Hi, I'm Kryptik, and I'm a Steem-o-holic.
Let's face it, I live here on SteemIt. My lovely girlfriend probably misses me. (I hope she isn't upvoting the neighbor-guy while I'm on here.)
In between moments of obsessively refreshing my latest posts, and the gross neglect of my poor lady friend, I've noticed something that I need to point out. Recently, I've been working with two great initiatives, ProjectNewbie and SteemPrentice.
Both groups work extensively to help new SteemIt users get off to the best possible start. They effectively show people the ropes. People behind the curtains, in both groups, work around the clock to accomplish this. Free of charge. I've seen fantastic results within these groups but I'm not sure new users are the only ones that could learn something.
You veterans stand to learn a lot from these rookies.
It's not about the money.
I know, that post that you spent 32 hours on only made 0.12 cents. You see posts earning $10,000 in your feed and you are beating yourself up about it. Put away that draft of the self-pitying SteemIt suicide note you're writing.
From my work with new users I tend to see that they judge their post's value on user engagement. You know, the correct way. It's easy to become hyper-focused on the money because it's a great reward but if people are engaged in conversation, showing you praise, and you earn a few followers isn't that a bigger win than having a couple bucks?
Like it or not you are NOT guaranteed any amount of monetary value to be applied to your post, only the potential for monetary value. Quite simply: "It's not about you".
There is still a considerable amount of luck involved in this platform. Even if your post brings award-winning-value, it doesn't mean the right people will see it at the right time. Stop trying to collect dollars, and start collecting friends. If you build strong relationships via engagement and your post brings value, you will make money here (eventually). Cream rises to the top. It does zero good to focus on dollar signs, as it only spawns a sense of envy and self-entitlement.
Don't participate in the negativity/drama.
I'll admit that I sometimes enjoy watching the circus that a drama/smear post brings. I'm not an idiot though. I don't bring a pitchfork. I bring just bring some popcorn.
People tend to show their true colors during these posts. Being that the blockchain is immutable, any illogical emotionally driven out-burst can cost you your reputation. Even if it doesn't cost you your reputation, and there are loads of people behind you: What does fighting/groaning/whining/flaming bring besides division?
I'm all about civil discussion, but forget the drama. We are all a part of a greater ecosystem here with a chance to change the mindset of the world. If we become an abrasive platform of warring factions spewing negativity, how can we expect the rest of world to want to join us here?
Drama promotes decay, not growth.
I have not seen one bit of drama out of any new member that I've worked with. I'd like to assume it's a non-issue for most new users.
What do you think it is about the mind set of a new member that doesn't encourage them to participate in these toxic practices?
Don't forget where you came from.
Put every conception you built on top of SteemIt to this day and set it aside. Open up your blog. Read your introduction post. Think about the things that were going through your mind and how you felt about the platform then.
We tend to forget that we are all part of something truly revolutionary and exciting. I remember typing my first post. I was somewhat skeptical but elated at the pure possibilities here. I didn't have any expectations of what might come.
In fact, looking at it today I saw a line I had written in my introduction:
"I might not even make 2 cents, but I could care less because I am here to give my 2 cents.".
Wow. Instantaneously, without even posting yet I felt as though I had a chance to have a voice on this platform. That thought was unique. I had never felt that anywhere else.
I was then lucky enough to be well received on my first post. The reception of my introductory post was beautifully empowering. There was so much encouragement. You can't really be taught to feel empowered. You have to teach it to yourself, but encouragement accelerates that process. Looking back I had so much hope and freedom from that experience.
Sometimes I let my ego get the best of me and the reflection of my original vision is clouded but if I ever have trouble remembering this vision I know where to find it, in the heart of a new user.
Show some support for these groups by helping spread the word of these groups! Both groups are in need of community outreach and something a simple a "re-steeming" helps immensely!
Shout out to @timbot606 for being a true optimist and inspiring grinder. I might be the one mentoring him but he helps me stay focused on the important things.
SteemPrentice offers the FREE services of hands on mentoring to help new/struggling creators. If you're interested in joining our initiative, (whether you're looking to be a mentor/mentee) please feel free to fill out the forms found here, and join us in the chat in the steemprentice channel.
ProjectNewbie is a wonderful initiative where YOU can be rewarded for simply posting great introduction posts of verified users in the projectnewbie channel of the chatroom. For more information click here.
In the comment section below make sure to tell me what your thoughts about the platform were during your first post!