Ray Bradbury's response to this disheartening prevalence of the optimist. In turned out that, we all have, need to have, a piece of night in us. It is nice to be on the other side from time to time, to somehow wake myself up back to the reality.

We earth men have a talent for ruining big, beautiful things.
― Ray Bradbury

This place however amazing can also be disheartening, just like the other places I have traveled to. Of course, you cannot ignore the realities and just glorify your lives all the time. In fact, you will be frowned upon if you become the night. Don't you find the rise of the optimists quite disturbing these days, swaying the mass away from the reality? Are we protecting some kind of cult or something?

Are you afraid to write against the flow? Afraid to be yourself? Is praising Steemit like it's a holy grail the only thing that can make money now.

I'm not anyone, I'm just myself; whatever I am, I am something, and now I'm something you can't help.
― Ray Bradbury

I have actually been unafraid to go against the current and not be easily tamed. I'm just not 100% about anything, and it puts me off if people are unrealistically feeling like they are in the clouds all the time. It is actually one of the reasons I travel long-term, even if this lifestyle will be rejected by friends and families, or by the society in general. I like to test myself out there, to learn, to see the good and bad in this world.

It actually helped that I have stayed away from the big news, trending and other authors' repetitive and optimistic topics being supported by their own friends. Quite disturbing isn't it? Even Ray Bradbury himself was sickened by these. But when I browse my growing following list, I became disheartened again. There are actually many talented artists/writers out there, with their insane perseverance in the face of total rejection. Art and wordcraft are so sophisticated that they don't need to go around beg for upvotes, their masterpieces are their pride. Too bad for those who missed it, you guys are missing the whole point of this community.

I am limited to a few upvotes per day as I don't have the nerve to devalue someone's work by giving any less than 100%. What's the point of lessening my already small power? So, I will try my best to upvote and comment those talented writers I have been following now, but I'll just do it randomly to give chance to others. Never think I have abandoned you all.

But what are the advantages of being a paying user?

1. If you are not really that talented, you get to write a short paragraph, post a bunch of photos and be supported by the other members of the Fellowship of the Ring. It's a sign to keep your treasure here, so they too, would be able to keep their treasure.
2. Your touch is so golden that you have the power to be a smartass and be a snob to others, unless of course, they are your friends.
3. You have the full support of the community, never mind the fake followers and unreal comments you get. Just pretend that it makes you feel good.

I'm being ironic. Don't interrupt a man in the midst of being ironic, it's not polite. There!
― Ray Bradbury

Guess what? What I have learned from my travels is that it is actually free to help and be nice to others. Just because there are writers here who don't care about your money doesn't mean you will just neglect them by supporting your own fellowship.

I don’t believe in optimism. I believe in optimal behavior. That’s a different thing.

This is not a quick way to get rich as most people here kept justifying but please,

Don't let the artists starve.

This is the time the world needs more art.

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Before following me, please check my previous posts. I usually write about my travels or whatever my distorted mind has to offer. If you follow me and you're not really interested with that, then you'll only be disappointed! Unfollow @diabolika 😈