Steemit: A Mind in Whirlwind

in #steem6 days ago (edited)

On average, Steemit takes up about two to three hours of my day—sometimes more. Should I say take up? Shouldn’t it be fun? So, what do you call an activity that occupies your time but that you intentionally choose to invest in! Anyways, writing a post is just the start; engaging with other Steemians, reading comments, and supporting others is equally important. And then there’s the part where I try to stay updated: keeping track of what’s happening on the chain, understanding dev posts, and exploring what’s new.

I know I’m not the only one. Many Steemians are just as committed—dedicating their time, creativity, and energy here.

So where am I going with this?

Is Steemit Easy Money? Not Quite.

Is it a futile hobby?????

I don't know, let's think about it together...

This is something that needs to be understood by everyone.

Yes, Steemit can be seen as a hobby—one that’s far better than scrolling aimlessly through Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or similar platforms. It’s creative, it’s informative, and it connects you with people worldwide.

But here’s where it gets tricky: it has started to feel unfair. Why? Because, of course, the monetary factor is involved. Deny it or admit it—it’s there, and it’s the fuel that motivates most writers, certainly developers, investors, witnesses... everyone in the ecosystem.

I’ve observed that most of the posts receiving support tend to come from challenges, followed by the 'usual writers'—those who consistently appear in the spotlight. This is an observation I’ve made over the course of more than a year.

Now, I don’t want to discredit anyone. Let’s admit it: the usuals do write more than others. They are consistent.

But the question is:

Is their content always of quality?

Is it always interesting, informative, and worth the support?

When a platform thrives on creativity and community, shouldn’t the support be more balanced and reflective of the diverse talent here?
I believe these are questions worth asking. But to whom ?

I can give examples where some good authors have lost interest in blogging altogether. As o1eh pointed out, and I quote:

"Yes, I have noticed that some of the good bloggers have become inactive. But I'm still not sure if it's a natural process, if it's due to the lack of SBD, or if they're just disappointed with the platform 😕."

So yes, there can be multiple factors for this. Some may naturally move on, others may be discouraged by rewards, but I still believe one of the biggest factors is the "unfairness" that comes with the distribution of votes, duties, and—dare I say—even a slight favouritism.

But then you might ask, who is favored?

There is no question of favoritism.

This is a decentralized platform. Why are you saying such things?

Okay, I agree...

But do I fully?

So I keep wondering: When a platform (should) thrive/s on creativity and community, shouldn’t the support be more balanced and reflective of the diverse talent here?

Steemit is a rewarding space, but rewards alone shouldn’t define it. It’s the effort, the voice, and the connections that should hold value.

Talking of connections, hihi, my mind is racing at 400 miles per hour—patience, patience… everything will be shared, just need to gather my thoughts. Dheeraj kro Maan. (Take it easy, mind, take it easy). 😅

One question at a time:

Steemit and the Question of "Favoured" Topics

When it comes to choosing blogging topics, I believe in one simple rule: write with purpose. Whether it’s an emotional reflection, a fun experience, or something deeply informative, every post starts with why—why this topic, why now, and who it is for?

But here's where things get interesting—especially on Steemit.

Why are only certain types of blogs consistently favored?

Have you noticed that the spotlight often shines on posts packed with statistics, challenges, or a million pictures? Don’t get me wrong—there’s value in detailed, data-heavy blogs. But where does that leave the lighter, more engaging, or creative forms of content?

Why is "light/interesting" blogging not promoted most of the time?

Not every post needs to be a deep dive into analytics or a picture-filled travelogue. (Although I am a big fan of travelogues - but you ain't travelling al the time). Sometimes, a simple story, a relatable thought, or an engaging reflection can resonate more with readers. Light, creative content often invites more discussions and connections—something that should be valued on a community-based platform like Steemit.

This brings me to another question:

What is the actual criteria for choosing the “Post of the Week”?

Does it always have to be lengthy? Must it tick the boxes of stats, multiple sections, and endless images? If so, we might be unintentionally discouraging writers who bring a unique, yet simpler voice to the platform.

Steemit thrives on diversity. The creativity here is unmatched, but it risks being stifled if the definition of a "good post" is too narrow. Quality comes in many forms—whether it’s an elaborate analysis, an emotional microstory, or a lighthearted blog that makes readers smile.

Shouldn’t we celebrate all of these equally?

Let’s broaden the scope. Let’s value variety. And most importantly, let’s ask: are we missing out on hidden gems because we’re too focused on certain type of “good post”?

I want to say much more, but in doing so, I might upset people—some may think I’m pointing fingers at them, others may assume it’s a case of “grapes are sour” because I’m not among the favorites. But let me say this:

It doesn’t matter how seldom one posts—if they are bringing quality to the platform, then that should be what truly counts. Quality, creativity, and effort should always hold more weight than quantity or consistency alone.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is this something you’ve noticed too?

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Where to begin… I’ll begin by directing you to a post of mine titled “why is Steemit so unfair?” Or similar. I’m on my phone so will struggle to link you to it but you’ll find it under the Steemit heading of my profile link.

I’ve always understood the sc01 having favourites. These are the moderators and admins who are here to keep people motivated and engaged. To make people feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging in their respective communities.

The question is: Do they all still do this? Or are many of them bumbling along with the process.

For me, I miss the unpredictability of sc01’s actions. One day, they might be in Venezuela, the next in Nigeria, maybe some sports the day after. Always unpredictable. Always demanding a high level of quality and variety for their attention.

Honestly, I don’t know where the votes are going (I don’t look) but my perception is that it’s Learning Challenges, the POD or sc03-09 recommendations. It feels narrow, especially at a time where my trust in some of the current curators is so low and I don’t believe their selections are getting the scrutiny that they should be.

Over the past 10 months, I’ve had my eyes on the code more than on the community and my own blog. Recently, I’ve made more time to read again and my perception is that the circles of suspicious user have grown and the circle of enjoyable authors has reduced.

I could obviously continue but I’d be rambling too much.

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Dem Stemcurator und seinem Tun auf dem Steem habe ich gleich zu Anfang die Pest an den Hals gewünscht weil ich weis das so wie er agiert viel Neid und Streit entsteht , das schachern um sein Vote ist das Problem ,darum habe ich gleich nach dem ersten Vote was er mir gegeben hat ihm gesagt das ich auf sein Vote gerne verzichte , vielleicht hätten das auch andere User machen sollen !
Bekomme ich ein Sc vote mit einem Standard Kommentar, gibt es von mir die passende Antwort in der freundlich sein nicht vor kommt.
VgA

VgA

We probably don't see it as much... but do you think this is any different to accounts like rme or hungry-griffin?

A lot of the abuse that I've caught recently isn't targetting the steemcurator account any more, it's targetting the hungry-griffin communities.

I haven't been here long enough to answer this - hasn't this always happened? Even before the steemcurator accounts existed?

I suppose the biggest difference between now and then is the demographic of the platform. No longer dominated by free thinking individuals like it was before. Or was there a different chicken for a different egg?

I haven't been here long enough to answer this - hasn't this always happened? Even before the steemcurator accounts existed?

Du hast vollkommen recht Gorilla 🦍 der Sc ist da nicht alleine aber ich kenn keinen der so wie er die User animiert, in auszunutzen und sich so in den Vordergrund stellt wie der SC . Ohne mal ein privates Wort einen Post zu schreiben in dem der User was über den SC erfährt

Herr Gorilla 🦍 ❗️jetzt muss ich aber mal schauen seit wann du auf dem Steem bist .
Was 😮 seit 2021 und du hast eine Rep. von 75 😳 Hm 🤨 Du 🫵 Streber 🤓 !

VgA😉

Was 😮 seit 2021 und du hast eine Rep. von 75 😳 Hm 🤨 Du 🫵 Streber 🤓 !

Das is Richtig!

When I signed up, I became totally addicted - spending all day, most days writing content, commenting... and then fighting plagiarism. I think I crammed in about 5 years of activity into my 1st year (and then had to calm down). It was madness!

Oh Maan... Yes, it's been like that since I've been active on the Steem. Unfortunately, I don't have a solution on how to change that more realistically. I don't believe in random distribution or a circulating system. Or rather, I would simply no longer be interested in the circus...

Am I one of the favourites described? I certainly was once, right after I started here. Then it all died down. And then I was fashionable again. Then I wasn't again. And so on. That didn't change anything about my presence here. Because I'm not interested in it. Yes, I'm happy about a vote like that (if I feel it's deserved). But I'm not dependent on it, like some others who might want to make a living from it. (okay - I would want to too ;-)) But I make no claim to it.

Incidentally, my choice of topics used to be broader. I have to admit that I have probably adapted to my readers here. Hmm. I'll have to readjust...

Am I one of the favourites described?

Well, if you are one of the favourites, I don't mind! Steemit thrives on this kind of "favourites," and they are wonderful!

Actually, I wanted to say much more... but that might not be received well, or it may cause issues for someone. I recently participated in the Micro-writing Challenge and enjoyed it a lot. The teachers were exceptionally good and unbiased — at least I think so.

However, even there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of discrimination and favouritism. Not only in the challenge where I participated, but I happened to stumble upon other challenges and noticed something that didn't sit well with me.

Hmm. I'll have to readjust...

One keeps evolving!

Thank you for your feedback. I do appreciate.

Ich mag weder wie der steemcurator hier auftritt noch mag ich sein Vote !
es sei den das Vote ist angepasst mit einem persönlichen Kommentar .
Ich halte den SC01-02 für einen Arroganten Account der gerne hätte das so viele wie möglich nach seiner Pfeife tanzen, ich habe von Anfang an
(nach dem ersten Vote vom SC01 oder 02)
im zu verstehen gegeben das er gerne mit seinem Vote an meinem Account vorbei tanzen kann und dabei fühle ich mich sehr gut, believe me .
Das ich ab und zu ein Vote von einem seiner Kurator bekomme ist OK wenn es angepasst ist „ohne“ Standard Kommentar , ansonsten werde ich sehr unangenehm , ein paar wenige SC Kuratoren haben das verstanden .
Der STEEMCURATOR ist für mich ein rotes Tuch 🟥

Du hast hier viele anerkennende Kommentare bekommen dass ist der eigentliche WERT, nicht das Vote !
VgA🎅

Thank you for your feedback; I truly respect your opinion. However, as I’ve mentioned before in one of my responses, I don’t believe in labeling anything as purely good or evil.

The team likely considered a model or strategy to keep the platform functional and the blogging space active. Perhaps others have proposed alternatives that were ultimately deemed impractical. I don’t have a concrete solution myself regarding this matter. As we often claim that Steemit is a hobby (a hobby that you can wish to adopt as per your convenience) and can never replace a job, there must still be a way to keep the platform running and humming. How exactly? That’s another question entirely.

The initiatives taken by the team are bound to have flaws, just like any model in the world. My observations—and perhaps suggestions—are made within these confines.

That said, I don’t deny the existence of biases, favoritism, and differences—not only where the team is involved but also among some regular bloggers. Unfortunately, there are those who continuously abuse their privileges when given a larger stake, and that’s something we cannot overlook.

I’ve also touched on many other topics in my post, sharing my observations. For instance, the criteria for defining a “good” post is worth discussing. If only certain types of posts are consistently supported and, by virtue of trending, become the standard for quality, then creativity is bound to suffer—and, frankly, I already see it happening.

I think it is natural that the Steemit team supports moderators, community curators and Representatives. They are trying to maintain a core that will be the driver of the community, will support other authors. It's like starting a chain reaction.

At the same time, I am in awe of how you presented the topic subtly, deeply and thoughtfully. 😀

The big problem is that we have few big curators who could support a larger number of authors. The development of the community still depends on the Steemit team, unfortunately. It's no secret that really talented bloggers hope to make a living from their talent. I can name @jaynie, @quirk-it, @flowertron who are definitely good bloggers and their own writing styles. They are currently inactive. I can assume that the reason is that blogging on Steemit does not allow them to make a living, so the time they spend on Steemit is not paying off for them.

It's not anyone's fault, it's just the economic situation. But why exactly such an economic situation took place is a completely different, very interesting story full of fraud and greed.

I suspect that in order for the curator to constantly look for cool, original and interesting posts, he needs to spend a lot of time. Apparently, no one can afford such a thing 🙁. However, I believe that constant competition for great rewards can work wonders.

At the same time, I am in awe of how you presented the topic so subtly, deeply, and thoughtfully.

I'm glad you understood it that way. After reading the comments, I realized that it might have come across as a cry for help or desperation, as if I were feeling unfavored and constantly comparing myself. When quoting something, you need to provide examples, and I thought, why not speak from my perspective? I assure you that this was not the sole purpose of my post. I simply felt that things were becoming too stagnant, perhaps even monotonous. Also, I didn’t focus on just one topic; I touched on many things. But for some reason, it seems to have been interpreted as complaining. It's really just my observations on how authors (can) sometimes get demotivated.

I’ve also been reflecting on how some topics seem to be favored, while lengthy posts filled with stats often steal the spotlight. Most importantly, I've noticed that many regular authors have stopped putting much effort into their blogs. These posts, by virtue of being trending and receiving high votes, automatically become the benchmark. But should it really be this way?

I think I should stop now. I have already said a little too much ;))

I agree with your post and do not consider it a complaint at all 😀. It just so happens that when it comes to regular bloggers and high rewards, it inevitably leads us to mention the Steemit team. 🙂

Thanks for the mention, @o1eh !