Have you noticed something lately? I don't mean Steem going down for a few hours, I mean that there is an air of excitement, like something is building. I was chatting with some regulars and there was a definite change in the demeanour, anticipation of something coming, a hint of electricity in the air like just before lightning strikes. I spoke in DM to a few people about it and they seemed to feel the same and carry the same sentiment.

Perhaps it is the coming hardfork next week, coming SMTs or maybe it is the the feeling that the markets are approaching the bottom, but it seems to be that the people who are the most active on the platform are shifting themselves as if getting ready to spring. It is hard to explain but, there is something going on or at least, there is the expectation that something is going on.

There are other signs too that one or two people mentioned to me also and that is the number of posts asking for clarification or 'what if' posts. I wrote one myself asking; What if MySpace added an SMT?. In the past, it is when these kinds of posts become common that changes start to happen as more and more people consider the current position in regards to the potential position and then adjust their behaviours.

Maybe I am being too premature in the hope that larger changes are on the way but I do think that the active people who are left here now are likely the ones who are actually thinking long term and therefore have more capabilities to move the platform forward.

What I am certain about is that the entire dynamic of the platform is shifting its weight and has been for quite awhile. There is a growing number of community initiatives and, a growing number of community witnesses forming that are starting to inch by inch claim more influence over the system and away from individuals. Steem Power will always be a highly valued commodity but, the influence of specific individuals themselves will lessen over time as communities gather people behind them and therefore, Steem behind them.

These communities will gather around various Dapps and individuals large and small will essentially align themselves with their interest and skill areas to build strong communities that rather than being independent forces, will have interconnected relationships where each brings something unique into the ecosystem that supports all in some way.

I think that a lot of people forget that we are much less in competition with each other here than we often behave and a strong community benefits all members, the large and the small. This is especially true in the foundation phase of the platform where we are now because there is nothing set in stone but, the tone of the entire environment can be developed from this point forward. The hope it is that it is a healthy community looking to grow and support flourishing of its members, old and new.

If blockchain and cryptocurrencies deliver on what many people think they can, they will combine to create not only a technological revolution but one that will affect all participants heavily. Imagine if we could go back to the time of the industrial revolution knowing what we do now and instead of repeating the cycle, we too the environmental impact and health of populations into consideration at the core. What would the world look like today?

With a little perspective and a few lessons from the past, perhaps we don't need to carry the same thinking forward into the future and rather than continue a path of destructive oppression, we can create a system of supportive growth. Of course, it isn't so easy to align all people's incentives when we have all been programmed to act according to the lessons of the past but, small steps lead on to big things.

Perhaps I am just feeling optimistic at the moment and tomorrow will regress back to the mean but, I am glad that I am feeling the energy rippling through the system at the moment and I am glad that I am not the only one who feels it. I count that as a good sign. I am not going to make any timeline predictions but, the waters are moving and starting to churn and I am excited to see what will arise from the depths of the community. I don't expect it is going to be an easy wave to ride but, I am game for a surf.

Interesting times.

Taraz
[ a Steem original ]