Sometimes I'm a little slow in the uptake.
I found myself thinking about the fact that a lot of people whose blogs I really enjoy seem to have gone to the uncertain pastures of the "No Longer Active" Steemians, or at least I don't see their posts in my feed anymore.
Dwarf lupine
Then I realized (that's the "slow" bit) that I no longer post — or am even online — during the hours where I was usually active when I started following these good people, often more than a year ago.
Time is a funny thing... it affects our days and activities in so many ways. Sometimes in ways we don't even realize.
These days, I am often sending my blog posts out last thing at night, US west coast time. Used to be I would get up and write, first thing in the morning and then be "there" during many most daylight hours.
Why the Change?
Pretty much every venture Mrs. Denmarkguy and I are involved in — three home businesses, her coaching practice, my art, our small gallery — have been experiencing fairly steep declines over the past 12-18 months, meaning that we're putting in longer hours and doing more work... simply to not lose ground.
Purple heather
I'm not sure what's going on in the greater world, but it seems we are not alone in this experience.
These days, having time for just one Steemit post a day is more of a "miracle," where 12 months ago having time for three was "not unusual."
Of course, overall activity on Steemit does seem to be down... I guess much as people may claim that they are "not here for the money," they are basically "here for the money."
Price of Steem goes down, so does their activity.
"Yeah, with the price of Steem being so low, I just went back to Farcebook..." Wait... WHAT? Did you just hear what you said? You just said that getting nothing for posting on Facebook is better than getting less-than-before for posting on Steemit.
Your logic is flawed. Please move back three spaces...
Yes, I realize that might not apply to YOU. And you, and you... and you.
But I think you get the drift...
Upvoting Random Comments: A "Lost Art?"
Maybe I'm out in left field... but I always have — and continue to — believe in the principle of "voluntary reciprocity."
It's basically a form of mindfulness, in my book.
Elder blooms
If I borrow the lawnmower from my neighbor, I return it cleaned and with a full tank of gas. And maybe a plate of Mrs. Denmarkguy's cookies.
Similarly, if someone takes the time and effort to write an authentic and engaging comment on my post, I take the time (to the best of my ability) to reply and give them an upvote.
What's so hard about that?
What's more — and this is really what led to my postponing other stuff to get this quick post out — when was the last time you gave an upvote to a really good comment on someone else's post, just because it was "really good?"
The thing is (getting back to the idea of "reciprocity"), you can't sit around and wait for someone to pay it forward to YOU, if you're not taking the initiative to pay it forward — voluntarily — to someone else.
Just something to think about!
How about YOU? Have you noticed that you get different "results" on your posts, depending on what time of the day you post? Have you had any lifestyle changes that have caused a shift in your posting patterns? How so? Do you randomly upvote really worthy comments on other people's posts? Leave a comment-- share your experiences-- be part of the conversation!
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Created at 180803 11:03 PDT