HBAR's Whale Surge Is It Good For The Community?

So, HBAR's been on a tear, huh? The trading volume surged over 17% in under 24 hours. Whales are creating major ruckus, like they just discovered Miami Beach! Market cap hitting $10.47 billion? It sounds amazing, doesn't it? Wait an eagle feather, because it’s time to slow down and demand some hard questions. Is this really in the best interests of the HBAR community, or is it only in the best interests of a few extremely affluent investors? Are we really building a world without intermediaries? Or are we just re-creating old oppressive power structures with a new shiny digital layer?

Whales Dancing, Community Paying?

Here's the thing that keeps me up at night: this surge, fueled by whale activity and institutional interest, could price out the everyday user. The higher the HBAR price the better for everybody who is just getting started and doesn’t hold 81 billion tokens already. But what about the student, the artist and the small business owner? Their project pitch decks were promising, and they were excited to build on HBAR’s cutting-edge technology. Is HBAR going to make the poor richer and keep the rest of us on the sidelines?

It reminds me of the housing crisis. While it increased the net worth of existing homeowners, it priced an entire generation out of homeownership — a long-held American dream. Are we setting up to make the same mistake in the crypto universe now?

I consider the MACD crossover signals and the Chaikin Money Flow both confirming capital inflows. Yet, the indicators are indicating overbought conditions, which typically call for a cooling off or consolidation/pullback period. If the price of HBAR keeps skyrocketing because of these large purchases, it is less available, less democratic. If we don’t, we’re going to take a disruptive, revolutionary technology and use it to facilitate yet another way to accumulate wealth.

HBAR Use Cases Are Accessible?

Let's talk about use cases. Supply chain tracking for ethical sourcing? Decentralized identity for marginalized communities? These are incredible applications of HBAR technology. If the cost of using the network becomes prohibitive, those who need these solutions the most are locked out. A farmer in a developing country can’t afford to maintain their goods on a blockchain. High transaction fees render it prohibitive to them. A refugee can't secure their identity if accessing the network requires an investment they can't afford.

We need to prioritize accessibility. How can we guarantee that HBAR will be accessible for all special token holders, regardless of their financial means to purchase? Or would it be possible through a foundation-led effort to fund transaction fee subsidies for prioritized use cases? Or maybe by looking at the development of layer-2 solutions that provide a greater value proposition for cost? Those should be the questions we’re asking.

Just the other day, I was speaking with a small business owner in Guatemala. They were interested in using HBAR to trace the source of their coffee beans. They loved the idea to help them build trust with consumers and therefore charge a premium. They were just as concerned about the expense. "If the price keeps going up," they told me, "it's just not going to be feasible for us." That's the reality we have to confront.

Community Voices Actually Heard?

This isn’t merely a conversation about price. This is a conversation about power. How much power and flexibility do HBAR holders have? Is it just a few big institutions and rich people, or is it the public at large? What we’re asking for is much more transparency and public participation in these decision-making processes. The Hedera Governing Council, which is largely self-interested, is a critical step but we must seek out methods to raise the voices of regular users.

Think about Wikipedia. It’s an enormous, multifaceted undertaking that’s democratically controlled by its constituents. Anyone can add to it, anyone can update it, and anyone can join in ongoing conversations about the future and evolution of this radically transparent platform. How can we produce a parallel model for HBAR to that? How can we give the community the power to help determine the vision for future growth of the network?

We perceive BlockDAG (BDAG) with as we speak, utilizing a referral program rewarding the folks. In their case, it's working for them.

I’m not arguing that we need to just throw the baby out with the bathwater. Increasing institutional interest and whale activity, of course, is what is needed to bring consistent capital and attention to the HBAR ecosystem. Let’s make sure that this time it works for everybody, not just the rich. That’s how we create a blockchain ecosystem that is genuinely democratic, accessible, and empowering.

We shouldn’t allow HBAR to be a missed opportunity to fight inequity. Join us to create a blockchain ecosystem that welcomes, supports, and uplifts women and all marginalized communities. The future of HBAR, and indeed the future of blockchain, relies on it.

• Support projects that are using HBAR to create positive social impact. Look for initiatives that are addressing real-world problems and empowering marginalized communities.
• Advocate for greater transparency and participation in the Hedera governance process. Demand that your voice be heard.
• Educate yourself about the potential risks and benefits of whale activity and institutional investment. Don't just blindly follow the hype.
• Engage in constructive dialogue with other members of the HBAR community. Share your ideas, your concerns, and your vision for the future.

Let's not let HBAR become just another symbol of inequality. Let's work together to build a blockchain ecosystem that is truly inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all. The future of HBAR, and indeed the future of blockchain, depends on it.