Steemfest: Time to go
This has been an amazing trip to Poland for SteemFest 3 and I am going to have to take a few days for it all to really sink in so I can process it. There have been so many amazing and unexpected experiences here that it is going to be difficult to really get my head around them.
My personal goal for SteemFest was pretty simple; to meet and look into the eyes of the people claiming to be working for Steem. The reason I wanted to be here wasn't to find out about the latest Apps or suck up for upvotes from whales, it was to see if these people actually care, believe that what they are doing matters and if those things are going to make a difference to the community.
After almost a week here I have to say that regardless of all the issues Steem faces, there are many incredibly intelligent and talented people who are working hard to build a better platform for users, investors and consumers. There are a great number of people who are passionate about what they are doing and think that it will help the community. It was quite reassuring.
Here at Steemfest I am a nobody, just another opinionated blogger with some ideas but for me, it was a chance to talk to people who are taking the platform forward with their work. It is very easy to under appreciate what is actually going on here. I have mentioned before that one of the reasons I am bullish on Steem is that despite all the problems, investors and developers are expanding the system, it is growing constantly. When the push for onboarding really begins, the goal is to have somewhere for them to land, enjoy as well as a chance to build their wealth.
What is interesting is that even though we are still in disagreement across many points, once face to face there is a much more civil level of conversation, even with those we may have battled earlier. One to one discourse disarms the negotiation
and allows two people to come together and speak and actually listen to what is said.
When I get home I will spend some time collecting my thoughts and working out my next step and presenting some ideas for now, I have to sleep a little before my flight home. It has been an exhausting trip and even through it was incredibly enjoyable in many ways, I really miss my wife and daughter.
For now, goodnight as I am falling asleep at the keyboard.
Taraz
[ a Steem original ]
Heh...I am a nobody... said dude with rep 73.8. :)
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LOL, I was thinking exactly the same thing!
Rep is meaningless for most people and for most there, I am an unknown to a large degree. I don't mind that though as it helps to have conversations without expectations.
Glad you got this experience. It's always much different seeing all these people in the flesh vs just getting info behind a computer. Looking forward towards what will come to the surface after you have let it all sink in.
In the flesh was eye opening in many ways as there are some very smart people doing some pretty cool things. For those who were there that were unsure, I think that they must be more positive on Steem now.
It's very reassuring reading your view about the just concluded Steemfest3 and the future of Steem. I've been getting quite an update from the telegram group. I asked surfyogi yesterday about his thought on the future of Steem after his experience at Steemfest and he made it clear that he is even more of a believer.
I do not have tens of millions of dollars invested into Steem but I have spent the last few month believing in Steem and building a few communities here and there to offer a cushion to new users during their trying days on the platform. And as such I see my time and energy as investment into the platform which I would want to expand and grow.
I'll be spending the next six hours reading from the #Steemfest tag since I couldn't make it to Poland myself. Big thumbs to Roeland and journey mercies Mr Taraz.
I didn't get a chance to speak with @surfyogi unfortunately but I feel the same. So much opportunity to come. There is a lot of growth potential and development that should help communities better support themselves and each other.
The reason I wanted to be here ... was to see if these people actually care, believe that what they are doing matters and if those things are going to make a difference to the community.
Truly admirable. 😊
Lots of intelligent and driven people on Steem.
You are what I expected. Very philosophical about things and a people behaviour watcher. We had a short talk and I was surprised that you tracked me down.
I’m hardly Mr Confidence and just that fact lifted me a little, so thank you for that.
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The first time I saw you I was on my way to catch you but got dragged in another direction. It was difficult to get hold of everyone I hoped to speak with but I am glad we at least got to share a few words, next year there can be more :)
It isn't an easy environment for many but it flowed a little more as the days went on. I am not overly confident in myself but I am confident in what I say. It is a kind of layer that mitigates and hides my uncertainty. I hope that you enjoyed your time there though.
If all this happens next year and I do make it, I feel it will be better for me and you too. It seems many of these people also did SF2 and that would help break the ice more.
I mentioned this in my SF3 'Fears' article and it did come about that I felt a little isolated at times. Put me here and behind the keyboard I can write for Britain though.
Was good to say hello to you.
Yeah it does sound like a Priceless experience most invaluable. I too am bullish About Steam as I feel the ground is fertile for movement upwards both and community and value. Glad you had this opportunity to go and be able to share about it. Thanks @tarazkp
I will go next year if I can also and for those who really are looking long and can afford it, it is a good experience.
I’m jealous. If our little shit show can last another year (I’m sure it can) I really would love to go.
You should be jealous, you missed out on some nights to add to your collection of nights. It was a lot of fun and a bit of a challenge as most of the good conversations were after quite a few drinks in very noisy places. There are some fun people on Steem I must say.
Hey Taraz, it was great meeting you and I’m looking forward to reading more from you in the future.
Happy reunion with your family!
Greetings from the airport... :)
It was great indeed and I hope that we will meet again so we can pick up on the discussions. It was good to see my family, it felt like it had been months. :*
Safe journey home, is good to hear you found hope around blockchain :)
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Lots of hope and I am pretty sure opportunity too.
Awe - yr far from a nobody IMHO.
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It depends who you talk to but I can hold my own in most discussions so I don't mind as long as I can take part.