The Rules - for new users

Running up against rules you aren't aware of can create a rude awakening for new users. This is a brief overview of approaching steem in a way that will help noobs steer clear of the big stumbles I have seen some people take in the first steps of their journey.

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The Formal Rules

Formal rules are all enforced by the blockchain. I won't say you can't break them, but it would be difficult. As a new user, breaking the formal rules of the blockchain is not a concern.

The Informal Rules

You can start with the faq, but there is a lot to take in and it doesn't get as specific as you need. The informal rules can be tricky to understand and easily blindside new users - what counts as a shitpost? How should quoted text or images be attributed? What are acceptable topics for posts on steem? When is it right to flag a post?

Sorry to break this to you, but there are no answers to these questions. Steem specifically did not address any of these issues as it is designed to function on community consensus. Entering the steem blockchain is like entering a foreign country - there are some broad rules and customs, but there are also more concrete customs within specific communities. Bonus - they are all subject to change over time.

Running into issues on steem isn't so much a matter of "breaking rules" but "breaking with custom". It can take some time to learn these customs, and they will vary between communities. It is community consensus that drives things around here. Coming in with the intention to buck the community, or being unaware of norms can cause new users to suffer needlessly.

Wile E. Coyote of Looney Tunes Fame - source

What to Do About It

Observe and ask questions. Look for mentors. As I said in my last post make friends. There aren't really any clear cut "rules" - it's all about norms. The only way to acclimate is to observe and interact.

Don't be afraid of messing up - steem has very little value to lurkers. Find what interests you, read as much as you can in that area of steem (browse by tags and authors), and contribute where you can in the style accepted by that community. Comments can be a great way to dip your toe in the water. Discords (I hang out in steemspeak quite a bit) provide a less stressful environment for asking questions.

Learning to fit in with a new crowd can be scary or difficult for some people, but it is well worth the effort.

See you around
Y'all have good