STEEM: Is One Committed Or Complaining?

in #steem6 years ago

None of what I am going to write is considered financial advice or telling anyone what they should do with their money.

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STEEM is the blockchain of opportunity. The question is are you taking advantage of the opportunities? This is a serious question that requires some probing because STEEM is at a turning point.

Many complain how the STEEM system is broken and unfair. They post about how the Whales (and Orcas) have all the power. People often mention the investors and how they only care about themselves and their money.

Bear in mind that bringing up topics for points of discussion or offering up solutions is not complaining. These are productive acts intended to move the system forward through ideas and conversation.

Somehow they feel that the system is not enriching them so it needs fixing. While there are some things wrong with the STEEM blockchain, the fact is the system is working how it is designed. For the most part, people are given opportunities that they would not otherwise have.

Again, are you taking advantage of those opportunities?

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Before getting to the main piece of this article, I want to present a situation.

A number of months back SBD was trading over $3. This means that payouts were significantly increased for an extended period of time. In fact, it was higher a number of months before that. This was an opportunity to power up one's account at a faster pace than normal.

Did you take advantage of it? If you did, congratulations.

That was the time to increase the amount of activity to enhance one's standing. By adding a few more posts a week, or more comments a day, this increased the chance of getting a payout that was inflated compared to the norm.

During that time there were some posting on my articles about how unfair things are and that the bigger accounts should vote for them.. They felt after a month or so on here, that they should be rolling in it.

There were also those who were posting comments that were the opposite of that. They told how they were plugging along doing what was suggested. They believed that as time went by their accounts would grow. Many of them were able to get into different programs or contests which enhanced their standing. Since payouts were inflated, those who were being active benefited.

I had one in my 1KSP program that was able to get to 1K Steem Power in a few months. This is something that now would take a year or longer with the payouts. He was one who took advantage of the situation when it was presented.

I regularly look at the stats @arcange provides each day in his posts.

Here are a couple charts from yesterday.

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https://steemit.com/statistics/@arcange/steemit-statistics-20180810-en

The first thing to point out is on the second chart. It is the blue line that shows the daily active authors. This trend appears to be following the price of STEEM. As the price dropped, so did the activity. Once again, this is an opportunity. Keep in mind that the amount of STEEM available each day is constant. In fact, according to @dragosoura, the amount of STEEM in the reward pool is at a high. Thus, those who are posting are able to share in a larger reward pool. Yet less people are posting.

Another point that stands out is the amount of inactive accounts. This keeps jumping quickly. At the same time, the amount of Planktons drop off the charts. Many are turning away and going Inactive.

Which brings me to the other point. I often write about how the STEEM system is not broken, it is actually working. Part of that stems from the fact that was written in the white paper: purchasing STEEM is as much a part of this ecosystem as any other. Powering up by purchasing STEEM on the open market is as helpful as writing an article or posting a comment.

And guess what? STEEM is providing an enormous opportunity to power up.

STEEM is on sale now (along with all cryptocurrencies). Many complained that the Whales (and Orcas) were able to buy in when STEEM was cheap. We are seeing that happen again.

As I write these words, STEEM is at .95. That means any Plankton can make Minnow with only $475. There are only 8,500 Minnows in the entire ecosystem. Do you think out of those 1.08M accounts that are Inactive and Plankton, that 1,500 could afford $475?

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So why aren't people doing this?

One reason is people might not have the money. I can identify with this. There is nothing I would like more than to add another 20K to my account. Unfortunately for me, I don't have that type of money laying around. Sorry about my luck. However, my lack of money is not STEEM's problem. The opportunity is there if I would be able to take advantage of it.

Ironically, people who cannot do something because of a lack of money rarely complain about it. They understand the opportunity was there and that they could not take advantage of it. I am fully aware of this myself.

Another reason is they are afraid the price will go down further. I can identify with this also. My purchases were between $.80-$2.00 with most being around $1.30. Hence, I am at a lower level than where I bought. I do not look at this as a loss because, on this blockchain, there are many other ways that SP was leveraged since I purchased it. Nevertheless, fear remains a barrier for many people.

Once again, our fear is not the system's problem.

Some might not be buying because they believe STEEM will go lower and are waiting for, in their view, a better entry point. If this is the case, I hope their forecast works out for them...it could be a shrewd move.

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The reason I mentioned the investors earlier is because there is something that have that the almost 1M accounts that are Inactive do not have: commitment. That is the major difference between those who bought STEEM and those who just showed up here. Yes, there are a certain percentage of the 50K daily active users who put no money down and are fully committed to STEEM. I applaud those people.

However, when people put money into something, suddenly their commitment level increases. Even if $100 is not a ton of money to one, the commitment level increases by powering up by that amount. Do you think that 50K out of those 1.08M could afford $100 worth of STEEM? I do not think it unrealistic. Consider what that would do the to activity on the blockchain if that many people were suddenly committed.

Of course, we know those people have no reason to do that. They do not look at this blockchain the same way the 50K who are on here each day do. Hence, they are not taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented here.

Some might disagree but those who are committed tend not to spend their time complaining about everything. Instead, they realize this is something that is going to take time, that a foundation is being laid. Their focus is on doing their part to make things grow while also pushing their accounts forward. Sometimes the payouts come in large chunks, other times in small ones. The thing with STEEM is, for those who are consistent, the payouts always do come.

Sadly, for those who were complaining a few months back, I surmise many of them are in the Inactive pile now. It is disheartening to see so many pass up an opportunity.

Nevertheless, for the ones who are committed to take advantage of the opportunity presented on this blockchain, it could be a marvelous future. It is quickly becoming apparent to my why this truly is the blockchain of opportunity.


If you found this article informative, please give it an upvote and a resteem.

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Interesting, I wrote about this same dilemma except during the rise of steem. It was strange seeing small accounts complain about bigger account as most of them were selling there steem the min it hit their account.

It felt as if people felt obligated to be rewarded for every action they did, even though most didn’t deserve it.

The commitment required is real and the fly by night accounts really don’t understand the amount of time it take to grow if you didn’t invest.

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I keep hearing the same old tired arguments:

  1. Whales are the only ones getting real curation rewards.

  2. Whales control the platform and it's not fair.

  3. I'm not willing to invest but I deserve payouts.

This kind of entitled thinking is very toxic. Curation percentages are the same for everyone. Upvote percentages are the same for everyone.

Everyone talks about, "OMG I lost $500 because Steem crashed!" Really? So how much did the whales lose. It's embarrassing that people can't apply the same perspective to those that have more stake.

We should all be investing in Steem because it's one of the only currencies out there that let's you directly control the inflation. In fact, it's the only currency out there that already has a budding community attached to it AND let's you control the inflation. The upvote system is pretty revolutionary but most people just want to find something wrong with it.

This makes so much sense.

Exactly. And the money on puts in to buy STEEM can be leveraged so many different ways since it does increase voting power and one's standing on the platform. This is revolutionary. One can take advantage of the increase in SP to create more SP.

It is all about long term picture. Average people are too often focused on instant gratification and when they do not get instantly what they desire or want, they complain and often quit, which also means that those people having problem whit accepting responsibility. I might be one of those people:).

it seems comitted

For those who bought Steem at a higher price some months ago,this is a real shock. I mean people who invested hoping Steem will be 8$ or more. But for others who want to buy Steem I see this as the best opportunity right now. I am among the people who just showed up here and try to push my account and make it grow bigger. Even if the reward is not much as it was before, I keep posting and try to be active the most of the time. I believe in a better future for all of us and after the bad days the good days will definitely come :D

Thanks for the comment @hanen. That is wonderful. From my perspective you have the right attitude. Keep doing what the system was designed to do and grow your account. You continued commitment is evident on a regular basis. You are one of the 50K committed to STEEM and doing what you can to push it (and your account) forward.

Consistent action over time will yield dividends. With every post, with every comment, we learn how to use Steemit.

I used to think it unfair, too. But I look back on the choices I made and here I am. I also read this post long ago to gain some perspective:

https://steemit.com/steem-help/@luzcypher/the-most-valuable-steemit-post-begins-in-your-head-tips-to-mazimize-your-social-currency-on-steemit

I'm always asking if I am adding value to the ecosystem. I'm always posting articles I believe in. I don't worry about what others think when I post because someone, somewhere will find value in it. If I don't post, I don't earn, so I post.

I don't worry about the price of Steem. I'm more concerned with just earning Steem by posting. The price will manage itself. The irony is that we're even concerned with the price at all. Steem and other cryptos are all measured with dollars or euros, not commodities. When we start using Steem and other cryptos to buy services and things, we will have truly turned a corner. We will then measure the price of gold, wheat or an hour of labor with crypto.

So I keep writing in anticipation of that day.

Spot on. That is what it is all about. Great link too.

It is all in how we view it. Take the long-term approach and value each SP that comes in. Expect it to take time...engage, engage, engage.

That is what makes an account grow larger.

Ahahahaha. I will give some financial advice: Don't do what I do :)

My average price of Steem in my account is near $3.00. I had some money to spend a few months ago and I plowed it all into Steem. I mean, it was only about $1300, so it wasn't like a huge deal.

Do I regret it? No. Not for an instant. Do I wish I had another chunk right now? More than I can say. I'll just have to let you all that are better finical planners than me reap all the rewards.

I'm here. The day I came I put some money in, so that I could have some skin in the game to make my commitment better. I promised on that day to stay a year. I'm coming up on that date and even more adamant in my commitment.

I think the platform basically works as designed. I'm really glad to see HF20 scheduled, it gives me confidence that the witnesses are actively pursuing the ideal.

I'll stay. It's the best content platform going, all in all. That's what I'm looking for.

Thanks for a great post, I really do appreciate it.

Thanks for sharing this information.
Steemit is really not easy

No it isn't. That is something that many do not tell. Many want to make STEEM like it is a show up and get rich game. It is not.

STEEM requires a lot of hours and effort; consistency is needed on a daily basis. This is how one is able to form relationships and grow his/her account.

Hmmm, that's true,forming and growing relationships. Thanks
I've made mistake of actually been a lone wolf since I joined.

Also anything worth having doesn't come by easy , almost always !!

Hello there @taskmaster4450
I’ve been following you for while now and read all the interesting stuff you write about, but never really dropped a comment. But this article is the perfect chance to do so.

I keep screaming and shouting about the same things you mention here. I just don’t understand why people quit posting. I mean I get it, payouts are hammered...but why should this make someone quit posting? Are we here only for the payout? NO WE AREN’T

I think that these low prices are a major opportunity for people to power up, or even invest in other currencies if they think their projects are interesting. At least that is what I do. Buying every now and then...But the average user has no excuse to stop posting/engaging. It is completely irrational. Lots of us used to complain about being late in the crypto world (I thought I was late too) but we all have a second chance here. I wish people could see the potential....
Have a great day my friend!

yes I am staying Positive

None of what I am going to write is considered financial advice

Nice move , you won't be getting a call from lawyer , @meno ..you taking tips bruh ?

I agree with what you say. I invested in Steem on various times: when it was under$1, when it was $2, even when it was at $4.
Yesterday, I picked up some more at $1.1. I do regret not waiting an extra day - it's at $0.97 right now, but I do believe those low prices are only temporary. Because the future is wide open for the Steem Blockchain. It's just a matter of time...

Congrats on being in position and taking advantage of the opportunity. I commend you for growing your influence on the blockchain when you can. Obviously my goals are aligned with yours so we both this move works out terrifically for you.

There are many ways to grow an account and you are using one of them. The SP you purchased will be leveraged to earn more. It will snowball for you.

How to make the most out of my SP is still something I'm trying to figure out. I refuse to delegate to bidbots, or to sell delegations- which would moneywise be the smartest thing to do. Instead, I'm looking for ways to make the most out of my SP. Delegating to applications like Steemhunt, Actifit and Cleanplanet is for as far as I know the best way to grow my investment (next to the regular SteemIt activities, of course). Yet, I can't get rid of the feeling that I'm missing out on some profitable opportunities...

WARNING - The message you received from @minzir123 is a CONFIRMED SCAM!
DO NOT FOLLOW any instruction and DO NOT CLICK on any link in the comment!

For more information, read this post:
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If you find my work to protect you and the community valuable, please consider to upvote this warning or to vote for my witness.

I’ve seen people who complain about Steem being too concentrated in the hands of too few also complain when a certain whale named @ned starts a powerdown. Cognitive dissonance is a powerful crutch.

I’ve never been much of an entrepreneur (that skill set seems to have skipped a generation and gone directly to my son), but I’ve been a decent investor over time. That skill set suggests to me that Steem May prove to be an astonishingly good long-term investment.

Said the crazy uncle....😀

I agree 100%... last year I was powering up at the rate of $20/ day.. every little bit helps

This is a superb article, typical of your blog posts. I always tell people that this is one of the best times in the world to be active on Steemit. Like you rightly observed, the pay out is higher now due to the increasing SP pay out. Although I bought bulk of my Steem at $3.5, I am committed to this project because, indeed, I see it as a blockchain of opportunities.

Cheers for the masterpiece.

Words of wisdom here @taskmaster4450! In some ways, the current lower prices of Steem are also serving as a great "sort mechanism" to separate the committed (who are still here working at it) from the "fairweather friends" who only contribute when things are going up.

As for those who complain about "greedy whales," I like to think that every additional Steem I power up, is one Steem NOT in the hands of them... so I have nothing to complain about, and feel like I am actually being part of the solution by still being here.

Re-Steeming this! I don't have much influence, but as many people as possible should really ready this.

=^..^=

Very wise words. I fully support you. RESTEEM.

Can I be committed to complain 😂