Hive didn't have any marketing push since its inception and the growth has been accomplished through natural and organic onboarding. Users came here either for blogging or for the apps and games from here and enriched it once they discovered the integrated ecosystem from here. This is a slow process, but at the same time, we keep things real and governed by the people for the people.
PS: Thanks for sharing the book - The Creative Act: A Way of Being Hardcover, by Rick Rubin. Looks like one book that I would enjoy reading.
There have been a handful of attempts to promote Hive on Twitter but the impact was pretty minimal. The absence of cohesive marketing is partially due to the decentralized nature of Hive. I agree with you that the people who "get Hive" find their way here and usually stay even through the ups and downs in the market.
You're welcome! The books so good I've bought a few copies for friends.