How My Steemit Journey Began
I can hardly believe my Steemit journey started exactly 365 days ago tomorrow. I had attempted to open a Steemit account in June of 2016 after reading a post by @stellabelle on Facebook but had issues getting my account activated. I forgot about it for a few weeks but decided to give it another go in early July. I emailed Steemit support, they reset my account, and my life changed forever.
This photo was taken just before I found Steemit. We were on a vacation and I remember watching every dollar we spent because we were on such a tight budget
I did things a bit backwards before knowing the rules of the platform. I wrote my introduction post a day after my first post on July 5, 2016. Luckily for me, that intro post caught the attention of both @ned and @dan. That intro post made exactly $489.62, nearly equivalent of almost a week’s pay, my mind was blown. After my introduction post I experienced a long dry spell. I was struggling to figure out and find my niche on the platform. Weeks went by and I was getting limited engagement and I only made pennies per post. I became very frustrated as I expressed in this post.
In retrospect, this period of frustration was a pivot point. Instead of quitting I made it a mission to learn more about Steemit. I realized this wasn’t like Facebook where you could post pictures of your dinner or witty one-liners and get engagement. Suddenly, I stopped using the shotgun approach in terms of content creation and focused on what I considered to be my strengths…poetry and fiction. I also began networking, engaging with others. This is when the votes came.
I woke up one morning to realize one of my Steemit posts made multiple hundreds of dollars while I slept, I celebrated this in my post the following morning, “I Made $300 Last Night While I Slept.” This is the exact point where I realized what a waste of time and energy other social media sites were for my writing career. This was also the post where I learned the markdown code to insert a .gif which has kind of been a sort of trademark of mine ever since.
I look at some of the comments in these older posts and realize how much has changed in just twelve months. If you haven’t yet realized, you will soon, a month on Steemit is like a year in the regular world. Since July of last year so much has transpired, we had the infamous hack last summer, the huge rise in the currency last fall, followed by the currency’s lows this past winter. We’ve had hard forks and the whale down-voting saga (which I’m glad is over). Some users left the platform for good, others took a break and returned. One thing has remained throughout it all and that is the cohesive community that makes Steemit the best social media platform in existence.
My participation in SteemFest last November solidified this for me and was as one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life.
In the past year Steemit has become the hub of my online life and writing career. As I reflect on the past year I still sometimes can’t believe all of these wonderful things have happened to me. Aside from the success I’ve found (which has been incredible), interacting with all of you has taught me some incredibly valuable lessons. Things change so quickly here that I’m not sure what the next year has in store but, as I’ve learned, the unknown is the exciting part. We’ve seen such an influx of new talent here within the past few months, admittedly, sometimes I feel like the old man here. Still, I hope I continue to have something of value to contribute to this community. The moment I feel like I can no longer add value to Steemit will be the day I sign off.
The Road Ahead
I'll be doing a lot of adjusting accordingly in the next year. I’ve very excited about a few things coming up within the next few months which include:
Transitioning into the life of a full time writer and traveler. After working for someone else continuously since I was fifteen, this will be a welcomed change.
I’ll very soon be teaming up with Leon Logothetis of The Kindness Diaries (Netflix) to offer two of his autographed books and a few signed copies of mine exclusively on Steemit to the highest bidder. All proceeds of this will be donated to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Installments of my newest novel, Truth Is Stranger, will also be posted in installments on Steemit later this year.
I also plan on taking on a larger role in curating and mentoring other authors on the platform within this next year. I also want to promote Steemit to the outside world and take on a role in it’s future development. My goal is to eventually reinvest money back into the platform and become a whale.
I'll always refer to my Steemit anniversary as my personal Independence Day. Why? Because the platform (and all it’s taught me) will soon afford me to live a life purely of my own design. Soon, I'll be free from existing in a world where I felt like I didn’t belong. It was a world where I was working extremely hard but barely breaking even. That old world was full of limitations, constraints, and inequality. This new one is quite the opposite but having the privilege of occupying this space means having an obligation to help as many others as I can.
I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude to Ned and Dan for conceptualizing this platform. Thank you @steemed for the priceless mentorship and support. Thanks to Johie ( @fairytalelife ) and Adil ( @the-alien ) for the guidance and friendship. I would also like to thank you all, truly, for your support over the past twelve months. You’ve made so many of this middle-aged author’s dreams (that I nearly gave up on) come true.
With Much Gratitude,
Eric
*I am an American novelist, poet, traveler, and crypto-enthusiast. If you’ve enjoyed my work please sign up for my author newsletter at my website. Newsletter subscribers will receive exclusive updates and special offers and your information will never be sold or shared.
Connect with Me
Thank you sooo much for sharing your experience here. It is very motivating for us that just joined. I found you on the HOT thread!
Will follow you.
This
"I'll always refer to my Steemit anniversary as my personal Independence Day. Why? Because the platform (and all it’s taught me) will soon afford me to live a life purely of my own design."
Happy independence day!
You're welcome! That gif is worth 100 upvotes, hilarious! Thank you!
Awesome!
hahaha, awesome gif!
Thanks!
UV early and full power (what I have left anyways) because you are so awesome and like a brother to many many of us here.
As much as I like your content, I have REALLY enjoyed chatting with you here and all of our DM's babbling away about life and crypto and other stuff we discuss, honestly.
Thanks for being a good dude and good Steemian, you are a dose of reality that is pretty great man.
Congrats on all you have achieved, and all that you are.
Both of which are substantial Eric.
Thank you so much, Barry. Our interactions personify why I like this platform so much. Like-minded people seem to gravitate towards one another here...people who, if it wasn't for the geographical boundaries, would be hanging out in person on a regular basis. You're one of those people. I thank you for your kind words and support. This next year is going to be very exciting for all of us.
Wow. That is so motivating. I too, love the Steemit opportunity and community. I see the change in me coming. Recently quit my full time job in the medical field (high 6 figure income) , but what the heck, so stressed and no time to do anything for myself or family. Had to quit, great but tough decision. Positioning myself in crypto arena and enjoying Steemit as I grow
personally and monetarily . Thnx for your post. Very motivating and inspirational.
Thanks, @steemingout23. I'm so glad you made that tough decision. There is much more freedom (and financial rewards) to be had in this new world. In that old world there is a heavy price to be paid for that high salary. I was trapped in a horribly stressful corporate job for nearly five years and I'm convinced another few years would've killed me. It was the best decision I ever made to leave that job. Congratulations to you for having the strength to walk away!
Great!
Great post mate and thanks for the summary over this last year...I wonder what we have in store for this next year:) $$$
Thanks! It's hard to say what the next year will bring, hopefully many more good things. I feel very optimistic about it. : )
Well done post You deserve for getting Upvote from me. I appreciate on it and like it so much . Waiting for your latest post. Keep your good work and steeming on. Let's walk to my blog. I have a latest post. Your upvote is high motivation for me. Almost all Steemians do their best on this site. Keep steeming and earning.
Thank you!
U are welcome
This comment has received a 0.08 % upvote from @booster thanks to: @hamzaoui.
This comment has received a 0.06 % upvote from @booster thanks to: @hamzaoui.
@ericvancewalton what a wonderful way to celebrate a one year aniversary of steemit (the only thing missing is champagne and some beers haha). As a new members, I am impressed and motivated after reading about your hardwork , commitment and dedication even when the going was not ok, you still continued and focused on your core-competences. Keep steeming @ericvancewalton , glad that I am following you and note that the sky is your limit. Upvoted in order to send in my support.
Thanks, @charles1! I had a few beers yesterday! : ) I appreciate your support.
You are welcome and more success to you.
Feel free to check out my latest post on : Why Steemit will disrup social media and gain market share
Happy anniversary to you! Steemit may change everything about how we reward or pay for content on the internet. I am still researching it all but the proof is here before our eyes that it works and it can expand and grow. Like your friend told you about this platform, we can all introduce the idea of incorporating the blockchain with social media and that it all can be decentralized. We actually have a huge responsibility here not to screw it up because we are the early adopters if you think about it.
Thank you! I totally agree, this is the future of social media. It's only a matter of time before the masses figure it out. When they do each of us will prosper greatly.
You are leading the way for many of us Eric. I have a feeling that Steemit is enabling many people to have a Personal Independence Day.
Thank you for persevering when things became tough - your decision has impacted our decisions.
Many more blessings and successful endeavors on your way to whaledom my friend!
Thank you, Lydon. I always look so forward to your thoughtful comments. I can tell that you care about the platform and actually take the time to read the posts. I'm looking forward to the day when my vote has a lot more weight and I can help to shape the future of this this great community. Have a great week!
Thank you for your kind and generous words, Eric. I always enjoy reading your work and it is a double blessing to talk with you personally.
May you have a fantastic week as well my friend!
@ericvancewalton - what an amazing journey on Steemit platform within a short span of 1 year. You richly deserve the rep and the accolades you have received. Your efforts inspire many like me (a newcomer minnow to Steemit - only 18-20 days). You have certainly set up an example for bonding with Steemians. Thanks for sharing.
Upvoted and followed.
I am mostly in wildlife and travel blogs with my own original content (photos and my musings). I request you to take a look at my blogs when you have time. I have posted a blog about an Orange Moon today . I would love to get your comments. Thanks
Thank you very much! Welcome to Steemit. I hope to read of your great successes on the platform at this time next year. Best of luck to you!
Best wishes to you on your Steemit anniversary! Interesting to see what changes one year of Steemit can bring. Sounds like you have experienced quite a roller-coaster adventure. I'm anxious to look back after my first year. Wish I discovered Steemit earlier like you did, but still feel like this is just the beginning.
Thank you! It's been a roller coaster of emotions, for sure. You are still considered one of the early adopters. Steemit is actually still in beta. Work hard, don't give up, keep learning, and (most importantly) have fun. That year will go by in the blink of an eye and you'll be surprised at how far you've come.
Happy Birthday on Steemit Eric and to America! Hope you are celebrating!
Thank you, Ann!
Congrats!!
Thank you, @dougkarr!
When I read posts from seniors like yourself, you make me want to throw myself out there harder and get the community rolling! Thanks for sharing man. Real motivation right here. You should tag that in too! Cheers!
#upvoted #follow4follow
I'm not a senior quite yet. ; ) Lol. You're very welcome. It's very important to remember when we feel stuck or frustrated on the platform that we can reach out to others to ask questions. The help I received from the community is what saved me from quitting when I was frustrated. Thanks for your comment!
So I suppose the key takeaway here is to get frustrated? Frustration is the mother to all successes. :D haha.
Lol. I've discovered there are only good things to be found on the other side of those negative emotions like frustration and fear. If you push through those emotions and get to the other side there are some great treasures to be found.
Well I can say for an absolute fact that steemit was greatly enriched the day you joined my friend. You were an inspiration to me when I was new and continue to be to this day.
I got your book and have been reading the poetry to my husband and son (the chapters I read to myself during quiet time) and now you are inspiration to them as well.
Cheers to your steemit birthday and to another wonderful year!!
I really appreciate that, @dreemit! Thank you! I'm so glad you guys are enjoying the book. Could you do me a huge favor and write an Amazon review when you have time? I hope you and your family had a wonderful 4th. I'm going to be diving into the work of finishing that second novel now. : ) Take care my friend!
Happy anniversary in Steemit. Good job. looking forward to do the same.
Thank you!
The good life... Sighs... Congrats to both of you for keeping it together and thanks for sharing
Thanks, @steemdream17! What I'm finding is the work just begins when you attain a big goal like this. It's fun though, if you enjoy it it doesn't feel like work. I appreciate your comment!
Nice...congratulation. So I hope you have made your own declaration of Indepence (just kidding). Nice reflection, My wish and prayer for you and hope best thing happen, your wish will be acomplished. :)
Thanks! Hmm...drafting my own Declaration of Independence isn't a bad idea. Lol. I appreciate your comment (and that idea)!
That's a noble attitude, @ericvancewalton
Congrats, Eric! This was very inspirational to me. Thanks.
Nice story my friend ! I wish I can be like u after a year in steemit :'( . U're lucky just love ur wife and ur life and have fun =) u only live once ;)
Thank you! What you said is so true, you must be thankful for each moment! Best of luck to you in this next year.
thx
congrats on your achievement my guy :D
LOL!!!
Lol! Thanks!
@ericvancewalton thank you for sharing. Your story is very inspirational. I've only just joined this platform and it was just by happenstance. I've been floored by the possibilities. I'm just in love with it. I wish you the best of luck and continued success on your journeys!
Hi, @ericvancewalton. I read your post and realized, that you write poetry and prose. I write, too. Only in Russian. High-quality translation into the English language for me is difficult to do. Only subscript. Do You think, if I will continue to post with the verses in the interlinear, to the English audience will be interested? I recently posted the post, where I read my poetry in Russian. If You are interested, please visit my blog — Beauty on the outside (Author's performance of verses)
Hi, and welcome to Steemit! I think there is definitely an audience for your work here. I would highly suggest continuing and paying attention to how engaged the readership is. I think we have many Steemit users who are also active on Golos. Thanks for sharing your work.
I glad!! I will continue. THK, @ericvancewalton=)))
Congrats on all of your accomplishments and Happy 4th of July! It's amazing the opportunity that Steemit brings. You don't know how much of an impact it's had until you look at the past year and see all of the changes you've experienced. Cheers to a great year and more great ones to come!
Thank you! What surprised me as I reflected back on this past year was how many of the good things that have happened in the past year could be traced directly back to Steemit (directly or indirectly)...nearly everything. Cheers and best of luck to you!
Great post, @ericvancewalton. You were an inspiration to us all in the way you climbed so fast to become such a highly regarded steemian.
How good you were propagated even further when I heard your recitation of "Alarm Clock Dawn" at the Steemfest.
Well done to you and I hope your reminisces adds support and encouragement to anyone joining Steemit from scratch. :)
Thank you @ezzy! For once in my life I was at the right place, at the right time. : ) So much in life depends on timing. I appreciate your comment, it means so much to be coming from a writer of your caliber.
congratulations @ericvancewalton ,your steemit life story is an inspiration to me,what you went through then is what i am going through now,and i am working hard to reach where i see my self ,a happy steemprenuer.
So tommorow we are celebrating in style right !!!!!
Thanks, whatever you do, don't give up! If what you're doing isn't working just change your approach. I appreciate your kind words!
Thank you,you inspire me.
Thanks for posting this! I'm very new to Steemit and posts like yours motivate me to stay engaged and develop more content! Hoping to make a mark in parenting posts!
You're welcome! Thanks for your comment. I think you'll do really well writing on that subject here. Best of luck to you!
Your story is amazing and very heartfelt. I believe one cannot truly understand the beauty of life until one experiences the hardships, disappointments, and pains along the path of life. You know what it's like to have needs not met, challenges to overcome and mountains to climb. But you never gave up and for this, you have been rewarded with wonderful opportunities, love and happiness. Your work is amazing because it is real and meant to help others. Your life path is meant to be and it will be filled with growth, new discoveries and new horizons. You inspired me to write which I didn't do when I first started Steemit in May. I only commented and voted. But my encounters with people like you have given me the catalyst to try to take the chance to open myself up through writing and posting. It is not an easy step but at least I made the first step. Thank-you for your inspiration which has given me the courage I need to walk forward. Again, congratulations!........Cabbagepatch
Your comments are always so great and have so much meaning. Thank you! It makes me feel great to know that you've found the courage to write. The act of writing is so cleansing, therapeutic, and also teaches us so much about ourselves. It will get easier to open yourself up the more you write. You'll reach a point where you become fearless about sharing your innermost emotions and ideas, this is when the magic happens. I really appreciate your kind words, @cabbagepatch!
It is people like you on Steemit that bring so much hope, love and inspiration to everyone. I truly believe that as long as we stay true to our convictions and inner core, we will not only help others but channel so much positive energy into our being that we will reach a higher level of enlightenment. Your life story has shown me that you've been through many curves in life's path but that didn't stop you from seeking the positive and hope. You are amazing, especially for not letting the abundance change who you are. You are rare and unique and I am so glad our paths have crossed. Stay centered and keep moving forward. So happy for you ....... Cabbagepatch
Didn't realize you have only been here one year, you have done well. My first year will come in September.
Yes, thanks! Sometimes it feels like it's been a month, some days it feels like a decade. : )
That is awesome to hear about your successes and early on failures. I think a lot of people that are just trying now are experiencing the same things that you did near the beginning. I guess it's about perseverance but just like you felt back then I look forward to the day when I can wake up to a $300 or $500 post. I worked a few hours today but I only made $10 for that shift because everybody was out celebrating for the 4th of July while I had to work because I am having trouble paying my electricity bill this month. Having said that I do think I have seen an increase in my own payouts and I think in time if I persevere I will get better just as you have and I always look forward to all of your posts.
Thanks, @jeezzle! The platform was very different back when I started. We had fewer users so it was easier to get discovered and the currency was also worth around $3-$4 so it was easier to make good money back then. I think Steem has a good potential to hit that price and higher in the near future. You're so right, the time/day you post can definitely impact post payout. I've found that 11am and 9pm CST are the best times of the day to post. Also, posts published on Fri-Sun don't seem to pay as well, in my experience. Mon-Thurs, 11am and 9pm CST seem to be the "sweet spots".
wow, congrats @ericvancewalton
it is very inspiring to hear how steemit has influenced others and impacted their life.
for someone starting out in steemit, what is the number one piece of advice?
Cheers!
Scott
Thank you! The most important thing is to identify, early on, what unique gift (value) you have to share with this community...once you figure that out share it.
Congratulations dear friend @ericvancewalton for this wonderful years that you have just fulfilled in our beloved platform, for his dizzying career, thank you very much for sharing this moving and inspiring story, I wish with all my heart that your successes continue
Have a beautiful birthday
Thank you so much, man! I always appreciate hearing from you!
Really wonderful post Eric, so great to hear about your experiences and they are so beautifully expressed!
Thank you my friend!
Bravo Eric! You've worked hard for all of this!
Thank you, my friend! It has been a ton of work but so much fun.
Congratulations on One Year on Steemit!
I'm glad that you stuck around for the long road and bless all of us with your amazing writing and meditation.
Cheers to another year!
I appreciate your kind words and support, @arckrai. I wish you the best of luck here, it looks like you're doing great so far!
congratulations Eric! Your journey inspires and encourages many )
Thanks, Ani! I really hope that I'm helping to provide a shortcut for others. I'm so happy you're on here and active now. I can't wait to see what you'll do in a year, I hope you surpass my accomplishments! I see really good things for you.
thanks) hope what you see will come true
Congrats on your anniversary ! May your success continues :)
Thanks!
Congratulations @ericvancewalton! You have received a personal award!
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Nice, Happy 4th! Hope to see you at this year's Steemfest :-)
Cg
Thanks! I hope we can make it too!
Eric, congratulations!
For a new world! To fulfill your desire and to achieve success!
Thank you, @deleni and welcome to Steemit!
Interesting, ericvancewalton. Thanks
Congrats @ericvancewalton
Wishing you best of luck for your future endeavors.
Thanks!
Congratulations on your Steemversary! I might not always catch your posts, but I do enjoy reading them when I find them in my feed. Let's hope there are many more anniversaries to come!
Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the content when you come across it!
Congraulations! Thanks for the inspirational story and have nice next years on steemit!
Thank you!
amazing to see the community grow and retain members
It's really grown these past few months, it's incredible.
Congrats for you. Two month later my time to anniversary will come, I think you motivated me like this one.
Thanks, @arfa!
Wonderful all well done Please see my page