If you're a Whale, ignore this post... this isn't for you.
This is why I don't give a damn if whales see my stuff and why I don't post to catch their attention.
...because I don't want to wind up like Captain Ahab, chasing Moby Dick (the whale)
or do I?
Let's consider something for a moment before carrying on with this post of mine.
Moby Dick, the novel, was considered a flop when it was originally published back in 1851 and wound up being a commercial failure actually going out of print by the time of the author's death in 1891. It wasn't until the 20th century that this novel got it's reputation as a "great American novel".
What's the point I'm trying to make here?
The story of Moby Dick is considered by some to be a great piece of classic literature, telling the story of a voyage for revenge which ultimately becomes a tragedy. Basically the only survivor was Ishmael, who got thrown from the boat during the beginning of the final chase near the end of the book.
I see a growing trend of people posting feverishly in hopes of catching that whale only to wind up disappointed and sometimes envious of other's who have "gotten lucky". Sometimes these people even make remarks stating they're considering... or in some cases even do just quit steemit.
Why?
The reason seems pretty simple to me. It's understandable that putting in any amount of effort only to see no apparent reward for that effort is in many cases disheartening. The problem though is not with the platform, at least not yet. It's instead with the motivation behind the activity on the platform... it's the "reason why" people on steemit are doing what they do; they are all pretty much chasing that whale and I can assure you the majority will wind up sailing to the doom of their own spirit and that will kill their motivation.
Steemit is hopefully here to stay and I strongly believe that it can, but the people are what make it work. Without us, all of us, there is no steemit, there is no platform.
The 'whales' will grow in number and over time we will begin to see an influx in higher rewards as accounts grow and activity becomes more dynamic. I'm sure there will be some sort of tapering-off over time and an eventual baseline will become evident but that is kind of beside the point. The playing field will ultimately become more balanced.
Right now there are so many people posting simply in an attempt to hit that payday that it's flooding the pipeline with the same ol' - same ol' and though there isn't really anything inherently wrong with that there is no doubt in my mind that it will get tiresome and a change will have to take place.
I post what I want to share
I don't post what I think will "get me a lot of money."
I do this because I know that once this platform truly takes off and begins to grasp at it's potential there will be plenty of rewards for mine and everybody's efforts to go around.
I don't care if I hit it big right now, I know that all I have to do is keep on plugging away as I see fit for the sake of producing good content and as steemit grows so will my blog and so will my wallet! -and so will yours.
Moby Dick was a failure
Back in it's initial run, Moby Dick (the novel) was considered a failure. It later got picked back up only to rise from it's ashes and be renowned as a piece of classic literature; it ultimately won in the end. This is what everyone who is active on steemit should realize at this moment in time.
Steemit is new, it's small compared to what it will be and there simply isn't enough of it to go around just yet. But, once there is, once there are more members, more whales and more advancements in the platform it's self all of that hard work which you deem a "failure" could and ultimately probably will be reincarnated as something worthy of the rewards you've hoped for.
You simply have to stick it out and join the rest of us for the ride. People give up too damn soon and never wait to see what's awaiting them on the other side... great things, that's whats over there. So cool out, give it a chance, wait longer, keep on doing what you're doing and join those of us who will be here when those just deserts are served.
@jayjustmay, I've been sending information to 2 people I introduced to Steem, in order to keep them motivated. I've encouraged one to practice writing new blogs in order to sharpen his critical thinking skills.
I've also suggested they use the #craigrant tag.
hey.. awesome!
I've actually done the same thing, including suggesting the craigrant tag.
I think that it's important people look at steemit for what it is and not what it seems to be... it seems to be a free meal ticket, but it's not. It is however a growing community which will inevitably become something important in the social media arena which means those who get in now stand to gain great rewards for their efforts down the line, I'm sure of it.
Great post! It is interesting how success flows. I feel like being successful on here can be a roller coaster ride and without the ability to really follow people you can't gain up a "subscriber" base right now. Plus even the "dolphins" only have $0.10 of voting power so you can get 100 votes and make $5 if you are lucky. Pretty brutal but hopefully in the future. About 6 months things will be different.
You hit it right on the head. I mean, there's obviously never any guarantee or anything but the better option tends to go with what's more probably and in this case I really think that just doing your thing, building your own reputation and finding your own voice so those who resonate with you will follow you... the rewards will follow in time.
36 votes and I JUST dropped this post not even 5 minutes ago... lol, gawt-damn-it-man!!!
The stupid bots are running wild!
Kill'em.. KILL'EM ALL!
Nice post!
(y)
Some fantastic points here:)
Thank you!
I upvoted You
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.
Keep up the good work!