"The rules of adventure are simple: there are no rules. But for the inspiration to get out and explore, we've always found that by surrounding yourself with inspiring people, you can't help but become inspired." (Source)
Being new at a place is always kind of an adventure.
Knocking on a door you've never opened before is a turning point. You're standing at one of these famous intersections of life where you're going to decide whether to walk into one direction or another.
What a responsibility.
steemit's doors were open, I walked inside and here's what I see.
Trending topic: The CEO of this platform, Ned Scott alias @ned, wishing everybody a nice 4th of July. The community celebrates the message with a reward of $1,700.
What a cool world is this?
I mean where else on Earth does this happen?
My immediate reaction: I take my phone and call my best friend (who's also my business partner) to tell him about it. He replies that he's currently boarding an airplane but assures wanting to sign up to this place as soon as he'd be connected to the internet again. "You must be kidding!" he states before hanging up.
That answer doesn't suprise me much.
He's my partner for a reason.
What I forgot to tell him is to bring some bots.
I was kindly welcomed when I published my very first post on steemit yesterday. 12 "people" commented it. At least 4 (and a half) were clearly identifiable bots.
Don't get me wrong. Since my last birthday a lady called "Alexa" is managing my agenda. My wife thought I might like her. Well she (not my wife) actually doesn't do much more than waking me up to be precise, but that's undoubtedly a significant part in my daily schedule.
I'm fine with robots though.
80% of the authors whose content is on top positions of the main trending page joined steemit a year ago.
That information is key when it comes to put my personal expectations into perspective.
There are a few newer users that made it to the top as well. However it seems that they are influencers that came over from other platforms like YouTube. They supposedly brought a certain reputation and followership with them when signing up to this place so might have had a slight advantage (not wanting to disesteem their stuff at all!).
What else can I say? Money!
Logically money is THE driver.
I will be honest with you: it's been my one and only reason to look into this platform since I'm usually not a social media maniac.
However, while waiting for my account to be approved I was brought back down to earth quite fast.
"Don't focus too much on the money," is what you constantly read in the comment section.
I guess they tell you for a reason. So I suppose it's actually a hint to stay realistic.
Head in the sky (trending page) and feet on the ground (minnow section) (:
That's at least going to be my strategy for the next days.
Thanks for reading. If you liked it I would appreciate your upvote.
Best,
T.
Image source: The Adventure Dispatch