Over the course of my relatively short time on the Steemit network, I've noticed a significant increase in requests for financial help or assistance. Many times, a medical emergency causes immediate pressure to the wallet, or other times, it's an unexpected job loss. Whatever the case, genuine Steemians encounter all sorts of troubles, and it's a wondrous opportunity for us to help those in need.
That being said, I also feel that we as a community can take proactive steps towards our hardworking minnows. By building a broadly stronger Steemit network, we not only empower those we help, but we bolster our own goals and aspirations. A community is only as strong as its weakest link. If we don't help the minnows and instead become wholly introspective, we are actually creating an unsustainable Ponzi scheme.
To that end, I continue to encourage giving and upvoting to any Steemit user in genuine need. We need more philanthropy, not less of it! At the same time, I go back to the sage words of ancient indigenous tribes:
Give a man a Steem, and he will redeem for a day.
Teach a man to Steem, and he will redeem for a lifetime!
My friends, giving is important. But what will really have a lasting impact is to teach others the basic skill sets to survive and thrive. I encourage you that if you have useful knowledge about the Steemit network, don't look down on those who ask "stupid questions."
Instead, consider that thousands of others also have the same inquiries, but may be afraid to ask. Remember too that you were once a novice that had no idea what was going on. Perhaps you were fortunate enough to have someone come alongside you and show you the ropes, like @cassidyandfranks did to me. Certainly, you have had your early share of supporters, like @bearbear613, who followed me when I didn't even know what a "follow" was!
Such reflections facilitate empathy, and through empathy, we can help new or struggling Steemians find their way. When we do that, we're not just giving...we're building.
And that is a far more significant assistance!
Love quote! You made my day @bullishmoney !! Absolutely the best quote of the day :)) Did you come up with it?
Needs more upvotes and resteeming....The best way to make our day:))
I borrowed an old indigenous quote, and changed out some words! :)
the original quote is about fish right ?
really creative arrangement hehe
Great Post! I am new here on Steemit and I have had so many wonderful people helping me and encouraging me. And in turn I try to help other newbies. Paying it forward. We are building an exciting virtual community that uses a positive feedback loop to encourage kindness, relationships and a way to earn income.
I completely agree...Steemit is a unique social media platform which organically encourages helpful and otherwise productive behavior.
great
Thank you!
great post
Love the quote. Ao true. What i like to do is go out and find totally new steemians and give one tip i learned, follow them and like a post. It gives them incentive to keep going, gives me a follow back and shows them a little something.
Thank you! That's a great idea, I never thought about that! :)
Works everytime.
Great point and great advice. Let's help each other.
Yup, so help me Mark! :)
:O
Thanks for this post. I just checked out some of the Steemians I met when I first got here in May. Some like @suzique are doing great but others have kind of given up on creating content because I imagine that like me, they are struggling to understand Steemit. I forced myself to understand and purchase my first crypto (eth) recently. I doubled my money. Now that motivates me to learn more. You can spend hours researching and preparing a post and only make 2 cents. Someone else posts a picture of their cat and they make $20.00. When you don't understand Steemit to begin with, I can see why some people have given up.
I'm going to address this as well because you bring up very fair and accurate points...I think it will help the overall Steemit community because you're right, if we don't drive engagement across the spectrum, Steemit will just end up being an elitist network, and ultimately become that which we independent-thinkers hate the most.