So, the downside of a huge influx of new users is people who have no idea or seemingly even interest in how the platform works.
Lately, I get a lot more comments simply asking for follows or linking me to an unrelated blog. I also get many more comments where it is SO OBVIOUS that the person read no more than the headline and is commenting just to be seen. So I wanted to say something to these new users:
We love having you here new users but please listen....
This is not how it works. It is not how any of it works. You can't just hop on and beg for followers. This isn't instagram or tumblr or something. This is a blockchain that pays you if you post quality content. If you just keep posting the best content you can push out then you will naturally gain followers. This is not "free" money. This is not a get quick rich scheme. Just like any other real opportunity for wealth it will take energy, learning, time.
MEANINGFUL comments go a long way!
"Hey I read your blog can you read mine and upvote?"
That type of comment will get you nowhere.
Really READ the blog before commenting and then comment in a meaningful way. Make it clear you rad the blog and point out what you liked or even disliked about the blog. If the blog didn't make you feel anything and you don't have anything you want to say to it then don't comment. Forming real connections with bloggers can really help you to get genuine followers. That should be your goal.
Don't be in such a hurry!
You want QUALITY followers.
It took me almost a year to get my first 500 followers. I then started blogging more and reaching out more and now I have plenty more but if you just get followers by asking for "f4f" you are gaining useless followers. It won't make you money. They don't care about your blog. You have to EARN real followers. You have to post content that speaks to them. You have to have meaningful interactions. So stop rushing to get more followers. Just focus on gaining loyal followers. These followers will be worth far more than whatever people you pick up with your "f4f" tactics. Trust me.
Yes, I fully agree. You follow someone because this persons creates good content and you want to read the next post too. It doesn't make any sense to follow someone because he / she asked for it. Create good content and you will make money and followers will come!
Every time I see someone demanding a follow my eye involuntarily twitches with annoyance. hahaha You are exactly right. It makes no sense.
Oh its not annoying me, I just ignore it. But you have a higher reputation than me, so probably you get spammed way more.
I ignore it but hoped maybe this would reach a few people and make them realize they are wasting their time. XD
When someone sees one flag those commenting "F4F" after being warned a few times by others.
I have seen a few of your posts and you've always put some thought and quality. I do believe you've earned my vote.
Cheers!
YESSS! ---> "This is a blockchain that pays you if you post quality content. If you just keep posting the best content you can push out then you will naturally gain followers."
You could also have titled this, "Steemit Etiquette" :-) Thanks for this useful post, @lauralemons!
I have even in my little about blurb that I don't dont "follow for follow", having that many followers isn't even beneficial if they never visit your posts! Haha silly people.
I think we will always have these weird spammy people... I don't know what it is that makes them feel okay asking? I feel weird asking!
Exactly. They are literally wasting their time which could be invested in learning. If all you want is a big number on your page and no money, go for it but it ain't going to earn them any steem dollars. XD
"F4f" almost NEVER works when it comes to long-term quality engagement on any platform. You can usually tell when someone has paid for followers on a platform because they will have 1000s of them and maybe 1 or 2 comments or "likes" on a post.
I just joined steemit a few days ago and I am noticing a lot of low quality posts that seem designed just to be pumped out as quickly as possible for upvotes. It's been difficult to find quality content on here because of all the garbage I have to sift through.
Yes that is something that I do not like seeing. My advice would be to try checking particular tags that interest you. Or check hot and trending. Eventually you will find bloggers you like and can have a nice feed with quality content.
Luckily, those slapped together, pumped out posts won't make any money so maybe they will figure that out eventually? XD
Those are just the worse, it makes me mad... I don't why 😂😂😂
There's good reason to be annoyed in my opinion. They are wanting something for nothing, cluttering your blog with spam, and undermining the actual work that went into building a blog.
Truth, especially the ones that say, here is my link, go there and upvote 😡😂
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Amen sister! :D
:D
I just read your blog, can I get an upvote? Just kidding :-)
Thanks for the good read Laura
😡😠😤😩😫😖😞
haha You're welcome. :)
I agree. There's also some that post just to say follow me and I'll follow back.... I just ignore those posts.
Yeah best to do that. haha
I saw posts form some whales who already make joke on this f4f. If you comment things you like people will more take you seriously and they will follow you without asking. Just need to be normal and not hurry.
Well I've never asked for followers and yet I have nearly 600, hardly any of which even vote on my posts, so I guess someone who is asking to follow for follow would be even worse.
Nice post. I've been experiencing this myself recently. This isn't a get rich quick scheme or a popularity contest. Produce original content and naturally you will start to get a solid following of like-minded people.
I'm sorry i only read the title ;)
I completely resonate with your words. I joined the platform about 2 weeks ago and of course, the more followers the better. But for sure I don't want people who don't care about my message. The money is great, but I'm also here to reach people with a positive message and make an impact. I wonder if these f4f people are successful with that strategy... Can't imagine that this will get you long term "success".
you are right, I'm trying to generate good followers, anyway starting it's difficult I can't get enough attention. hahaha cheers.
Good advice @lauralemons. I'm new and appreciate the suggestions. What you've written makes common sense. It reminds me of attending networking events where I've met people who only want to hand me their business card and talk about what they can do for me. Then they walk away and onto the next person. : /
lol, i've just posted something similar... Good thing I am not the only one annoyed by this...
I guess when new people come on board, chances are they only hear of the good side (just post and will earn rewards). But never understand the process of it and the effort and time involve.
LOVE THIS! Seriously. I roll my eyes at those comments. With Steemit you really have to work hard to get results. Some people don't get it.
And of course with the addition of lots of newbies, Tons of people will want to "get rich quick"
Absolutely true, people here are using old SEO techniques that will not help them in the longer run.
I guess I am happy to earn tiny pennies for some months instead of degrading myself and asking for upvoting.
It wouldn't help you even if you did. It would just make people not take you seriously. hehe :)
I'm 29, a mature person and never did such cheap acts in my life (including Steemit) :D
I've been taught to earn respectfully rather than begging and I am proud of my parents who taught me this lesson.
Excellent! Good content that is how you make the money. I can see Steemit go down if we don't have the good content.
SOOOO true, I just reached my first milestone of reaching 100 followers after a month and decided to do a real introduceyourself post as a commitment post. I am here for the long haul. Nonetheless, even taking the time to make content and interact with the community, I find myself being challenged. I haven't asked for my followers and even with my first hundred very few (less then 10) actually read my post and that many less upvote. I know it takes time, I just struggle with the waiting piece. :)
thank god i am reading this post in my early stages of steemit
I'm new here and wondering - if someone does this and I mute them - does that solve the problem? I saw a guy the other day and noticed the same comment on multiple posts throughout the day. I'm pretty sure it was copy/paste. The first time I saw it, I was thinking it was a nice comment - after a few times in different places, I thought it was spam. So I was thinking to mute him, but is that the right path?