Fiction has a Place Here
Hello fellow Steemians,
I want to tell you - yesterday had it all. In a good way. I didn't start off feeling good. I was afraid. And hurt. Basically, I had a lot of feelings.
Why?
Because a serial author I respect and admire posted that she was leaving the platform. An author who I thought, someday, I might emulate. (Well, maybe not 'emulate' because I found out she can write over 5000 words a day, edit, and revise. I don't think I can do that. I struggle with 500, but thankfully - I have a writing habit). I digress.
I started off angry - why would she leave - who was flagging her - what possible reason could they have? Throughout the day I was on discord, talking with people, learning what was happening, listening (basically - I was filling my heart with drama). At some point, I read up on @transisto. And you know what I found? I agreed with so much of what Transisto was doing.
This made me uncomfortable. What could I do with this other than scratch my head? Transisto is against huge upvote purchases, buying delegation with the purpose of self-voting, and circles of friends voting each other to the moon. So am I. Oh boy. What could I do with this?
As luck would have it, I didn't have to wait long! Transisto joined The Writer's Block. I belong to TWB. For those that haven't seen my shameless plugs (you know - the ones where I tell you how much they help aspiring writers hone their craft). The members of TWB were understandably upset with these downvotes (the author mentioned above and a second author who also publishes serial fiction).
Most members were excited for this opportunity to speak with Transisto, if only to understand the issue from the other side. I know I was. The discussion was long and, at times, heated, but I learned a lot. Transisto is about the good of STEEM. And ultimately, while I still disagree with the decision to flag the authors to dispute the rewards associated with the posts, I cannot ask more of Transisto.
For this reason I am asking whales (who am I - a little minnow - to ask a whale anything? I don't know, but my heart insists that I do) to talk to Transisto about the value fiction can bring to this platform. I ask this because of something transisto said during our conversation:
Whales: can you imagine a blockchain with hundreds of serial novels written by professional writers forever free for users? Thousands of short stories? What a selling point for new users! I can see it - and I can see the value. But, it isn't my view that matters so much as yours. Speak up, and make it clear that there is value in fiction on the platform. If we get the best authors to publish here and they bring their audience, well just imagine!
Please don't let 2 good authors take their work elsewhere. Show the authors of the world that they and their readers have a place here. A home here. Thank you.
Great write up. If you can be brave enough to post this, then acknowledging this with more than a simple upvote is the least I can do. Very proud to have you for a block-family member.
Hug
Thank you. I appreciate all you have done for me. I hope I earn your kind words.
I came to this platform thinking that everyone's post had value. Value put on by others upvoting your original creative content. Was I wrong? I don't know at this point. What right does a whale have in saying someone's work has little value? Does that platform exist only for the benefit of the whales? I am but a minnow and I am confused. Should I go elsewhere so that my hard work has value?
I can't answer those questions for you, but I can tell you that I think @transisto is reasonable and looking out for STEEM. If other whales can demonstrate that quality original creative content is valuable to stakeholders, I think you will not be in any danger. I am not giving up on this platform yet, but you have to decide for yourself what you want to do. I wish you the best, and thank you for your thoughtful response.
I will stay a while and see how this pans out or not.
Well said and written. I think we were all a little in shock yesterday, expecting the worst for our chosen field of posting mainly fiction. It was brave of @transisto to join The Block and to address our fears and state his case. A lot of his points I agreed with, some I didn't. But the adult thing to do is to open dialogue and explore each others point of view, and this was accomplished last night. Thanks to the members of The Writers' Block who kept their cool and didn't allow emotion to rule their heads.
Thank you gmuxx. We were certainly in shock. I think it says a lot that in spite of that - we adulted. I think we made some progress. I think we learned about another perspective. I know I did. I am glad we decided to keep moving forward with the vision of The Writer's Block - and maybe we're a little stronger for it.
I think fiction adds a great value to the platform and should be rewarded. However, it should be fair and monitored. There are lots of writers who get peanuts and others who get substantial rewards. I see the logic in what is trying to be achieved by @transisto and if i read right, he is trying to share the rewards for fairly (I hope) sadly i will be leaving the platform as I don't have the time to develop my time here and to concentrate on my web seo( although I may be back) supporting writers is my passion, but it should be across the board fairly. My two pence worth.
But does fairly mean back to the large stake holders? Seems they are making more than anybody they're downvoting.
I agree it should be distributed more fairly. I just know that these downvotes arent really doing that. When the reward curve was different it had that effect. But not to the same level now. What this platform needed was more curators. I can see some whales making this efforts to delegate their power out. I hope everybody will see the value these people bring when they don't have to upvote themselves to make back the money they paid.
I cant pretend to understand the ins and outs of it @beanz just that the system is unbalanced. In my naive eyes, fairly means distributed amongst other talented writers. If two bloggers have high quality content and bring alot to the platform, i.e followers, they should be thanked by generous rewards. But both should recieve the same regardless of their 'fish' status. Same if content etc was not as good. That is hard to balance and monitor so I dont envy the whales trying to tackle the 'fairness'
Yes, it is all based on subjective viewpoints, preferences and opinions. This seems to be something we will always have to tackle - the respect for other peoples views, preferences and opinions. Aside from the voting bots which seem to have caused a lot of the jealousy over rewards, the lack of respect for what other people treasure it seems will always be a barrier to overcome in this network. It could be something amazing if we could overcome it.
I think the lack of respect is a biggy for me. How people jump to conclusions without thought, a trail of animosity clouds peoples work. In an ideal world people would behave haha
I saw your post. I shared it with a few people I have a high regard for. I won't ask you to reconsider, because everyone has to make up their own minds, I will just say that @transisto is trying to do good for the platform, therefore, your content should not be in any danger. I wish you luck out there @sarahewaring.
Thankyou, that is very kind. And please let people know I am very grateful for what I have achieved here. I maybe back when I have more time and more to offer the platform. I am keeping my accounts open :-)
good narration .. great writing skill... thanks for sharing
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" Transisto is against huge upvote purchases, buying delegation with the purpose of self-voting, and circles of friends voting each other to the moon."
How does this relate to the Author who was flagged? She isn't in any way involved in those sort of things. She built up her account with hard work and no short cuts. Who made Transisto the reward pool police? What authority does he have to do this?
I was showing all the common ground I share with Transisto. You are right, I don't think either of the authors fit any of the quoted categories, because there was another category. Transisto has explained the rationale behind the flags here: https://steemit.com/steemit/@yougotflagged/daily-flag-report-11-18-17#@transisto/re-yougotflagged-daily-flag-report-11-18-17-20171119t034010606z.
As stated above, I don't agree with this, "And ultimately, while I still disagree with the decision to flag the authors to dispute the rewards associated with the posts, I cannot ask more of Transisto." Transisto more than explained their position. That is why I am hoping that another whale can help where I cannot.
Appreciate you stopping by to read my post I hope you have a nice day .you have my vote @mannyfig1956
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STOPWell said, well put and thank you.
@stevec - same to you.