Diary posts.&#160;  A good idea?&#160;  As at least a <a href="https://www.hmdb.org/" target="_blank">historical marker</a> of sorts on QT's odyssey through the fascinating virtual world of the Hive blockchain?

I think so! 

<p><center>
<a href="https://peakd.com/hive-109288/@quark.top/virtual-community-reality"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/700x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmR8bEHFqeA2MVaAQbXVK4QsgDrSvM3UTpTV7uGuDTMj6F/image.png" target="_blank"></a><br>
<sup>Source: QT's post titled "<a href="https://peakd.com/hive-109288/@quark.top/virtual-community-reality" target="_blank">Virtual community. Reality?</a>"
</sup>
</center></p>

In reflecting on making some decisions about my own participation in it, here is the key to my choosing to write this post, after my first month.

<p><h4><center>
QT's <em>experiment</em><br>
within the<br>
<div class="phishy"><strong><em>Hive <a href="https://peakd.com/hive-106316/@quark.top/experiment-getting-paid-to-interact-with-others" target="_blank">experiment</a>!</em></strong></div><br>
</center></h4></p>

Here are three key components of this experiment, as touched on in my <a href="https://peakd.com/introduceyourself/@quark.top/engespdeu-introduction-qt-enters-the-hive-portal" target="_blank">introduction</a>:

<ul>

<li>Being a very private person, I intend to remain that way.</li><br>

<li>Candor is my preferred method of communicating with others.</li><br>

<li>From my experience base in crypto, I will never enter into a locked smart contracts again. While not technically fully locked, 13 weeks is an eternity, when it comes to investing in crypto.</li><br>

</ul>

These would be prioritized by others differently than I might myself, but <code><strong><em>none</em></strong> of them are fully aligned</code> with advice found in the posts on the @newbies-guide account.

Being a Silver Blogger, I remember when the <a href="https://www.sciencing.com/5-components-of-a-well-designed-scientific-experiment-12750884/" target="_blank">Scientific Method</a> was a fundamental part of our education.&#160;  This post will apply it somewhat as an update on how this experiment is working out.

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmaUpjP6piz9ZftABqrARagF2JbVMZQvxT6S4G9VZUGwRv/QT_Divider.png">
</center></p>

<h2>Checking Boxes</h2>

First, at the core of this experiment is the key word, <a href="https://etymologyworld.com/item/monetize" target="_blank">monetize</a>.

<ul><ul>
<li><sup>
As I first mentioned <a href="URL" target="_blank">here</a>, this Silver Blogger had never heard this word earlier in life.&#160;  Is all that it entails, particularly with reference to social media, too lightly glossed over these days?
</sup></li>
</ul></ul>

> *"Nothing to see here.&#160;  Move along.&#160; It's all good!"*

Ohhh.&#160;  Okay, then.&#160; How did I do on participating and contributing "quality" content?

<p><center>
<a href="https://hivebuzz.me/@quark.top">
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/250x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmQvFexvfF5vdZ5b3ER7h3C574ZQZ7W4NnKE8AirAqfcTg/image.png" target="_blank">
</a><br><sup>
Source: <a href="https://hivebuzz.me/@quark.top" target="_blank">HiveBuzz</a>
</sup><br>
</center></p>

225 comments.&#160;  22 posts, with streak ended.&#160;  10.2 Comments / Post.&#160;  57.06 rep.&#160;  Is that interacting enough?&#160;  Writing ... "quality content?"&#160;  As I stated in my <a href="https://peakd.com/introduceyourself/@quark.top/engespdeu-introduction-qt-enters-the-hive-portal" target="_blank">introduction</a>, I will leave that to others.&#160;  What I am very clear about is that it does not matter what I think.

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

Having said that, of these comments, I have received a <a href="https://peakd.com/@topcomment" target="_blank">Top Comment</a> award <code><strong><em>eight</em></strong></code> times:

<p><center>
<a href="URL Source">
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/600x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmRNJ4wMsv8sNoZRjJmaj7v3QH1HiRu3BZe2NhvYi5BsDx/image.png" target="_blank">
</a><br><sup>
Source: Top Comment's <a href="https://peakd.com/hive-174578/@topcomment/topcomment-weekly-curation-report-week-12" target="_blank">Weekly Curation, Week #12</a> report
</sup><br>
</center></p>

Which puts me at the bottom of the Alltime list, after my 1st month.&#160;  I really <a href="https://peakd.com/@topcomment/re-peaksnaps-stliyo" target="_blank">appreciate</a> this initiative noticing and affirming that I am putting some effort into creating some helpful comments, when they don't have any idea who I am. 🤝 

<ul><ul>
<li><sup>
Note:&#160; It is still not clear to me what tripwire I might inadvertently stumble through in mentioning another account.&#160;  That said, I'll run the risk and try to draw attention to @friendlymoose and his Top Comment efforts.&#160;  Please consider giving him some of your support!
</sup></li>
</ul></ul>

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmaUpjP6piz9ZftABqrARagF2JbVMZQvxT6S4G9VZUGwRv/QT_Divider.png">
</center></p>

<h2>Month #1 of <div class="phishy"><strong><em>Experiencing</em></strong></div> Hive</h2>

<em>Reading</em> content on Hive here and there is one thing.&#160;  Contributing to it yourself, both in creating your own posts, as well as commenting on the posts of others, is <em>experiencing</em> Hive.

<h4>Highlights</h4>

<ul>

<li>The initial appeal of interacting with others all over was definitely reinforced.&#160; This was what motivated me to ever start contributing, in the first place.</li><br>

<li>The hoped for goal of having at least a little bit of thoughtful, genuine, meaningful interaction with others was met.</li><br>

<li>The overall "<em>look and feel</em>" of interacting on the Hive blockchain was impressive.&#160;  I had settled on PeakD's UI as my preference and happy to report that decision was reinforced.</li>

</ul>

<h4>Not So Much</h4>

<ul>

<li>Following what I understood to be "<em>best practices</em>," it "<em>left a mark</em>" still lingering that my introductory post received zero responses, until days later.&#160;  With the oft-stated goal everywhere in the crypto world of "<em>increasing user adoption</em>," I do not know how this could be viewed positively.<br><br><strong><em>Please</em></strong> note well I said responses NOT upvotes ...</li><br>

<li>Comments like <a href="https://peakd.com/hive-140635/@curangel/yqimntwuaj" target="_blank">this</a>, from Curangel, were not helpful.&#160;  If meant as any sort of "<em>behavior modification</em>" exercise, it had the opposite affect from what presumably was intended.<br><br>Yes, I believe I am crystal clear on the intent.&#160;  Since no referenced effort was made to actually look into my account, I was presumed guilty.&#160; 
 That was a mistake.</li>

</ul>

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

Life has its ups and downs.&#160;  Experiencing the Hive blockchain firsthand is no different.&#160; Got it.

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmaUpjP6piz9ZftABqrARagF2JbVMZQvxT6S4G9VZUGwRv/QT_Divider.png">
</center></p>

<h2>Decisions.&#160; <em>Finding</em> QT's Hive <div class="phishy"><strong><em>niche!</em></strong></div></h2>

Following along with the general idea of applying the scientific method to conducting an experiment, what are my observations, at the end of this first month?

<ul>

<li>Positive.&#160; Hive is a fascinating virtual world where one can interact with others all over our shrinking planet.</li><br>

<li>Uncertain to Neutral.&#160; How genuine these interactions are, when unavoidably centered around monetizing them, is debatable.</li><br>

<li>Negative.&#160; Directly linked to the idea of monetizing human interactions, that games are being played is indisputable.&#160; What I have experienced of the checks and balances for effectively dealing with them are questionable, at best.</li><br>

</ul>

<p><center>
<a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/detective-noire-book-cover-vintage-8955675/"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/400x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmcCXonMhy5xEYtTzPpCCeaPtArYC2C3EaKoyZRqYwj7ft/detective-8955675_1280[1].png" target="_blank"></a><br>
<sup>Source: Creator <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/nickpanek620-38266323/" target="_blank">nickpanek620</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/detective-noire-book-cover-vintage-8955675/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>
</sup>
</center></p>

What is a key conclusion I have reached, in summing these up?&#160;  Of all the rich diversity of human interactions encountered inside the virtual world of the Hive blockchain

<p><h4><center>
the <div class="phishy"><strong><em>majority</em></strong> of them</div> <br>
do <em>not</em> appeal to me. <br>
</center></h4></p>

Before publishing, I elected to delete my detailed characterization amplifying on this conclusion.

<ul><ul>
<li><sup>
This sentiment is part of my ongoing discussion starting <a href="https://peakd.com/@quark.top/re-minismallholding-ssm1t5" target="_blank">here</a>, which I have been having with @minismallholding about community.&#160;  Which includes our memories and reflections on how they are in decline and why that is. 
</sup></li>
</ul></ul>

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

What are some resulting decisions then?&#160;  They are focused on a key word above - majority.&#160;  Which fortunately still leaves us with its opposite - minority:

<ul>

<li>There are still good people, with good intentions as far as can be reasonably discerned, actively participating.<br><br> <code>These interactions <strong><em>definitely have value</em></strong> and are worth finding, fostering, and strengthening.</code></li><br>

<li>With its central profit motive, requiring the investment of both time and money, interactions on Hive are better thought of as business transactions.&#160;  Conducted under the guise of generating "quality" content and building communities?</li><br>

<li>The initial <a href="https://peakd.com/introduceyourself/@quark.top/engespdeu-introduction-qt-enters-the-hive-portal" target="_blank">decision</a> to <em>not</em> buy and power up more HIVE has been reinforced.&#160; For the foreseeable future, I will grow my account "organically."</li><br>

<li>By making this financial decision, I have made the challenge of overcoming <a href="https://www.level52.ca/learning-resources/leadership-effectiveness-articles/the-downside-of-results-oriented-cultures-pcjb5" target="_blank">WIIFM</a> more difficult.</li>

</ul>

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

Is there a permanent niche somewhere on the Hive blockchain for QT?&#160; When I decide to next write one of these diary posts, I will give you an update on my answer.&#160; For now, I am grateful for finding some acceptance in the <a href="https://peakd.com/c/hive-106316/created" target="_blank">Silver Blogger</a> and <a href="https://peakd.com/c/hive-109288/created" target="_blank">Thoughtful Daily Post</a> communities.

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/300x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmaUpjP6piz9ZftABqrARagF2JbVMZQvxT6S4G9VZUGwRv/QT_Divider.png">
</center></p>

And with that ...

<p><center>
<a href="https://peakd.com/hive-106316/@quark.top/week-1-pilgrims-progress-of-qt-on-the-hive-blockchain">
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/600x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmVxRkyJudk7cFfx4zUggKoPqbF6Q7E9NiFG8suYMqfU3g/image.png" target="_blank">
</a><br><sup>
Source: QT's post titled "<a href="https://peakd.com/hive-106316/@quark.top/week-1-pilgrims-progress-of-qt-on-the-hive-blockchain" target="_blank">Week 1: "Pilgrim's Progress" of QT on the Hive Blockchain</a>"
</sup><br>
</center></p>

QT is steadily climbing up the staircase.  Taking it one step at a time.

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

From my background, gathering information and making well-informed decisions comes naturally.&#160;  While often not easy, it is essential that decisions be made.&#160;  As I know from hard experience, failure to make a decision is still ... a decision.

For now and the foreseeable future, one key decision reached is I know the time commitment to do any better is a showstopper.&#160;  It is far more likely I will invest less of my time than more of it.

No, I did not say I will not continue to contribute content.&#160;  However the hard reality of this decision plays out, though, will have a direct bearing on how much.

I always have and will appreciate whatever thoughtful comments others may want to share.&#160;  My commitment to viewing my participation on Hive as a partnership is unwavering and undeterred.

Best wishes, until we meet again,
QT

<center><h2>
👋❤️👋
</h2></center>

<p><center>
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/500x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmT2SxtrtCa1BtrWugjqwGyd4gPigLSueVC4yePTgEYAnr/QT_Brand_Closing.png">
</center></p>

<p><center>
<a href="https://peakd.com/c/hive-106316/created">
<img src="https://images.hive.blog/500x0/https://images.hive.blog/DQmcUTapozk65jFnir6qfW9GgQAUiRp7L93JhPiV1VJPuoX/image.png" target="_blank">
</a><br><sup>
Source: <a href="https://peakd.com/introduceyourself/@mondoshawan/re-quarktop-ssfr4q" target="_blank">Courtesy</a> of @ mondoshawan
</sup><br>
</center></p>


<p><center>________________________</center></p>

<p><center>
<h4>🤝&nbsp; <a href="https://peakd.com/introduceyourself/@quark.top/engespdeu-introduction-qt-enters-the-hive-portal" target="_blank">Partnership Pledge!</a>&nbsp; 🤝</h4>
&#x2022; &#160;10% of Post Payout to Comments<br>
&#x2022; &#160;1 <a href="https://peakd.com/hive-140084/@freecompliments/an-updated-explanation-of-hsbi-a-wonderful-service-for-those-who-plan-to-stick-around-hive-for-a-long-time-26q" target="_blank">HSBI</a> to the Best Comment
</center></p>

<p><center>________________________</center></p>

<p><center>
<h4>🤝&nbsp; <a href="https://hivehub.dev/tx/edc2dd59b9a3ff1855b9e28b5341d6dd0346bf08" target="_blank">Pledge Honored!</a>&nbsp; 🤝</h4>
&#x2022; &#160;1 <a href="https://peakd.com/hive-140084/@freecompliments/an-updated-explanation-of-hsbi-a-wonderful-service-for-those-who-plan-to-stick-around-hive-for-a-long-time-26q" target="_blank">HSBI</a> to the Best Comment<br>
&#x2022; &#160;Awarded to @tengolotodo
</center></p>