It is good feedback. Steemit knows it is an issue and it is a high priority for them to resolve.
The reason for the wait is that it actually costs Steemit quite a bit of money to create each account. Around 20-30 dollars worth of STEEM is delegated to each account that gets created. Unfortunately lots of users were abusing the 'free' signup to create multiple accounts loaded with free STEEM. In order to prevent abuse, they are actually reviewing each application manually. I heard that there were over 5,000 signups in one day. This is why it is taking so long.
Users should not try to sign up multiple times. This will likely be seen as an attempt to create multiple accounts, and could result in all attempts being denied.
The services AnonSteem and SteemConnect are there if users don't want to wait. If you don't mind waiting a few days to a week for Steemit to review your account, then just hang tight and your free account should be approved. Otherwise users are welcome to create their own accounts - they just have to pay their own registration fee.
How do they pay the registration fee? I have a couple people I'd like to get signed up and don't mind paying a reg fee for them if I can.
Also, if Steemit Inc. could put up some kind of notice that might help. If also be willing to donate some of my free time verifying if I'm able to help.
Resteemed since this is something people need to know. Resteem, upvote, and put this at the top of the trending page.
I've had a very easy time signing up a friend instantly via AnonSteem.
I don't have the btc and I abhor the current transaction fees. I'll pay in Steem.
It's not done w/ BTC tho its done with litecoin
As @heymattsokol says, you can pay with LTC, BTC, or STEEM :)
Oh? They allow Steem as a payment method now? Sweet!
Here is the info on how to create an account with SteemConnect
https://steemit.com/news/@timcliff/new-tool-from-busy-org-create-new-steem-blockchain-accounts-with-steemconnect
Feedback acknowledged.
As far as reviewing the accounts, that is something that only employees of Steemit can do.
Anyone with an existing account and STEEM can pay to create new accounts. I believe SteemConnect exposes this functionality.
Beware providing your active keys to external services, though.
thanks @timcliff for the information, I knew it was something to do with account balance and a throttle but wasn't sure the details. I think the issue of people attempting to signup a second time will unfortunately happen a lot even if they only want one account because of the way the messaging works after confirmation, it kinda leaves you hanging where you can't tell if you're waiting or something broke, so I think some people just try again assuming an error (I noticed in help chat quite a few were confused about that, just imagine how many never even found their way into the chatroom!)
I agree, clarification in that part of the process would be good.
It should probably say this somewhere new sign ups can see like the FAQ perhaps so they're not left in the dark and actually understand why it takes the time that it does. I'll quote someone I highly admire, "it is the way it is because people are shit", couldn't be more true.
The wait time is what it is, leaving people unknowingly in the dark while the problem gets worse and worse is just a silly thing to do.
It is in the FAQ.
Yes, but it should be in a "welcome, please be patient while we review your application manually" email XP
I can imagine setting up a system of emails, 1 per week, explaining the whole concept of cryptocurrencies, Steemit's place within that context, how to make a superb first post, a few posts to read while waiting, etc...
Something to keep people interested in Steemit even if they can't participate immediately.
We experienced this with @Owen Kay who waited but eventually got accepted today - YAY !! Once again thank you @timcliff for responding so quickly to my mails
he is super helpful :)
At least they're trying to fix it. My friends that are waiting have given up it seems. Hope not. Thanks for the info. I will pass it along.
My main concern is there aren't enough whales here to upvote the content of all the new users. If they are all joining for rewards, it is highly unlikely they will see any.
The distribution of rewards is another issue. The changes in the upcoming hardfork are intended to have some positive impact on that.
Users should not be joining assuming they will earn fast easy money though. Most people will probably have to spend several months working to build a following and add value to the community before they will start to see higher rewards.
Great. Thank you for this honest reply. That is exactly how I would like to promote Steemit to my friends.
Hi @timcliff!
How did you get that number of 5000 signups a day?
Is there any place where we can keep track of it?
@penguinpablo posts good data on new accounts.
Thanks for your help @timcliff.