Ultimate Guide: What is Hive And How Does It Work?

in OCD4 years ago (edited)

Dear Hivers,

As part of the promise to create quality guide, I am writing this article to explain all you need to know about Hive — and the way it works.

This isn’t another normal guide. It won’t overwhelm you. Or load you with information. In fact, this is the ultimate guide that will show you what is truly important.

Because I will be explaining everything — like I explain to my mom. In a very simple and plain language.

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Keeping this in mind, let’s see the goal of this article:

As you read this, you will be learning five key things. First, we will start with the current trend in the social media. I call it the “social attention” that is in demand.

And then, in the second part, we look into Hive — its past and present. We will also brush into the most important details you should know.

I am also creating simple graphics for those who want to glance through the article. Like this one... which explains the goal of this article:

HiveGuideBasics.png

As you can see, in the third part we dive into the inner workings of the Hive blockchain — we will see are decentralized apps and how they work.

Fourth part is all about the Hive token — and why is it important. And then we jump right into “getting started” — which is only applicable for new users who are eager to join the platform.

With this, let us start with our first part.

Part 1: The Social Attention & Its Importance


To understand Hive, we have to step back and look at the current reality. The reality is: the world now is filled with social media websites.

Think of Facebook. Twitter. LinkedIn. YouTube. Reddit. You can name a few more in your mind.

These are all private companies who started with a good intention — but ended with a mess. All these companies — these social media sites — are now fighting for attention.

They are fighting for YOUR attention.

SocialAttention.png

Problem: This attention is constantly dropping. In fact, for the first time ever, social media usage dropped by 7.7% and this is because people are no longer giving their attention to these sites.

Every month, the revenue continues to drop, with engagement hitting new lows and people really not caring about them anymore. Just think about the number of accounts you have — apps you have.

It is simply too much, isn’t it? We are starting not to care anymore. The big question is: Why is this happening?

I believe there are 3 reasons:

  1. These companies are continuously using YOU as the product. They want your attention and we don’t enjoy being used.

  2. These companies are now designed for marketers and advertisers. Again, we are literally being sold.

  3. These companies are finding ways to keep us "hooked” to their platforms. And who really likes such psychological manipulation?

The worst of all:

None of these sites reward us. They use our attention for their gains. This is where our social attention is incredibly important for them.

Our social attention is their business.

We hate to admit this. Plus, in the name of social, they are controlling our content and designing our way of thinking. In many ways, the social aspect is absolutely fading with centralization of these companies.

This is what led to the birth of Hive.

Part 2: What You Need To Know About Hive


Think about this:

  • What if NO ONE used us as a product?
  • What if NO ONE sold us to marketers and advertisers?
  • What if NO ONE controlled our content.

And most importantly:

What if our social attention gave us something in return? Like some sort of rewards?

With these questions in mind, I want to explain more about Hive. And to understand Hive, we have to know its history:

Look at this image. Each circle represents an important event:

SteemToHive.png

  • In the year 2016, Steem was born to tackle centralization. It started as a New York-based startup co-founded by Ned Scott and Daniel Larimer.

  • Steem gave the power back to its community. It ran for a long time. But after almost four years, Steem was sold by Ned to Justin Sun stating “personal reasons.” This is where things went out of hand.

  • The entire platform was abused and the community users felt a need for a true decentralized platform — controlled by no one yet enjoyed by everyone.

  • In the year 2020 (March), Hive was born to deliver a true social experience with a transparent approach.

Here is the official website: Hive.io

HiveBlockchainWebsite.png

Part 3: How Hive Really Works


Two points to remember:

  • Hive.io is different from Hive.blog
  • Hive.io is the blockchain

Think of Hive.io as Apple (the company that produces iPhone)

And under Apple, you have several products, right? Like the iPad, the iMac, and the iWatch.

Similarly, Hive.io is the parent.

HiveBlockchain.png

Developers use Hive blockchain technology to built apps. These are called decentralized apps. As you read this, remember that Hive.blog was built on top of the Hive blockchain.

Only within the last 3 months, we have several apps built on Hive and migrated from Steem. Some of the popular “dapps” built on Hive are as follow:

HiveDapps.png

  • Splinterlands is a digital card game — now the #1 dapp in the blockchain industry.

  • Hive.blog is a blogging platform built on Hive blockchain. Similarly we have front-ends like @Peakd and @Esteemapp

  • Actifit is a free fitness tracker that rewards you Hive tokens.

  • 3Speak and DTube are video blogging platform built on Hive.

  • Steempress is a free service that converts your blog into a Hive-powered website.

  • DPoll is a polling website built on? That’s right — Hive.

  • Quello is a Quora-like question and answer platform.

In fact, the list continues with dozens of new apps are designed, created, and promoted using Hive.

It almost feels like hundreds of citizens coming together to build a new world… a world free from traditional thinking.

A world where everyone is a king — and no one rules alone.

Part 4: The Hive Token


As you know now, Hive.io is a social blockchain - under which we have several decentralized application. Let’s take an example of Hive.blog.

Hive.blog is your blogging platform built on Hive. And here is where we get back to the social attention part. You see, on Hive.blog, you get paid in tokens.

For every upvote, you can earn Hive tokens. These Hive tokens are the native Hive blockchain tokens.

In fact, we have three of them that you should know:

HiveTokens.png

#1: HIVE (or Hive tokens) are the base liquid currency token of the hive blockchain. HIVE can be powered up into Hive Power. Or you can trade them. Or transfer them. Just think of bitcoin — HIVE is another similar cryptocurrency.

#2: Hive Power (HP) is a simple measurement of your influence on the network. As stated above, you can convert Hive into Hive Power. And when you do that, you can vote others — and give them more (or better) rewards.

Side note:

  • Hive Power are really influential tokens. They determine your influence on the platform. It gives you more control over payouts and allows you to earn on curation rewards.

  • You can also delegate your Hive Power to others, so they will curate content for you — and you earn rewards.

#3: Hive Dollars: Hive Dollars (HBD) are also liquid stable currency pegged to $1 USD. The Hive/HBD model draws inspiration from Steem/SBD.

Now if you read the white paper, you can gain a better idea. I simply want to brush this important fact:

Hive tokens have power. More you have them, the better it is.

Part 5: Get Started


So far, we looked into the basics and started discussing the demand for social attention. Then we explored the history of Hive — and what makes it special.

You also saw the differences between Hive blockchain and the Hive apps. Next, we discovered the rewards — that happens through the native Hive tokens.

In short: Most social platforms want your attention… and they give nothing back to you. Hive works the opposite. It rewards you for your attention.

It operates on a true attention economy model.

And with this knowledge, if you haven't signed up yet, consider joining Hive. The steps for anyone new are fairly simple:

HiveGetStarted.png

Step 1: Join Hive. It is free and easy to sign up. You can also pay a small amount to get your account activated — instantly. Check out the sign up page.

Step 2: Start reading. As soon as you join, I recommend you to read articles (I have linked them below). Because the more you read, the more you will begin to see the power of Hive. Recommend you to go on a reading spree for a week!

Step 3: Start writing. Hive allows 100% ownership of your content. No one gets to control what you share, and so you can share anything anytime you want.

Step 4: Participate. You can participate by not only writing posts but also commenting. By also curating good content. By delegating. And really by building relationship to see the true power of a transparent social blockchain.

Here are some more recommended resources:

Learn more about Hive:

More learnings:

More tips and resources:

Now that's a lot of links!

And with this, I invite everyone to join the revolution — soak few hours into Hive — and experience the platform with a heartwarming smile.

You are guaranteed to enjoy. 🔥

Good times!

Cheers,
Sid


If you liked this article? Feel free to comment and upvote and reblog.

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I wrote 11 tweets - a like / RT would be wonderful! #posh

i know, that's how i found this originally, and i retweeted at least 6 of them.

Really good piece! I love how you articulated about the social attention part.

Oh yes. I wanted to make sure this the foundation was strong. I simply revealed the truth!

Nicely done @sidwrites. 👍 Unlike yours perhaps, not sure anything could convince my Mom to consider participating on Hive 😉, but well written nonetheless!

Hahah! Oh well, really wish to explain everything in a simple way... and hence the reference. Always appreciate your support.

Very impressive article,

I really liked the focus and terminology to the attention economy. I think thats a very good idea.

I really liked the graphics, they were very "Fresh" !

I like the instructional graphics of this guide, it made this a very easy and entertaining read.

I think there is value in explaining the idea of attention and its economic worth first to get people motivated, and then explain the crypto stuff, I really liked that.

Lastly, you finished with clear instructions on joining and the links to more information was really well done.

That checked all the boxes for me.

Great Job. :>)

What makes your comment fascinating is how you saw it.

And that's exactly how I planned.

One of the rare skill to have is to see through the article — and really see the structure of the article. You are clearly skilled at that.

Delighted to win your support! More coming! (:

Some seriously nice graphics going on there my friend, good job!

But maybe abandon the 'Timeless' - that's unlikely - it's an evolving blockchain!

@tipu curate

Truly appreciate your support, Revise!

But maybe abandon the 'Timeless' - that's unlikely - it's an evolving blockchain!

Absolutely. Edited.


OMG Brilliant!

Hahah! Thank you. This made all the TIME worth it. Always appreciate your support.

of course! You are next level!

Definitely I will promote this article to my social media accts.

That's wonderful. Thank you @guruvaj. You rock!

Graphics are great. You have created your own unique brand. Informative post.

Haha! Thank you. I am glad you see it this way! Just doing my bit.

Wow, your graphic skills are improving day by day.

Create one new account with the name sidimages

lol.

But really well written article. This article can always be used as the go to guide when anyone asks what is hive on twitter.

YES! Took me blood and sweat to make these graphics.

Really glad with the outcome. Took more time to create this content. Been thinking about it the WHOLE day.

And writing for another half a day!

I am glad it is well received. :)

Wow!
This a lovely piece.
So well explained.
Enjoyed reading every bit.
I am sure it will help newbies understand the platform better.

I just started playing splinterlands couple of days back.
Its an awesome game.
Would definitely recommend you guys to join.

Thank you, BPM!

Splinterlands is on the watchlist.

HIVE.D!

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Frank the best! Always supporting! Thanks a ton.

Thank you so much for taking the time and explaining as simple as it is! This helps a lot especially for new users like me. Kudos!

I am super-glad to read this. Makes me happt to know it helps. Cheers!

Following you now!

Cheers for the fantastic post as always. I'm hoping your guides get more popular, especially among the newcomers and younglings, since it's been superbly helpful in explaining how something complex can be learned with ease. I've somehow found it a tad hard sometimes, to explain how Hive works in a way that outsiders who've not familiarised with the idea of decentralisation or the blockchain, can understand.

I also love the way you've used these simple infographics and illustrations to make out it all works out, and interconnects! Your point on social media companies can't be more true, as there's always been an imbalanced dynamic, where you socialise and share everything (albeit for free), as those companies reap the rewards with advertising and selling (often anonymised) data.

It's fair to say that platforms like Hive are the future, where one gets rewarded for attention, creating, or just enjoying content. Even Reddit's learning this, since they implemented ETH token on their site, although that doesn't look monetisable like Hive. If anyone ever asks how it works, I'll always tell them to equate Hive Power (HP) like horsepower (hp). The more you have, the better!

Thanks for sharing, and have the best of days :-D

Gosh! This is so lovely to read. I really enjoy the way you explain.

And so I started checking your profile and found my posts. For a minute, I was like: this is my profile! :P

Lots of reblogs are making me smile. Thanks for the support. Let's make this the best year ever!

No problems, mate. It'll at least make my profile better looking, at least at first glance 😆. Good posts deserve a reblog, just to get the word out, especially since I'm trying to connect more with the youth that's joining up. Hopefully it'll increase the chances of them coming across these helpful guides as they're getting started.

Awesome job, you're putting out some great content.

Thanks for the mention of Quello too 👍

Haha! Thank you! Love Quello. Great work.

Really great article..
Will go a long way to help beginners learn more about hive.
I'm glad I read through.

love this

Thank you! Gosh those tips makes me super-happy!

isn't it weird? i feel the same way! it does so much!

Useful article, simple to understand for novices.

I am glad! Thank you!

Thanks for the effort you have put into this, and yes, as an old fart, I appreciate plain English!
Before I jacked in being a wage slave, my field was in Health and Safety, I got so frustrated with the jargon used, not only legalese but the way my peers spoke “remember we must consider safe access and egress”
NO FUCK OFF!
“We must consider how to get in and out without getting hurt” (pretty much an Urbex mantra too!).
Keep it simple, so once again @sidwrites cheers

Hahah! Love the story. And yes, simple is better. Works all the time! Thanks a ton for stopping by. Following you!

I’m always keen to learn,love your articles

@sidwrites. Man! What an article! Thank you for this post. Being new to hive I had so many question, which got answered through you and also learned so many new concepts.
Keep it coming brother. More quality content

Great stuff @sidewrites, perfect for newbies. Just thinking if I were to send this to friends who have no knowledge of blockchain and Hive and whose first language isn't English, these would be my thoughts to make this even more KISS for them:

In the year 2016, Steem was born to tackle centralization - the term centralization came out of nowhere. Perhaps if you mentioned it under I believe there are 3 reasons... then people will be easier to grasp exactly what centralization means in this context

HIVE (or Hive tokens) are the base liquid currency token of the hive blockchain - basic/base currency?

Hive Dollars - after nearly three years on the chain, still no one has managed to dumb it down to my level and tell me why we need both currencies. Mentioning SBD/Steem makes it even more complicated

No one gets to control what you share - true, subject to the community disapproves abuse

Just my tuppences worth....

This is definitely some next level shit. Thank you for taking time out to design this cool charts and graphics and explain the nitty-gritty of the Hive blockchain. Sharing this as far and as much as I can

useful information

What does this mean?

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Error during 'post' broadcast:
xxx has 5682889695 RC, needs 6809051019 RC.


~~~ embed:1419426038141001728 twitter metadata:QWphaEtlbHZpbjR8fGh0dHBzOi8vdHdpdHRlci5jb20vQWphaEtlbHZpbjQvc3RhdHVzLzE0MTk0MjYwMzgxNDEwMDE3Mjh8 ~~~
The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the person sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.

Hi @sidwrites, Thank you for sharing this informative article about Hive Network! Really you have beautifully explained everything about Hive. As a student, I use this platform as a content marketing network. Actually, I am a student of Digital Marketing, Recently I got this educational resource https://writix.co.uk/essay-examples/marketing with lots of information and essay ideas that can inspire me to write my academic essay about marketing. I love to read and write blogs through such types of social networks. Anyway, I really appreciated the author for these valuable guides about this platform.

I got a better understanding, this information would be helpful.

Wow, this is so educative about hive
Thanks for sharing