There's this objection I hear about Hive Onboarding: "We're not ready yet."
Usually, it's uttered when people talk about mass-onboarding ideas. See, we want to onboard people and we're happy to discuss it. But when someone comes up with a viable option that requires resources, or when these options start to look serious, other people put on the breaks and say we're not really ready to onboard yet because of this or that.
It's not a constant objection. But it's one that I hear enough. The "this or that" they're referring to is usually the UI issues, complexities, or other wrinkles currently present on the various front-ends.
My solution is: Preboarding
What is Preboarding?
What's the difference between onboarding and preboarding? Nothing. They're functionally identical. The difference is us. How do we approach onboarding with "excuse the dust" caveat? By preboarding.
Get new users to at least start the onboarding process ...
| Name | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hive.blue | free | 72 hours waiting time; Verify: email + website |
| 3Speak | $ 1 | Instant; No verifications |
| Esteem | free | Instant; Verify: email |
| HiveInvite | free | 12-36 hours wait time; Verify: varies |
| HiveWallet | € 1.50 | Instant; No verification |
| BlockTrades | $ 1 | Instant; No verification |
| BDVoter | 3 HIVE | Instant; No verification |
| BeeAnon | $ 3 | Instant; No verification |
Also see: signup.hive.io
There are other chains out there that are very similar to Hive. Anyone who gets an account on them has jumped through many of the hurdles. Getting an account on Hive has fewer obstacles for them because they've already gone through it. Off-chutes of Hive are a preboarding opportunity, if Hive can differentiate itself. The problem is, instead of differentiating itself, Hive users sometimes look down on the previous "level" of users:Other Chains
The Snoot Factor
I mean, not universally. But there's a certain level truth in it, even if it's not strictly universal.
Say Our Name
Thing is, if we make an effort to market (onboard or preboard), regardless of the amount of resources applied, there are always people who don't join. So those people won't even see the "dust" if they wait long enough. Yet, in that scenario, marketing is still beneficial to us because it keeps our platform in the "Marketplace of Ideas" where we want to be. It's a constant reminder that we exist, which will benefit us if/when new users do decide to actually pull the trigger and join.
We had this problem during the Steem Regime, prior to Valentine's day. Once we were finally in the news cycle, a lot of people would talk about us as if we were irrelevant. Some even referred to Steem as "legacy crypto." We don't want that for Hive.
What To Do?
The thing I'm suggesting is, if there's a viable onboarding scheme, don't undermine it by saying, "We're not ready." If you really don't think we're ready for onboarding, just think of marketing at this point as "preboarding."
What if we have an app that suddenly gets an influx of requests to join (thousands of accounts per day) but we can't meet the demand because we have a limit of only 2k claimable accounts per day?
I mean, it can happen (and it should if we are succesfull). I don't understand the limit, with the amount of resources credits available platform wide we should be able to create more accounts per day...that should be the only restriction (I think).
If we reach the limit (what a great problem to have, right?) then we still have the option to alter the subsidy limit and/or the witnesses can change the sign-up fee.
... and most likely there will be time to react. It's likely major apps have a buffer of already claimed tokens or use a service which does.
That doesn't mean we shouldn't dust off the idea OracleD once had to be able to put together the tokens individual accounts claimed, to use via the same pool/account and maybe with a compensation for each account which contributes (like a token on Hive Engine, the idea OracleD had back then).
Plus there are guest accounts on some interfaces, the idea of light accounts/simple wallets may not be dead and there's OpenSeed project.
I think when it comes to scalability, we'd be good.
And serious interfaces do and will continue to make efforts to look well in the eyes of non-technical persons that have no connection with crypto world. But they need feedback to realize they are not going in the right direction with something.
It's actually not that hard. We made waves with national radio ads and meetings with local chamber of commerce members, gov agencies etc. with @reggaesteem (almost dead now).
It all comes down to your approach, and we find merchants were far easier to onboard than casual users, as they are able to pay staff to learn the 'system' in order to reap the benefits of decentralized payments, data/financial security, as well as the promotional benefits of using a social blockchain.
Casual users are easier to onboard in groups of co-workers or friends. The idea of earning money together inspires camaraderie and peer pressure.
We need to enable the experienced professionals within the community. I believe the inherent problem is we listen more to whales than those with the experience to get it done. There are quite a few members who can put a solid marketing campaign together but the feeling is unless they have a high stake or good connections, they likely wont get a chance.
PS: The current hive.io landing page truely sucks, it is now too blockchain oriented for the avg no-coiner who wants to join the 'social revolution'. Steemit at least had that going with Steem.com. Immediately the new lead would understand they are not just looking at the avg blockchain info site but a new world social network, that pays.
Peace
Hopefully the recent price jump will get more attention and singups for HIVE.
The whole crypto world is a bit overwhelming and confusing for new users to the space. Until it becomes abit more simple and clear we will continue to struggle getting the 'everyday' users to come here. I remember coming to Steem a couple of years back and struggling with the ins and outs of it all. I can hardly imagine someone twice my age having the patience or interest for that.
We have come along way, but still have a way to come! I am sure if it was simply signup and post and enjoy similar to traditional social media but earning a few digital coins then many more would join 😁
Love that cartoon!
Good rationale way to look at it this "preboarding"