Thank you @shanibeer!
I love Neil Gaiman's work! This is one good example of how fear/greed holds a majority of people back. Many authors are hesitant to do anything remotely like this because they're afraid it'll hurt sales and/or someone will steal their ideas. I've never found either to be the case. The more we share our material and stories with our readers the more investing in our work they become. Many of my readers feel like friends, I've learned little bits and pieces about them through our exchanges. It's such a rewarding experience all the way around...like being part of a tribe.
There are SO many untapped opportunities here on Hive. Aside from self-publishing, all kinds of businesses could be launched using similar crowdfunding formulae on this platform. If those who are driving this platform can stay focused, keep pettiness/harassment to a minimum, and keep Hive growing the sky will be the limit.
Thanks for the comment and the work you're doing with The Ink Well!