My own 2 cents about HF23 and PUBLIC WITNESS VOTING

	I believe by now, almost everyone on Steem blockchain are aware of the recent hard fork HF23, which took place lately. Hearing about it for the very first time caught me off-guard and left me quite speachless ...

INTRODUCTION

.... it's obvious that the conflict between these 2 blockchains (hive and steem) are only escalating and it's hard not to be affected one way or another. I decided to write this post, since several users have asked me on Discord about my personal opinion on this issue and the possible consequences for our PH community. It will allow me to avoid repeating myself and getting even more upset with entire situation.

MY PERSONAL VIEW

To tell you the truth, I'm absolutely confused and unsure of what to think of it. I have more question than answers. More concerns and worries, than hopes and plans for better future on both chains.

I have only one advice: everyone should be very careful with whatever we write in our comments regarding this issue. I think we're all stepping again on very thin ice and having unpopular views can be very damaging. It's time when one can make new enemies very easily, by simply sharing his own opinion.

MY ADVISE - remove your witness votes

Many of us voted on Witnesses within the past year or two. At the same time "living" our lives here on Steemit, clueless about big politics and large stakeholders conflicts. Voting on Witness was our right, for which, noone has ever been targetted and punished.

Times had clearly changed.

We've already experienced some restrictions coming from both sides. And one can already feel growing pressure. My impression is that since all our votes are public - we need to assume that many users will be targeted by both parties.

I found it ridiculous that everyone is able to view which witness I voted on, and large stakeholders can bully us and others as well for supporting witnesses who they are in conflict with. For that reason I would suggest to remove all (or most) witness votes on both chains.

WHAT TERRIFIES ME THE MOST

Will this event may take new precedence and it will most likely create an environment of lack of trust towards our own funds on blockchain. For the first time in my career within this industry I feel that having money in a bank is safer.

It does terrifies me, honestly. Does anyone else feel same way?

A friend of mine, who is a very well respected developer, pointed out that he feels that holding assets on exchanges seem to be less dangerous than holding on STEEM. How ironic is it? My personal trust towards DPOS blockchains has been greatly damaged.

BOTTOM LINE

It's pretty obvious that the unfolding events are out of our league. We're all just "small fish", who need to find ways to adapt to changing enviroment. Without being "eaten".

So my final advise is: stay safe, avoid having strong opinion on HF23, stay neutral and as far as possible from this conflict and finally: cancel all your witness votes. On both chains. That may allow you to avoid being targetted and dragged into this conflict.

SHARE YOUR VIEW

Please share your view on that particular issue. I read all comments and I would like to learn what others think. Especially members of Project.hope community.
Just remember to be mindful and polite with your feedback.

Yours,
Piotr