This post is two years old, and refers to Steem rather than Hive. Is all of this still valid today?
And, if I understand correctly, I need to sponsor other members in order to become a member? That is a little confusing, but I think I get it? Where does the sponsorship go, then, exactly?
Watch me write my stupid questions out on the blockchain where they will be permanently there for all to see. Ha! Weird Al said, "Dare to be stupid," and I dare!
Each enrollment transaction creates dedicated support for two accounts: the sponsored account, and the enrolling account.
In effect, it's an account-based curation system. The sponsorship goes to support the account that you sponsor, and the support for your own account is paid for by the curation rewards we earn from supporting the account you sponsor.