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The Creator of OpenClaw Just Apologized

As OpenClaw grapples with reliability challenges, its creator's apology sheds light on the broader implications for autonomous agents in business operations and the competitive landscape with Hermes.

May 7, 2026|2 min read|Social Signal Playbook Editorial

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The Thesis

OpenClaw's recent reliability issues have sparked significant concerns among users, prompting a critical examination of its viability compared to competitors like Hermes.

“OpenClaw has become pretty critical to how we do business, how my team works, and they say they cannot do without it, right? So, having these autonomous agents is extremely powerful.”
Eric Siu/The Creator of OpenClaw Just Apologized

Context & Analysis

OpenClaw, a pivotal tool in modern business operations, has recently faced severe reliability issues, leading to an apology from its creator. Users have expressed frustration over degraded service quality, prompting many to shift to alternatives like Hermes.

This situation not only highlights the critical importance of reliability in software but also underscores the competitive dynamics within the autonomous agent market. As one user noted, "OpenClaw has become pretty critical to how we do business...

" This article delves into the implications of these reliability issues, the competitive landscape with Hermes, and what this means for the future of autonomous agents. For further insights, see our discussion on software development challenges.

“But the issue now is if it's unreliable, many people can't use it, right?”
Eric Siu/The Creator of OpenClaw Just Apologized

Why It Matters

The recent apology from OpenClaw's creator is not merely a corporate communication; it reflects a seismic shift in user trust and expectations in the realm of autonomous agents. As organizations increasingly rely on tools like OpenClaw for operational efficiency, any sign of unreliability can lead to significant operational disruptions.

The rise of competitors like Hermes, which have capitalized on OpenClaw's shortcomings, illustrates a critical juncture in the market. " This shift emphasizes the necessity for software to be not only innovative but also secure, stable, and reliable (SSR). The implications extend beyond individual users; they affect entire business ecosystems that depend on these tools for seamless operation.

The competitive pressure now placed on OpenClaw to rectify these issues is immense, as failure to do so could result in a permanent loss of market share. Furthermore, this situation serves as a wake-up call for all software developers in the autonomous agent space, underscoring the importance of maintaining high reliability standards.

For a broader context, see our analysis on competition in the AI agent market.

“OpenClaw is compounding reliability issues in the last 1 to 2 months, you know, for us. Our team doesn't bother talking with our OpenClaw agents anymore and has moved over to talking to the Hermes agents instead.”
Eric Siu/The Creator of OpenClaw Just Apologized

Playbook Moves

How to apply this strategically in the next 30 days.

  • 01Implement a dual-tool strategy using both OpenClaw and Hermes to mitigate risks associated with reliability issues.
  • 02Regularly collect user feedback on both platforms to assess performance and satisfaction levels.

Key Takeaways

  • OpenClaw's reliability issues have led to a significant user exodus towards Hermes.
  • The importance of SSR (Secure, Stable, Reliable) in software has never been more pronounced.
  • Businesses must prioritize reliable tools to avoid operational disruptions.
  • User feedback is critical in shaping the future of autonomous agents.
  • The competition between OpenClaw and Hermes may drive innovation and improvements in both platforms.
“Everyone just saying they're seeing that the service is degrading, right? And you look at this, I'm losing patience over here. You know, same, I just moved over to Hermes. Hermes or bust.”
Eric Siu/The Creator of OpenClaw Just Apologized

Future Predictions & Calls to Action

  • OpenClaw should prioritize building a dedicated reliability team to address current issues.
  • Hermes should continue to enhance its features to maintain its competitive edge.
  • Users should consider a dual-tool approach, leveraging both OpenClaw and Hermes for their strengths.
  • Developers need to focus on user experience and reliability to retain customer trust.
  • Investors should monitor the ongoing developments in the autonomous agent market closely.

What Has Changed Since

Since the publication of the apology, the competitive landscape for autonomous agents has intensified. Hermes has gained a significant market share as users migrate away from OpenClaw due to its reliability issues. This shift has prompted OpenClaw to publicly acknowledge its shortcomings and commit to improvements, signaling a potential pivot in its development strategy. Additionally, user feedback has become more vocal and organized, with communities on platforms like Discord and GitHub actively discussing alternatives and sharing experiences. The urgency for OpenClaw to enhance its reliability has never been more critical, as users are now more informed and willing to switch to competitors if their needs are not met.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main reliability issues with OpenClaw?
Users have reported that OpenClaw's service has degraded significantly over the past few months, with many experiencing slow response times and failures in task execution. This has led to frustration and a loss of trust in the platform.
How does OpenClaw compare to Hermes?
Hermes has emerged as a strong competitor to OpenClaw, with users reporting better reliability and performance. Many have switched to Hermes due to OpenClaw's recent issues, indicating a shift in user preference.
What steps is OpenClaw taking to address these reliability issues?
OpenClaw's creator has acknowledged the problems and is reportedly working on building a dedicated team to improve the platform's reliability and performance. However, specific timelines for these improvements have not been disclosed.
Why is reliability so important for autonomous agents?
Reliability is crucial for autonomous agents because businesses rely on these tools for critical operations. Unreliable software can lead to operational disruptions, lost time, and decreased productivity, making it essential for tools to perform consistently.
What can users do if they are dissatisfied with OpenClaw?
Users who are dissatisfied with OpenClaw should explore alternatives like Hermes, which has been gaining popularity for its reliability. Additionally, providing feedback to OpenClaw can help the developers understand user needs and improve the platform.
What is the future outlook for OpenClaw and Hermes?
The future for OpenClaw hinges on its ability to address reliability issues quickly. Meanwhile, Hermes is likely to continue improving its offerings as it capitalizes on OpenClaw's challenges. The competition may ultimately benefit users through enhanced features and reliability.

Works Cited & Evidence

1

The Creator of OpenClaw Just Apologized

primary source·Tier 3: Low-Authority Context·Leveling Up with Eric Siu·May 7, 2026

Primary source video

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2

Transcript generated from source audio

primary source·Tier 3: Low-Authority Context·ytdlp

Auto-generated transcript retrieved via ytdlp

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Disclosure: This analysis was generated with AI assistance based on publicly available video content. All quotes are attributed to their original source with timestamps. Social Signal Playbook provides independent editorial analysis and is not affiliated with the individuals or organizations discussed.

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