My personal crypto-winter ice is melting.... and the shoots are coming forth.
Photo by Alexandra Vo on Unsplash
4 plus years blogging on Hive - curating, setting & judging challenges, making others much wealthier, posting to @hivelift on twitter religiously.... it did not go the way I had planned. Not at all.
I started Steem-Hive in April 2018 with 3 Best Case Scenarios in mind, and they have sustained me for 4+ years on Hive. Until recently.
Best Case Scenario 1: the Hive price at $5 would have been enough to resolve all my accrued business debt, or buy me (outright!) a nice home and some sustainable land here in Thailand. A pipe dream? Heck no. When @kenistyles recruited me to then-steem, the price was at $8.17. That number is ethed in my brain!! I weathered the Hive price dropping to $0.09 - heck, it even motivated me!! Cos I was creating Hive that would balloon in value. And seeing it accrue was addictive. I was a HODL, HODL, HODL girl all the way!!
Best Case Scenario 2: the Hive price would remain irrelevant. I would continue to produce content and IGNORE the short-term price volatility. As someone with no pension options in any country and already 58 years old, it would be my retirement money in 25 years. Not that I believe in retirement, as an idea, per se. But it would mean that I could choose to work in less immediately profitable ways, at my own pace.
Best Case Scenario 3: Universally functioning as a currency, I would be able to support my unbankable organic growers along the Thai-Burmese border. I realized back in 2019 that wasn't gonna work and was a bit of a dream, when I understood that Hive requires high-end expensive (regulated) gadgets, strong internet signal and stable electricity. Possible, but more in the 30+ year time frame, than in the next decade. In this part of the world, at least.
My HODL, HODL, HODL was working great - my vote was up, my content was getting reach and I was NEVER short of interesting (arguably 🤣) and socially relevant things to post about.
And then came the Plandemic.
Solo Mama, income decimated with 2 years of no-customers and literally scratching by on 5% of our pre-covid income... I reluctantly decided to cash out some of my earnings for food and essentials like rent and petrol. I had to. It hurt, but I KNEW that it was temporary, and although I was depleting my Hive stake, I was also replenishing it (albeit not quite as fast).
Covid started to draw to an end in Thailand, and then the proverbial hit the fan for us.
The Thai government, DESPERATE for taxation revenue, changed the product manufacture and export rules and started enforcing them. I suddenly NEEDED to ramp up my Thai herbal business and apply for expensive FDA licenses etc simply to stay in business, and that came at a time when I no longer had a financial cushion of ANY sort. I was approached by an investor and had 3 AMAZING, exciting and uplifting budget=project planning meetings. Yes, they loved what I do. Yes, they shared my goals and believed I had an incredible chance to change the world and produce very substantial income through my social enterprise business. But then came the clanger: they asked for a more stable & resilient (bigger) staffing model and demonstrations of increased cashflow before they could-would invest.
And so I had to make a TERRIBLE DECISION (I then thought) to cash out my remaining Hive stake, to PAY FOR the things that needed to happen in order to have "investability". My tiny stake of 5000 Hive might not have looked like much in January of this year, but with the then higher Hive price, it was enough to upgrade our leased premises sufficiently to become an FDA certified production facility. It was enough to pay critical staff(2 people) for 3 months through that process, which matters in a country with no social welfare system and buckled under a collapsed tourism industry. The powered down stake was also enough to enable me to secure 3 FDA product licenses - for our x2 neem based insect repellent products and our Beeswax-based tattoo aftercare product. Those three products alone are now the basis for the cash-flow via export that our prospective investor has asked for. And we have recommenced our investment dialogue for the construction of the Organic Frontiers Eco Center in Mae Sariang, Thailand - a commercial, off-grid production center for our herbal products and a center for teaching organic sustainability..
I started a Hive blog post on June 3rd about our first visit to the mountains in 26 months and it's still half finished in draft mode, cos something in me is exhausted. Sidebar: posting tomorrow. 😁
Why? I have come to understand that the (fallacious) work-hard-win-fast idea I started Hive with is eroded by the need for the Hive price to stay high. That the win-the-lottery model in my head is a gambler's idea, and that real crypto winners, long term, are about social change and not gambling.
I've needed TIME to not post, to drift about and consider WHY I do, and what I'm aiming and hoping for. As I've been reading about bitcoin and the actual crypto winter, I have felt my own emotional crypto-winter and my stash is depleted and I'm starting over.
I'm incredibly grateful to @riverflows - a Hive friend from the get-go - who has messaged me via Instagram regularly and kept in contact. She has been the most stable Hiver I've ever seen. My cynical self has niggled at me from time to time that it's EASIER for her as a teacher with predictable income and social security safety nets, not to mention a husband, and that it's EASIER for her to post when it's not coming from a place of desperation.
It was THAT last thought that led me to understand my own personal, recent crypto-winter, and to reconsider all the reasons I started on Hive, and what's still, of not more, valid.
In the strangest of ways, my recent downward spiraling Hive journey is an arguable BEST USE CASE for Hive!!
- I HAD the equivalent of a Golden-Egg under my metaphorical mattress, when I needed it;
- I WAS able to withdraw what I needed to create a strong foundation for future sustainable real-life business income, using just my Hive;
- I COULDN'T access any government support and I didn't have to.
- I DIDN"T ever spend anything to BUY Hive - I earned all of it it simply through blogging and engaging. So I have actually lost nothing and gained a lot.
It sucks somewhat to Hive today, knowing that my once 0.60 upvote is languishing somewhere around 0.03. 🤣
I have learned that the desperation to earn Hive is probably the WORST thing ever for Hiving consistency. That online Hive relationships MATTER. And that wealth comes ultimately from reading the trends and commitment.
So, 4.5 years on, HIVE had been a financial USE CASE WINNER for me.
I'm back to the same Best Case 1 & 2 Scenarios: build up my stake, HODL as I'm able and think of it as a much-longer game. I fly to Netherlands on 27th July, via Cyprus, to take my daughter to university. Friends have put up her first year's tuition costs and our flights. The income I will generate from my newly repositioned company structure here in Thailand WILL enable her to have a first class university degree (Physiotherapy from Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, Netherlands) and so my Hive power-down actions have benefited not just the lives of myself and my 4 Thai staff (who continue to be paid and have fair trade jobs) but also the future of my half-Thai daughter, who will have a word-class education, debt free.
Sometimes, HODL is held up as the only way on Hive - the best way. It isn't always the case and it's a simplistic way of looking at the world.
Gotta say, I've felt resentful, shamed, vulnerable and singled out by @arcange when my power-down has been publicly reported. It's not a great motivator. I felt like a naughty school-girl being reported to the teacher. 😭 And yes, I'm allowing this Power-down to run its course so we can actually EAT during our up-coming European trip. Get over it. Decentralized means many goals, and many reason for what people do.
The last days I've been reading a lot about Bitcoin, the future of currency, freedom to act outside government structures and the future of crypto.
I remain incredibly committed and optimistic. Arguably more than when I started Steem on Day 1 with a slightly lottery-like disposition.
It feels EASIER to blog today - and to plan my blogging schedule for the days and weeks ahead - knowing that my staff's ability to eat is no longer contingent on the Hive price. I can pay them from my actual business revenue, which was enabled by me spending my Hive. And that feels GOOD.
It feels freer. And freedom leads to creativity.
I look forward to @traciyork announcing the Hive Power Up Day at the end of August. I will be back from my European adventure by then and participating. My powerdown will have completed and I look forward to rebuilding my Hive nest egg. Since the last one served me so well.
Hivers in Netherlands and Cyprus - hit me up in the comments if you're available for en biertje. Or a coffee. @karinxxl - see the comments for rough dates-locations - I'd SO MUCH like to see you!! @riverflows - hugs and wine and my eternal thanks - my guestroom in Thailand is yours, always.
Gratitude for the Journey, the Experience and the Growth. Hive on!!
Get Your FREE Hive Account
With your daughter gone, I bet you'll be an utter Hive demon, posting your great content every day for this Blockchains betterment!!
I think it's kick ass you used Hive to power up your business. No shame, awesome gain. Your upvote value? Pfft. There's real currency in comments too .. don't we know it!!
Thanks for articulating the dilemma many have when needing to power down. I have some sitting in savings as emergency and did you know APR is 20 percent on that? Now I quit permanent work i need that to fall back on. Those who never power down are just lucky enough not to need it.
Hive Demon?? I am planning to be Hive's Own Creative Whirling Dervish!! Care to join me?? I'm TERRIFIED of the gaping hole that my girl moving overseas will leave, and am seriously PALNNING to keep the evenings busy so there's no feeling sorry for myself. I feel a whole deluge of posts about it in Ladies of Hive. 😊
I haven't really ever stopped to look at Hive Savings but, after this trip, I think it makes sense to begin a regular tucking away process each week.
I think a lot of the Hive gurus are, almost by definition, white privileged tech nerds, and they make their decisions (as we all do) from their own prism of experience. This post and the great comments are a GOOD reminder to take things less personally and to just do me, without apology.
Couldn't agree more..that fact constantly is asserted.
Definitely!!!
I'm really happy and excited to read that you were able to do all of that with Hive! That's the use case in my mind, when we need it we can put in the effort all those years have come to. Really glad to see it and see you along this great journey!
Congrats on those FDA licenses that's amazing!
Big steps forward from small entrepreneurial shop and market vendor to fully accredited FDA licensed manufacturer & exporter.
Yes, it IS amazing what we can achieve with the Hive we've accumulated.
Nice to see you here as the crypto winter begins to head towards a thaw... x
Good for you! I'm so glad you were able to get things in a better position for your business. I agree with you, that Hive is for MANY purposes, and pretending like everyone has the same needs, goals, and abilities and is able to follow the same plan is flat out incorrect. Goodness knows I've tried to build my stake as much as I can but I've had to cash out a little here and there to pay the bills, because that's just life. But like you, I count that as a win, because I HAD it to use when I needed it. I think way more people are going to be interested in something like "build yourself an emergency savings account" than "gamble on an even-more-fluctuating stock market."
Preaching to the choir, girl. What an AWESOME Hive Challenge that would make, right?? Tell us about ONE impossible financial challenge that you were able to solve simply by liquidating some Hive. @eddiespino - you're welcome.
It's especially relevant for entrepreneurs and solo mamas and people not quite making enough in their day job....
In the tightening economic times ahead, this is a REALLY compelling argument for using your social media time better and building yourself an economic safely hatch.
I also think women are less prone to the crypto gambling motivation, and a lot of the decision making on Hive is made by techno-nerd males who have a completely different psychographic profile than maybe the end users who would stick at it.
I'm a he, by the way. LOL
But yeah, your comment reminds me about the docu Half the Sky where they were talking about how if you gave money to the men of many struggling families, often they would spend it on comforts like cigarettes or alcohol or sweets and the family wouldn't be any better off; but if you gave it to the women of the family, they sent their kids to school, invested in their business, repaired their house, or made a savings account. There's a real social difference, I think, that of course isn't universal but does count for something. I mean, I know plenty of spendthrift women and frugal men, but there's probably something about society that leads to that norm that it's often the other way around.
I have NO IDEA why my default thought with your profile is that you're female. Consider it a compliment. 😆 But sorry. Only sorta not sorry. 🤣
Half the Sky is an amazing doco, to be sure. I'm a fan. I think in marketing of ANY product (not just Hive) we tend not to appreciate the different motivations the various genders have. If we're looking for consistent Hivers who STAY and work on their side hustle for long term gain, marketing data would suggest we need to be considering the female trigger spots far more.
Hive friends in Cyprus: we will be based in Limassol 28th July to 8th August. @karinxxl and other Dutch Hiving friends: I'm in Amsterdam-Rotterdam-den-Haag 9th August to 15th. In Leersum on 16th. Losser 17th. Drenthe 18-19th. And in Groningen 20th to 28th August.
Coffee or a biertje always a good option.
Damn that hurts to have to powerdown the precious hive to get your stuff done, I know you aren't the person to ever do this..but as we all know, life gets in the way and that should never be a problem to powerdown, because that is what the golden eggs are used for!
Do you have discord? Because that would be easiest to get on the mobile number for a date, I see room for those days in ams/rot/DH !
Mine is karinxxl #8732
I hate discord. But yes, I DO have it on my laptop. And PROMISE I will open it later and find you there.
Same here, not a big fan, but a good one to get in the PM and text a phone number versus dropping it here on the big ol webs hahaha.
Je vindt me wel :D
Agreed. I'm not a fan of sharing my number anywhere much either...
Hive users should stop thinking it's wrong to powerdown. Everyone is free to do what they want with their assets and do not have to justify their use of them.
My statistics include the list of powerdowns for informational purposes only because powerdowns can have an impact on the governance of the blockchain. When a whale does a massive powerdown, it can be questionable.
So I reassure you, no teacher reporting a naughty girl.
!LUV
@arcange(1/3) gave you LUV.
H-E tools | my wallet | discord | community | <><
HiveBuzz.me NFT for Peace
My head KNOWS that after more than 4 years on Hive, but it doesn't FEEL like that when one sees one's name on the list, and it's only HPUD that gets the happy shout-outs.
Hive IS achieving part of its aim when it's enabling us to be free in the way we work and live.
Appreciated your comment very much. Thank you for the love. And the Luv. 😍
It makes me wonder if we shouldn't create an HPDD with Hivebuzz 😂
😆 but you COULD flip it to the positive and invite people to POST about the times they've needed to power down and the best Use Cases they've had for their Hive....
💚
You have absolutely EARNED every bit of Hive acquired and DESERVING of it too @artemislives... It is yours to do whatever you choose, or need to do with it, without feelings of guilt ~ 😎
We, who have followed you, know of the hardships placed upon you, your business and family members over the past two+ years by the nefarious, incompetent government.
My heart is on your side... Best Wishes.
Hugs to you, @angryman - trouble is I BELIEVE in the big picture position of HODL but in the end I'm a solo mama running a physical business in the Covid era with no option of traditional financing. I'm glad to have been a consistent blogger for a long time and had the Hive to cash in when I needed it.
Always when you post or comment, I see my little sweetie MD curled up close. I do miss him so. Hope all is well in your world. x
Thanks for the cyber hugs...😎 I can relate to being a "solo" parent and physical business owner during a time when many other things were falling out of place (even though, that was many years ago)
Oh, yes... Little MD, now in pure spirit form curling up close to you and daughter... the two people he finally found love with, making his end days in physical form. peaceful and happy...
Good on you @artemislives , it has been a daunting and unexpected journey for most of us I think.
I am super glad you have things going in the right direction.
↑Upvoted↑and←Reblogged→
Super-appreciated the vote of support, @jerrytsuseer - yes, things ARE moving in the right direction, albeit not quite in the way I had originally planned. But that's what LIFE is, right? that thing that happens while you're making plans... 🤣
Definitely, that which happens while you are making plans!
The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the people( @artemislives ) sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.
You see opportunities and take them. Living the good life, one in which you can see options and don't get stuck. I'm so happy for you.
I also felt slapped when I saw my name on that list. All I wanted to do is have a bit of liquid Hive! I see @arcange's explanation in the comments here - perhaps only large power downs need be published.
Have a lovely trip.
It's all public information just being aggregated. Those of us who want to know what's going on financially will seek the info out. It's not about naming and shaming.
I DO mentally understand that @demotruk - but if we're looking to motivate people to STAY and ENGAGE and CREATE on Hive then we need to appreciate all the ramifications of what we do, intended or unintended... cos in the end, the decision for a lot of people about continuing on Hive is not only a head based 'thing' revolving around investment. For many it's about finding a decentralized, supportive community built around different social values.
Thanks for stopping by to contribute to the discussion - good discourse always welcome.
It may not be intended as shaming, but two of us here have felt shamed. How many others see it as such? It's unnecessary.
I don't like it being announced either so that's three. Of course people can seek it out, no issue there. But it FEELS like a shame list, even though it's not meant that way. And I HAVE been given a bollocking once by a witness for moving Hive to exchanges - not the lovely @arcange though 🙏
It's just the large whales powering down that have potential to destabilize, not the little folk like us finding balance between contributing to ecosystem as best can and doing what we can to find financial stability in our own lives.
To have felt slapped... yes... perfectly articulated. x I agree with you that only large powerdowns are probably relevant to the stability of the chain as a whole - that and large and unexpected numbers of powerdowns in a short time period.
Not getting stuck is totally where it's at. We're REALLY looking forward to some travel after the covid years... planning and packing.