Ray, you know that I will always be a friend.

The most painful part of this was the thought of losing a good person in my life. Additionally, the first thought that came to my mind was that this was all a test, and if not, then a psychotic manifestation of schizophrenia (which I was mentally hitting myself for not recognizing).

My decision to undelegate was simply due to one thing: I did not believe that, at the time, you had the capacity to maintain leadership. I recall that when I had my own crisis last year, I knew that I was not in a position that allowed me to effectively lead, and I did not want to destroy what had already been built, so I stepped down from my duties as a leader and let the community fly free. I was OK with letting go of a position of power because I knew that it would be better for the community.

Your test was the polar opposite in action. I understand that you wanted to test loyalty, but you did so in such a way that destroyed the community, rather than pulled it together. Naturally, it revealed some negative personality traits, but ultimately, this was a test which was harmful in every possible way. A leader should want to build net positive engagement in the community, rather than put it under this type of stress test with a high likelihood of tearing it apart. It brought emotional harm to good people (not to speak of the financial implications). I hope this makes sense.

It is for this reason - the fact that I do not believe in the implementation of this crucial leadership decision - that I am not going to further engage in any Hive-related activities with you. This is not about the money, and never was. It was about building something beautiful together, and I frankly do not believe that you exhibited the characteristics to do so with your decisions over the past couple of weeks.

While I was distraught by this situation, I will still always be a friend and chat with you. Furthermore, I am still concerned about your mental well-being. Even if done as a "test" or some type of "fun," your actions were sociopathic in nature and frankly every concerning. I hope that you have family and friends physically by your side, and if you do not, please have someone who cares for you, and whom you trust, next to you. I am as serious as can be, Ray.

Always wishing you all the best, brother. May this be the last message I write on Hive, and only for you, Ray.