another alternative would be provided, giving projects a choice as to how they approach things.
Hive evolving over time through development.
Of course, this is not the only manner which things are progressing. Individuals are starting to find a path that suits them. Many are using Hive as a means of potential wealth creation outside the base token. In fact, it appears, based upon the posts I see, many are concentrating efforts in this direction. Whether it is Splinterlands, DCity, LEO, NEOXAG, or eXode, many are finding success in these different applications.
In fact, the Leofinance team put out a post about a week ago that compared the payouts that individuals were getting in LEO as compared to HIVE. Not surprisingly, there are many authors who are earning as much, if not more, in LEO than they do in Hive.
@steem.leo/hive-and-leo-author-rewards-or-authors-who-earn-more-in-leo-than-in-hive
NFT Showroom is a recent addition to the Hive community. It allows artist to post their digital works for sale and provide an opportunity for buyers to acquire artwork they like. Using NFT technology, the entire path of ownership can be traced. Ultimately, this concept is going to be expanded into many rooms, with the next created focusing upon photography as explained in this post.
The identity of Hive is expanding. What was once solely a blogging platform now is so much more. Ethereum started out trying to become the virtual computer of the Internet. It might still reach that end. On the path towards that, however, it became the defacto place to put together an ICO. During that time, we saw some of the potential of NFTs with CryptoKitties. Now, we see Ethereum swallowing up the bulk of the DeFi activity.
Hive is following a similar path. While not at the same level as Ethereum, it is changing as more is added. Individuals are finding that Hive is a place to get involved with different applications or communities and start to experience Web 3.0. Unlike Web 2.0 platforms, consumers can actually be producers, thus getting rewarded for their participation. This is true whether one is blogging, curating, playing a game, or simply being involved in a community via delegation.
All have the ability to be rewarded through many different means. A again in popularity could end up making some of these rewards very valuable over time.
And best of all: It is safe to say that more is to come.
Hive keeps growing and evolving.
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