My problem is I am not naturally a social person. This site is for networkers and community builders. It operates much like the real world, where content is based os social status and who you know. I am staying here even if I don't make it to trending or hot posts because I want to be part of this extremely interesting social experiment.
I've been on the trending page a couple times early on, it's thrilling but also tiring. You must post content every day and as an artist I don't create art that I can post every day.
The good side of this I've been pushed to write articles. I have always been a poor writer now I am pushing myself to become a better writer. The social part will always be a struggle. I would rather just talk to a few good friends on here....Now I push myself to find new and interesting friends, this has been good and bad. It's exhausting, but I have met some amazing people from all over the world that I want to visit. So I write articles and push myself to earn money so I can travel the world and visit friends.
Plus if I earn enough I can also travel the world and do meditation retreats. So how do we make money here on steemit? It's about finding trends and developing relationships that are mutually supportive without compromising my honor...using the bots is like advertising. If I look at it that way, they aren't so bad. I don't know how good vote bots will be for steemit's ecosystem but looking at the real world advertising is a must for any business besides the tried and true word of mouth.
It becomes problematic when a new member arrives and naturally assumes the highest paid posts are there naturally. They try so hard to be that person! Then they find out the truth. Many leave feeling depressed and defeated knowing full well they can't possibly live out their dreams here.
This is me, living my dream. Doing what I do. Being me. A performer. Party in the front, business in the back.
About a week ago I managed to get a post up into the art tag top 20 trending. I didn't pay anything for that. I've been there before many times. I'll continue doing things my way, because that's how I've always done things. I'm stubborn. I'll just keep doing it and proving the naysayers wrong. We don't need to buy votes. I'm a firm believer that if I can do this, anyone can. I'll put my ass on the line and look like an idiot just to prove it too. The lone wolf who travels freely between packs.
What I do is not easy. If things are easy, I become bored. I move on. I left for awhile and now that I think about it, maybe I was getting bored. Now I'm back, got knocked down a few pegs, eager to take on a new challenge.
I just think to myself. I look at this post. I'm honest. I could easily spend the money and have this post right up there with the rest. Easily. I can't predict my future though, so why should I pretend like I'm in control of it?
Thank you for saying that, I needed to hear this as well. I am glad you are back!