Hi Tony,

I always enjoy our discussions. I've also been very frustrated to see crap and laziness rewarded on Steemit by gaming the system. And somewhat like you, I have also always tended to post what I feel is important or interesting to me rather than catering to powerful interests. When those things happen to coincide, and I get better rewarded, I don't complain. However, I am frustrated at times comparing the progress and rewards of other Steemians with my own.

I have also been thinking about trying to learn the Steem blockchain programming environment and developing some tools that would help my own account and maybe those of others. I struggle with decisions about "which way to go."

BTW, I've been greatly helped by the kind people at The Writers' Block. You spoke of being encouraged by feedback? Well, I've found some tremendous feedback and editing help there, and I'd recommend that you look into it. There is also what appears to be a splinter group called, I think, "The Isle of Write." In any case, as you start to ramp up your writing, I'd encourage you to look into one or more support groups for positive feedback and encouragement. I've increased my output of fiction with the help of The Writers' Block and various contests.

Thanks for your good wishes. I would like to move closer to the ocean so that I could surf more often, but I'm still waiting for my "ship to come in" before I'll be able to do that.

I wish you and yours a very happy and prosperous New Year, my friend, and look forward to seeing your new efforts here on Steemit.