SteemIt Is Like A Potluck

I am new to SteemIt, but I can already see a fundamental truth about SteemIt that many users are forgetting.

Your content has to provide value to others.

Through your writing, videos, art, whatever, you provide value to others in the form of education, information, or entertainment. Steemians need to use your content and feel like it made their day better. It seems that there is a certain type of Steemian that is eager to take from the community before they have worked hard to give to the community.

Because of this, SteemIt reminds me of a potluck dinner with friends. For those that come from cultures where the word "potluck" isn't used, a potluck is a meal where many people bring different types of food to share. On SteemIt, you have to bring something to the table to share with others that will provide nourishment. Do you have a unique point of view? A way with words? Sharp wit? Are you capable of intense vulnerability through your storytelling? Can you stir someone's soul with your paint brush? 

Whatever it is you do, think about the people that will consume your content first, and how you can benefit from your content second.

When someone shows up to a potluck empty handed, with nothing to offer, people notice. They might not tell you to your face, but you are viewed as a little more selfish than the rest of the people at the party. Or if you bring a dish that is lazily prepared, people can tell that you didn't put much thought into what you were bringing to the table. It's safe to assume that you were looking to benefit from other people's contributions, rather than to make a meaningful contribution of your own.

If you want to have success on SteemIt, and you want to make the most of the experience, ask how you can contribute value to the community, rather than asking how you can benefit. Don't be the selfish person at the potluck. Don't try to leech off the contributions of others. Be a creator of value. Be a person worth sharing. Be a person that thinks of others. There could be quicker roads to "the top" where you game the system, but you'll lose sight of why this is an amazing platform - because we all put in, and we all benefit from our unique contributions.

Provide value, and you will have value returned to you.

So, what do you bring to the table?

My name is Chris, and I am a life blogger. I write about leading a good life. I share my insights with others, hoping that they will benefit from my experiences and ideas.

I'd love to hear about what you are bringing to the table. Tell me in a comment below what you do on SteemIt, and how you think it contributes value to the community as a whole.

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