If one day I opened Hive and realized the rewards were gone, my first reaction would probably be shock. No payouts, no tokens, no financial incentive at all. Just the platform and the people. The big question would quickly follow: Would I still stay?
When I first joined Hive, the reward system caught my attention. It felt motivating to know that my time and effort could be appreciated in a tangible way. Every post and interaction felt like it carried both creative and financial value. That excitement helped me build the habit of showing up.
But as time passed, my reason for being here slowly shifted.
Hive became more than a place to earn—it became a place to express myself. Writing turned into a way to share my thoughts, document my experiences, and connect with others who understand or relate. Reading posts from different people opened my mind and helped me learn new perspectives. The reward system may have introduced me to Hive, but the relationships and growth are what made it meaningful.
If rewards disappeared today, I believe I would still continue. Not because of habit alone, but because I’ve found value beyond earnings. I enjoy creating. I enjoy engaging. I enjoy being part of something that feels real and supportive.
Of course, the platform would change without incentives. Activity might slow, and fewer new users might join. Rewards give energy and momentum to the ecosystem. Yet the essence of Hive—community, creativity, and freedom of expression—would remain untouched.
In the end, rewards may have been the invitation, but they are no longer the reason I stay. I stay because Hive has become a space where my voice matters, and that is something money cannot replace.
Thanks for reading.
Picture is mine.