Blessing and Curse

As this week is winding down, it is no secret that our votes have quadrupled in power since the latest HF19 release. Many have had a vote drunken/reward laden rush that is both encouraging - and for some of us - somewhat frustrating.

There are so many good articles on Steemit and I appreciate the feed from those I follow. Coming through the general timelines like New, Hot, etc, are the goodies of those whom I don't follow. But having to make the choice to award some and not others is touch - sometimes painful. Yes, an ordeal. You know, I love quality. I love learning. I love rewarding those who grant me that experience. But with 10 votes at 100% and dozens and dozens of superb articles I read and enjoy - whom to encourage? Whom to reward? Whom to show appreciation?

On one hand, it's been amazing to being handed power by the $. Being both, on the giving and receiving end, it has been an exciting week - with a learning curve.

The Appreciation Factor

With a 10 vote limit at 100% voting power, we are in short supply to show our appreciation. Yes, the monetary amount we give and receive it important, but I found it equally important to receive the 'little' votes (I belong to the Red Fish, below Minnow Class 🐟.) What keeps us going then? Zero votes at $0 or an occasional high vote, leaving many comments and posts unanswered? It's appreciation across the board that motivates me just as much as a whale vote! I am grateful for both.

If the author receives one cent or two - the Appreciation Factor validates a user's contribution and encourages us to keep going.

eSteem - the Mobile Steemit App

Then, I came across eSteem. Now, you must know, I am not a big mobile user. Nor do I like to clog my phone with apps just because they are free. But reading about eSteem on Steemit by @good-karma and following up on eSteem.ws I convinced myself after a week of deliberation that this would be worth a shot. Mainly because eSteem has a voting power slider, something that on Steemit.com only users with SP power >500 enjoy. Now, I can spread my appreciation again and show support to more people, live longer.

iOS & Android

sSteem is available for Android and iOS. A desktop application is currently in development.

Best eSteem Features At a Glance

• Voting power slider in settings global, not individual - Only applies voting through eSteem
• Bookmark posts
• Draft retention
• Scheduling Posts
• Notification of events
• Night mode
• Language chooser

Here is what it looks like on an iPhone 6

eSteem	on iPhone 6
	Lot's of options to tailor the app to your personal preferences.

It does have it's little hiccup faults, like the occasional freeze. But since I am using it mostly to cast votes, write short comments and keep an eye on the notification alerts, it's not a big problem. I am sure the fine people who put in the effort to develop eSteem will make the app even better.

I am rather excited about my newly gained Steemit freedom and hope this will help all Red-Fish and Minnows out there who struggle to keep their voting power alive.

I am not affiliated with eSteem - written because I think everybody should know about eSteem! 😎

ch @globocop