RE: Reflections on my first year here + some advice for people joining.
This is pretty sound advice @drpuffnstuff
Many new users do come here with a preconceived notion that they will be able to post, and just start making money. Perhaps this has a little bit to do with how Steemit is marketed. Nonetheless, it doesn't take long to figure out the basic dynamics of the platform if you have a general IQ with a basic observation sense.
I recently saw a comment, where a guy was bitching up a storm about not making any money with Steemit, saying it was a scam..ect ect. So I just had to take the liberty of looking at his account. To no surprise, out of 4 months, he had a total post count of 60 posts. I really couldn't help myself, I felt compelled to tell him the error of his ways, and that he should not blame his own deficiencies on the platform if he's not willing to put at least a small amount of work into it. Of course, to no surprise, he did not respond.
I decided to resteem this, because I consider your advice here to be a gem to the new user. You kept it very simple, and to the point. I frequently give this advice to the new user as well, but I insist to them, if you really want to take your success to the next level, read, read, read. There is a wealth of knowledge on Steemit, dedicated to explaining the nuts and bolts, and once the new user has an integral understanding of the dynamics, that is when said user can really maximize efficiency IMO.
Of course this is all contingent with the users ability to write, make creative posts, and keep other users interested in their blog. Even if you are not the best writer, there are creative ways to keep people coming. The sky is the limit with Steemit.
Congrats on your 1 year mark. Keep up the great work. Also, what you said about not being as active as you would like. I understand what it's like to go through those periods as well, but you have established yourself, and have some devout followers. So even if you disappear a little from time to time, your comment box is going to fill up as soon as you post something! People look forward to seeing you!
Thanks for the quality post dude! Keep puffin!!!
Maybe thats the good thing about me not posting that often. Its harder for me to wear out my welcome, or to become boring by being to familiar lol. This is a great comment that should have probably been a post because its good and you took a good chunk of time writing it!
Many of my favorite Steem posters are not the best writers. If I wanted the best writers I would go other places. I want unique perspectives and interesting thoughts more than I want a paper that would get an A in English class.
I also agree that the expectation to make money might have a decent amount to do with the way Steem is marketed. As you point out it is very easy to see the dynamics after a short time here, and I guess having the people who see $$$ signs come and go so quickly is probably a good thing. Then only the better people remain.
Read read read indeed. I should have mentioned that. I myself read much more posts than I comment on. Often times I read something and have nothing worthy to add even if I enjoyed it. There are also lots of posts that will give you insight into the platform and how to make it work for you. Or about how certain aspects of it work. Those posts will definitely help in navigating this experiment we are all taking part in.
Thanks for the comment, the resteem, and thank you for being a part of the experiment with us. You are appreciated FutureMind!
Thanks for the compliment bro, I just feel it's important (as you do) for people to understand what Steemit is all about :)
Me too bro! Sometime's I read something that is so good, or so technically involved, I'm just like "damn, I don't even know what to say"...
It's always a pleasure talking with you friend. You, as well, are appreciated!