Since about my second week using Steemit, I have seen a large number of shrill voices denouncing the low quality of some top-voted posts and demanding that the wealth be distributed more evenly. Whales are accused of elitism and dolphins are accused of sucking up to the whale titties. (Yes, Whale Titties are a thing. Here's an article about them.)
This type of complaining about this type of issue seems predictable. Almost like something we've already seen a million times.
Because we have. We see the same thing every day at work, on the news and on every other level of our society. People Bitching.
The important thing that I've learned and embraced about the Steemit community since I started writing here, is that it functions like a miniature, self-contained version of the rest of the universe.
Here's an adorable mini-horse wearing a hat to illustrate my point.
I was going to just type "microcosm" and move on, but it made my post exactly 147% more boring.
Anyway, Steemit is a microcosm of the global economy, particularly as it applies to content-creation and entertainment.
In general, the same rules apply as well as the same struggles, which I actually very much enjoy. There ARE a few peculiar advantages though. Let's talk about he Bad and the Good and the Peculiar.
The Bad
A lot of good shit will go ignored - and that will make people sad inside.
This is just like the rest of the world where amazing things go ignored every day.
Like this series of YouTube videos about robots that fart ketchup:
This should have won Best Picture when it was released in 2012. but instead we got The Artist, which was obviously just Academy Whale-bait.
The sad truth of our world is that inequality persists, sometimes for arbitrary reasons.
The unequal and unpredictable nature of the payout system affects me as much as anybody. I've been writing pretty consistently for a month now, and I have yet to cash out a dime. I have been rewarded with a few hundred Steem Dollars over the course of 20 odd posts, but I have just been powering everything up. I don't desperately need the cash for anything at the moment, and in the mean time Steem Power seems like a better investment than Bitcoin. (If somebody wants to correct me on that, please do! I am a newbie at Cryptos)
All that to say, I'm not making any money on this platform in the traditional sense, but I am using it anyway.
This is because I see opportunity. For investment, sure, but first and foremost as an exercise in personal growth and the development of my own money-making skill sets.
This brings me to …
The Good
This place is like a writer's bootcamp on crack with cash door prizes.
No fucking shit people.
I've learned more about social media marketing in the last month than the rest of my life combined.
You can't spit without hitting a well-written article about "How To Make Money on Steemit" that may as well read "How to Make Money ANYWHERE"
I've read detailed tutorials about virtually every topic related to content creation and marketing imaginable. Hundreds of pieces of great advice covering details I had never even thought of before I started Steeming.
To list a few:
How to write a headline
How to write an article
How to gauge your audience
WHEN to post your article
And if you are coming here with a certain amount of marketing acumen, the great news about creating quality content on Steemit is that you already know what to do! It works basically the same way that it works everywhere else.
The Peculiar
Finally, here's the thing that makes Steemit uniquely better than the big scary world outside.
Steemit is a risk-free playground!
You can make money here, but unless you invest heavily with outside currency, you literally can't lose any money.
It's the perfect incubator for ideas. A test environment for any ambitions you may have previously abandoned, or skills you overlooked.
Instant feedback (or silence!) from thousands of strangers. Tangible rewards for effective marketing. Endless resources and tutorials to help you improve.
God, I wish college had been half this useful!
Now if you don't mind my asking …
What the fuck are you waiting for? Keep on Steeming!
:)
Equality of opportunity is important but what you do with that is another thing
You definitely get my upvote for this. As I told on my comment to the main post: "I hear you! People invested heart in soul in this project involving the world deserve to take good care of their baby for a while, till it is ready to fly of its own wings. I'll definitely be helping it all the way! All for one and one for all!!! Namaste :)
Here is my post about: Why Inequality on Steemit is NOT so Good Thing!
I think if the person is consistent and gains a following, things will be fine.
Great point! - Do you teach others with it? Or whine about the whiners? I think the best people are those that receive good opportunity and work actively to help other people receive the same too.
The best teachers are those that have students that surpass them! :)
This comment sums up really good what steemit is about: a place where everyone has the same opportunity. It's a blank editor form waiting to be filled. And the whales are nothing more than fortuna, the impersonification of the luck.
Nice!
I don't know if we can call this platform equal of opportunity. The idea, the inception is here but we are not there yet. A lot of power is still in the hands of a few and need to spread around, everything is in English which can hold back a lot of people wanting to post in a foreign language or aren't part of one of the massively spoken languages. The filters to get the content you're interested in are rather unefficient for now and a lot of people are here for pump'n'dump. Sooo, I think Steemit will do a lot better in a bit and needs some maturation of course, there is no shame in that. But it's probably a bit early to talk about equality of opportunity even if used properly :)
But the best part is that you can do anything with it. Even blog about your collection of clown cars that will only get 2 cents worth of upvotes. That's the power of the free blockchain.
BAM
I just came for the cute cat picture.
Your post shows me, that i have to consider posting more comments... as your 14 words sentence has given you 2K $ now ;)
the steemit system is working as planned !
Congrats !
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Fantastic post.
I've written a bit about "equality" specific to steemit and it certainly seems to be an unpopular opinion for some (with good reason), and I very well could have lost a "friend" over the post, but such is life.
I know there are quite a few users who have made some outstanding posts that have gone unrecognized and the author hasn't earned what I feel is fair in comparison to some of the other crap that has made thousands. For the most part, when there is something that deserves to make it to the front page, it does, as its recognized by a vast majority of users. But, in retrospect, a big part of earning the attention a post deserves does really comes down to timing. If those with enough voting power to bring attention to a post end up missing something it tends to go unnoticed and washed away in the sea of spam posts unfortunately.
Very much looking forward to other posts to come from you :)
Inequality is NEVER a good thing!
Forced equality leads to mass graves. What's your point?
Neither forced equality nor inequality are a good thing.
What I mean is sustainable equality. Such equality is positive and can only be acquired through application of scientific method for social and environmental concern (example Natural Law/Resource-Based Economy)
Completely agree with you on the 'sustainable equality'... though since it's an equilibrium position that has to be maintained, the scientific method you advocate for is the only way to keep the position maintained.
What that translates for me is that time will 'solve' the problem, if there is even anything that truly needs to be solved based on quantitative and qualitative analysis over time.
Good discussion :)
Thanks for interesting debate too. Such conversations are very stimulating.
Please, also you are welcome to explain what you mean by "forced" equality as it sounds illogical and paradoxical. If something is forced, it cannot be equal as it requires some position of power to enforce it. That means that someone has more power than others hence it is unequal itself.
Well... thats more of a snarky term for 'redistribution of wealth'. A progressive income tax is an attempt at forced equality, but as you point out it is impossible to accomplish for anyone who is looking objectively.
I think you just defined the problems of socialist policies in a simple paragraph :)
He is talking about the idiocy of Leninist/Stalinist Marxism.
But let's all remember that Marx was an anarchist, and that his goal was to fight the state. I consider myself a Marxist, in that I buy into, deeply, the vision for the future Marx espoused. That does not mean that I support all of Marx's ideas, because life has changed a great deal since then.
Most likely scenario with no third world war: tech makes living well so cheap that all of us become rich.
@blakemiles84, I agree with you on this one obviously. Definitely appreciate hearing an opposite viewpoint though! @logic
I am not that sure that inequality is a good thing. Because the whales are paying out in a way that doesn't make sense. I will make an article tomorrow why this inequality isn't good. I am not advocating the whales to change this. They do what they want. I just try to make them aware of things. What they do with my view is up to them.
I understand they invested more so they need to get extra advantages. I can understand why they get more free Steem Power every day than the rest of us. I can understand that they get more money when they get upvoted than we do. But the fact that they have so much power when they upvote, is not good. It is completely against the free market. And the free market will decide whether Steemit is a worthy product or not. If the free market decides the content that is valued here, is not what they want, then the market will dump Steemit and the whales will be left with a crashed project.
What does "completely against the free market" mean? In the real world, if we have a free market, having more money gives you power over other people. I don't think I understand why you'd use the free market to argue this point.
=======
If you like my writing and ideas, check out my series on the game theory of steem!
Maybe I didn't chose my wording correctly. What I wanted to say is that the whales are only a very small group here. Their preference of topics is not going to determine the success of Steemit. It's the preference of the subscribers that is of importance. If 20 whales would only like to see introduction posts and therefore only introduction posts are rewarded, but 2 million of people would like to see other topics, than whales will kill this project. Because the project will only become a success if Steemit provides topics that satisfy the desire of the 2 million subscribers.
I gave an extreme example here, but just to illustrate why I think whales upvoting power is way too big compared to the rest. The rest has hardly any influence on the topics that are rewarded. You could compare this with a company forcing 2 million people to buy their product without caring whether these 2 million people like the product or not.
Ok, I understand we are still in an initial phase and they want to attract people. But I think at this point attracting people shouldn't be the number 1 focus. What is more important now is to make sure that the value is here to attract people automatically. I am working on a post about this topic that I will publish here tomorrow to make my point clear.
Thanks for the link. I will read it. I am curious about your game theoretic explanation.
Really liked your writeup... and its driving a good debate. Thank you!
You deserve a pat on the back. Very rare to see someone value or at least admitting to appreciating a different viewpoint. Be proud!
Imagine the opposite: total equality. This would eliminate any dynamics I believe. Also quality could not excel, because if it would, it would again lead to inequality...
Social systems are much more complex than obsolete and utopian duality which you present. Social systems, as everything in Universe are of emerging nature (constantly changing). We need to strive for sustainable equality. Such equality is positive and can only be acquired through application of scientific method for social and environmental concern (example Natural Law/Resource-Based Economy)
Nobody needs to imagine total equality. That's not what anyone is talking about. It's just that the gap between the few at the top and the rest maybe is way too big.
Really do you want us to all be the same?
Equality has nothing to do with social uniformity. Please do not use logical fallacies and explore the meaning of words.
Fight poverty not inequality.
Well, there is a gradation ey. A society with 1 billionaire and 3 million slaves is also an inequal one. Does that sound like something tempting ? ;-)
@logic
Inequality is great. Now, poverty, on the other hand, totally sucks. We should work hard to fight poverty by allowing inequality.
Watchout out @blakemiles84 for illegal 100%
Downvoting, because you holding a lot of STEEM power you can shut people up !!!!
Dude you're spamming irrelevant stuff on peoples posts.
WTF are you talking about ?
EDIT: I'll upvote this comment to make sure everyone can see it
Blake I am not spamming , I am just a little dude here. I read, I comment , my voice are little.
My upvote couldn't even push at all.
I always do upvote, if no good , I read I move on.
I helps other little poster to gain their inspiration .
That's all.
I follow all good posters , inspire them , motivated them
I guess everyone love to be heard.
The little one
If you want to "be heard", comment about the actual content of the post. Posting a billboard of yourself does not benefit you, the OP, the readers, or the community.
That is why I downvoted your comment.
Also, just because your vote doesn't have much weight behind it, doesn't make your commentary any less valuable.
Noted
I hear you! People invested heart in soul in this project involving the world deserve to take good care of their baby for a while, till it is ready to fly of its own wings. I'll definitely be helping it all the way! All for one and one for all!!! Namaste :)
I mostly disagree.
But I upvoted because your story is worth reading.
Your argument is truncated: the "good" has nothing to do with the "bad" and if what's being created here is just like the "real world" = inequality and interest groups >>> normal people than what's the damn point, anyway?
I dream of a great steemit not a mirror of our times.
An idealist? Maybe, so what?
Ps: a comma can be useful for a good post.
Agreed! I need a paragraph tying this together. Thanks for the feedback.
I think you need to be realistic, a paragraph won't help much :)
How's the Koolaid?
Probably tastes a lot better than an inability to form coherent arguments.
Watchout for your illegal down voting
Think you hold a lot of STEEM Power you are in control???? DH
please explain what was illegal about me downvoting your irrelevent, self-promoting posts.
Upvoted - I enjoyed your style :)
@pachenko @bleepcoin yeah i like this post
Regards
Read my post : Steemit 3D Text and Logo Makers
Here is my post about: Why Inequality on Steemit is NOT so Good Thing!
All this talk about inequality just baffles me. Why do we keep bringing up the subject "equality", when really all everyone wants, is to "have enough". Nobody wants to have too little, so it makes sense to find a balance where everyone has enough and if they want to grow, they can. Well I think steemit is already on its way quite far, as we can see in the comments: there is opportunity. All we have to do to give everyone enough, is to provide as much opportunity as we can.
You're totally right of course but the solution is algorithmic governance coupled with universal basic income, NOT a web app, no matter how awesome.
This is a web app that rewards quality content.
Steemit is amazing. But don't underestimate bitcoin:
https://steemit.com/bitcoin/@diego24/billionaires-considering-investing-in-bitcoin-will-this-very-soon-lead-to-a-big-bang-in-the-crypto-universe
Thanks! I will check this out fo sho
Amen to that! My college degree is useless!
Hey, congratulations. Your article got to the TOP 10 Trending posts on Steemit today so your post has been added to the Flipboard Steemit Trending Magazine for everyone to see it.
"God, I wish college had been half this useful!"
The real world will always give more relevant lessons... :)
I like your ideas, and one cool line you said is
I thought this as I earned $2500 for free, but then I realized how much time it was costing. I'm trying to do this as my job and to make a difference, and it's costing 100 to 200 a day.
That's really interesting. I've wondered if anybody does this for a day job. Do you have a post about it?
not yet, but maybe I will
Truth! I never wrote an article before Steemit. Now, in the last week I've written 7! A cracked up blogging boot-camp is what it is (with the occasional lottery prize). I'm into it... Fork the whales! Thanks for the post brother!
First a picture, like a boss, really cool
I can do that spongeguy's trick too !... Nice article.
I like you pointed out the bad, the good, the peculiar. This was an interesting read. Liked that you invested to the community of your SP. Good choice, dude!
It's an interesting point of view, I'll give you that. I still think that we need better filters for the content so the gap between the lost good shit and the average trending crap shrinks. Also, there I hope the upvoting system will change in the near future because whales are basically owning the platform now, it's probably for the best but I'm a bit sad that science, economics & art stuff don't make it to the front page. We'll see if the tide turn which I hope. As for what you wrote, it's indeed true and some inequality creates competition which will motivate people but if there's too much of it, a lot of folks will just become bitter and give a bad name to Steemit, let's see!
Funny post, indeed 😃
Thanks! That's the important part.
Oh. I do not expect to read such an unusual position.
I liked your analogy, they are fun, and the pictures just wonderful.
Well that Steem has allowed you to learn many new things. It's really cool.
Good luck. And thank you. ;)
The ketchup farting video though.... hahahahahahaha
Well played @pachenko
That was the real reason I wrote this post ;)
Steemit is not risk free when the whales decide they dont like who you're voting for because you said "Go Trump" in a comment.
Whales have been boycotting my posts for like 3 months.
@jupiter00000
Damn dude! That sucks. I think your content is really good, you've had an interesting life and I love the descriptive language in your recipes. I would upvote more, I just wish the follow tool worked better so I could see when you have a new post.
"I have learned more about social media marketing in the last month than my whole life combined"
THIS IS VERY TRUE
This is one of the most important parts. You have nothing to lose - and much to gain.
your analogies gave me the chuckles, thanks for that.
p.s : what got my attention was the cute cat...and it was smoking!!!
Love the links you've included on how to write a headline/article, and especially WHEN to post and how to gauge your audience. I feel the last two are underappreciated and not typically thought about in great detail. Thank you! I hope to contribute posts this helpful and meaningful in the near future as I learn more about Steem.
Excellent writing and the little horse with the hat is the clincher. Hell, I wish I could give you two upvotes just for the horse. Alas, I am limited to one.
Hey great article, keep it up and let´s connect each other! -upvoted
Great post! People are gonna complain. It's just a part of life. But those that are complaining are going to be the first to exit the door. Is that a bad thing? Or a good thing? I lean towards the latter.
...I Love you <3 :)
I agree with you!!! In the real life you are keep trying and trying to don't let ignore the skills you have! Here I feel like Nemo swimming in the aquarium thinking that one day I will swim again in the ocean!
It will never happen coz is impossible to receive upvotes from whales or delphins or better say SHARKS.
inequality has been around since the first organism existed in this world. it fuels the world. no two or three or the 40 thousand strong members of #steemit are created equal. inequality means diversity. diversity means i don't have to read the same post from one person and find the same from another. booorrriiinnnggg....
I was just massively attacked by bots due to previous posts. Apparently, I need the advice. Also, nice robots hahah. =P
I really agree with this post. All we need to think is that Steeming will help us grow our career development in some ways. I'm not a writer, but because I want to get a reward from posting, at first, I was forced to research before I write, but for now, I'm starting to get the hang of it. And if this will continue, for sure I'll have alot of improvement.
"writer's bootcamp on crack with cash door prizes"
That's awesome :)
Now only if I could figure out how to quote text like everyone else? Can someone help please?
Type > before each line
Anytime homie!
I enjoyed reading your article. It was honest with a bright flavour of journalism. I too have seen a lot of Stemmers complain at the beginning of this block chain. It doesn't effect my participation I'm in for the long game.
Not to see riches or have peeps hanging for my words.. I'm interested to see how new social media realm grows.
As you continue on in this Steem bliss ,
I looked forward to the day you write without planning what to say,
instead of writing words up like a subliminal marketing campaign .
Hey pachenko i love your thread 😊
Like me would tell exactly the same hehe
And yes keep up steeming everybody
Regards Dybbz
I invested everything I had in BTC for this, I don't care if I have success in being wealthy steemer, I just want my space for my blog ;)
Never heard someone actually argue for inequality.
I was going to write about this subject and I think the adoption by more social, young, hot girls are exactly what Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies need for better mass adoption. The CelebEffect! I think Steemit will provide more people a window into the Bitcoin sphere than any other experiment to date!!! Great Job Steemit Devs and Community!!!
A balance between equity and equality, needs to be found. Hopefully with the upvoting system this occurs.
I was really wondering about your point...but..the pony made EVERYTHING clear to me!
THANK YOU
Ya, that whale thing...that money thing.
Sure, this plattform is meant to make money...but I had the idea it might also be a comunity that can be created.
Recently, discussions turn more and more about envy and cash, cash, cash!
And instead of posting quality content...people blame other´s posts to be not original, not genuine, not what so ever!
Don´t people see, that this kind of approach..in the (economic) world out there...make masterminds like the creators of steem...create an alternative!!?
Well, I hope the community thing comes back, when people are a bit cooler with it...
i hang my feet in the sea now! To cool myself down!
Good Night!
I think it's like Mel Blanc's propaganda cartoons from the 40's. Bugs bunny defeats Hitler, etc. To be highly upvoted, the message has to stay in line with the Steemit dev's agenda for rapid growth, but we can still provide a good bit of creative flavor.
Good post!
Do you like it?:
My God STEEM