Steemit users are trying to kick Justin Sun off of the network through a hard fork. Vitalik Buterin has expressed his approval for the move.
Justin Sun might have thought he was able to just buy his way into controlling the Steem network, but its users are saying no way. The result of this struggle could forever change how the industry views decentralization.
SponsoredâWe Donât Want Anything to Do with Justin Sunâ
The Steemit community has decided to end the battle with Justin Sun by giving him no power whatsoever. The move, if successful, would see the entire community move to a Steem hard fork called Hive. Sunâs STEEM tokens effectively are worthless if this takes place.
In an announcement, Hive is explained as a âcommunity-driven forkâ which will be a direct copy of the Steem blockchain. STEEM tokens will be equal to HIVE, but will effectively kick Justin Sunâs control off the network completely.
Altogether, the Steemit community has agreed on one thing which is clear: they donât want anything to do with Justin Sun.
A Watershed Moment for Decentralization
Ethereumâs co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, called the move a âwatershed momentâ for blockchain governance if it ends up being successful. Buterin writes that, âIf Hive (the fork) overtakes Steem, it would be a strong demonstration that the community is in charge and cannot be bought.â
SponsoredThis seems like a potential positive watershed moment in the history of blockchain governance. If Hive (the fork) overtakes Steem it would be a strong demonstration that the community is in charge and cannot be bought.
See also: https://t.co/v2KaORlcp2
/me watches closely https://t.co/eXwHajKJrg
â vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) March 19, 2020
Sun, however, did not take too kindly to Buterinâs support of HIVE and its efforts. In a reply tweet, he said he hoped that Ethereum Classic (ETC) would overtake Ethereum (ETH) as a demonstration that âdecentralization and immutable quality of the blockchain really matters.â
I am watching closely if @eth_classic overtakes @ethereum it would be a strong demonstration that decentralization and immutable quality of the blockchain really matters. đ
â H.E. Justin Sun đ (@justinsuntron) March 19, 2020
The reply was largely met with mockery. It should be noted that Justin Sun has often tried to position TRON (TRX) as if it is the sole competitor to Ethereum. Heâs also been criticized for using any opportunity imaginable to advertise his blockchain project, from the coronavirus to even Kobe Bryantâs death.
Altogether, it seems likely that Hive will be successful in kicking Justin Sun out. In the interest of decentralization, it would make clear that no network can be âbought outâ by any one entity.