I think that all economic systems will eventually lead to poor and rich people. I guess it has to do with our mindset. When talking about Hive, you're definitely right that new people at first think: WOOW, I can easily make some money here. Than the reality check is there and after their introduction post, they only get some very small upvotes.
Yes, free money doesn't exist. We all have to work for it. Once someone is at above mentioned point, they can choose to sell tgeir small gains for something else or keep building. It's that choice that will make the difference between poor and rich people. Rich people will look into ways to grow their stack while poor people will just spend it (or have to spend it, I get it that if you have only $1, you rather buy food than invest it)
Great article!
Great comment! Yes, I forgot to mention the initial post situation. Why do so many people quit after their first post? This is beyond my comprehension. They have the opportunity to create a new stream of income which is impossible to confiscate and they can use it in a parallel economy. But then again, why do so many people fail to quit smoking, quit on their first week at the gym and drop out of college?
In regards to the quitting after their first post:
I think most people tend to write a second, third,... post, BUT, rather fast they discover that after their introduction, 'the real game' begins...
This leads us again to those putting time and/or effort and/or money in or these who don't.
About your second part, MOTIVATION!
In my opinion, it has a lot to do with motivation. If you're truly intrinsically motivated, nearly everything will work out!