Steemit is a lot Like Playing the Slots, Here's How You Beat the House!

I don’t gamble much. It doesn’t appeal to me to throw away money, but sometimes, the sound of the slots is a nice reminder of Vegas, one of my favorite places in the world. So, a couple of times recently, I’ve made a visit and I lost both times. Not enough to be life changing, I never gamble more cash than I take in, no ATMs in the casino, if I need more, that means I’m losing, time to go home.

But, I was thinking about what makes a winning Steemit post, and honestly, in some ways, it’s a lot like a slot machine. You can put all the right content in, pick the right time to play the machine, put your energy behind it and it still won’t pay out, but sometimes, you hit the jackpot.

So, what can we do? I think some gambling advice is a great place to start on how to manage your steemit behaviors.

Never risk more than you’re willing to lose

Sure, you could really rant in that article. You could let it all hang out and drop F bombs every other line, but is that really you? Or, is it a cry for attention? For some people, this feels legit, and the audience responds, for others, it seems like they are compensating for their lack of talent with a racy vocabulary. While it certainly won’t have the backlash you might have expected fifteen, or even ten years ago, it can be risky.

Whether it’s political ideologies, religious beliefs, or just an outlandish opinion, when you stick it out there, people are going to react and it’s not always good. You may get views but no votes, or lots of rude comments, but still no votes, then again, you might just hit the jackpot, there are people on here making bank with ranting columns, although the site favors civility and positive thought.

My advice? Be true to yourself. If you’re going to experiment, make it a switch of topics, or style, but stay true to your personality. Sure, there are steemers abusing the audience and they’re loving it, but if that’s not who you’ve been, your audience is not their audience and it won’t play the same.

Stick to what works

I like machines with real reels. I just do. I feel like I get more play there. I’d say I win more, but lately, I suck at walking away. Maybe it’s because I don’t need the money as badly as I have in the past? Anyway, if you have topics that have paid out for you in the past, keep it up. New ideas? Sure, add them in, occasionally, but your bread and butter is obviously speaking to your readers, give them more!

When I move to another machine, I have to learn the ropes. How much is a credit, oops, did I mean to bet that much? How do I increase, how do I pull back? I’m in new territory and the first few spins are a learning experience, after all, who sits and reads the instructions on a new slot machine, although we probably should, right?

People are pretty predictable, and they tend to go for a new version of the same old thing, rather than something completely different. So, completely different is good for new audience, or a new play experience at the slots, but it may be putting my regulars on hold.

Educate yourself

While I don’t typically read the rules on a slot, I should start. After all, one of my main reasons for playing isn’t to “win” (that’s impossible over the long haul) but to continue playing on a $20 as long as possible, just like that kid in the arcade when I was listening to Pat Benetar at the roller rink and playing Asteroids.

It’s all about the experience for me. The atmosphere, the lights, the sounds, and the free soft drinks (like I said, I miss Vegas!) Knowing the rules is the best way to make my money last and maybe, cash out with enough for a nice dinner!

When you try something new on Steemit, look to the winners for advice. New topic? Who got paid for it, what did they say and how? What was the response (read the comments) I’m sure this is complete bullshit, but I like to choose a machine that paid out recently, at least a little. I seem to do better when I do.

Once you get a feel for what’s paying and what the audience liked about it, it’s time for you to put on your writing hat and speak to them. Share something new, in a familiar way and you just might see those lucky sevens coming up all across the board!

Don’t stop just because you lose once

At some point, I should have walked away with my winnings. I made an error in judgment, but the times I have played and won have shown me that you’re going to give a little back to get the bigger payouts. It’s how the system works. So, just because you tried something new and no one bit, don’t panic, or assume it won’t work.

It takes time to get your audience over to a new topic. Maybe your timing is a bit off. Even days of the week are different, and I know this post may not go that well, because I haven’t posted in a week. There are a million factors that can make it work, or not work. Don’t assume that it won’t work just because it didn’t one time.

Promote your piece. Sometimes a little time in Facebook groups, or on Steemit.chat can make a difference. Drop your link in a few places and see if people follow your bait. Be ready to respond once they do.

Don’t put too much faith in your luck

If you’re going to the casino to try and pay your rent tomorrow, it’s probably a bad idea. I know there are people who do, but typically, desperation is a bad approach. The gaming floors are littered with people doing that. They look empty and hungry and they’re obviously spending money they can’t afford to lose.

If you have a regular job, pay attention to it. Don’t abandon anything worthwhile for Steemit, it’s too fickle. Until your investment here is large enough to live off of for a while, you’ll find the instability of the price, the on again, off again voters and the randomness of jackpots is a terrible way to earn a living. It’s a side gig at best, unless you’re a trader that can multiply your earnings into real money.

I’ve known people who will take a good job and let it go to waste, spending their time on a loser of an MLM scheme, or some other business plan. Steemit can be just like that. As long as it’s fun and adding to your life, it’s a great thing, but when you become obsessed, it’s dangerous and it can take you down.

Play for fun

All in all, I’ve gone a little past my usual limit lately. No, I haven’t lost too much money, I’m fine, but there were several chances to walk away with cash that I would normally have taken in the past, but I wanted to play. Continuing to go beyond your established limits may occasionally lead to great things, but if you risk it once too often, you’re going to get burned.

If you’re not having fun here, take a step back. This last week, I had to spend time with my dad, who is dying of cancer and in the hospital. I didn’t think much about Steemit, or my freelance work either. I made sure everyone knew I was stepping back for a minute and I did what I needed to do. Now, I’m ready to work again and I feel like that’s a healthy balance.

Can steemit be a job? Sure, for those who find an audience, it’s great. But how long will it last? I hope a long, long time, but who knows? It could easily fold tomorrow, or the price could go back to nothing and make it a bad way to spend my time. For now, I’m having fun and I may just visit the casino again tonight. After all, you can’t win, if you don’t play! Am I right?