I am not trying to flatter you (like it matters really), or anything but this may be the most meaningful and helpful post I've read so far in steemit. And this comes from a newbie who doesn't have a clue how things work here yet. The only thing I've noticed so far, however, is that "Steemit" isn't as meritocratic as I initially thought. I see posts that include a couple of lines and a handful of photos with bikinis generating a great deal of money and votes, while there are GREAT posts who totally get ignored.
I am a writer myself and even though I am a very hard-working and optimistic dude, I see that making it big at steemit is as tough as making it big in the real world as well. Bikinis will always attract more than anything. It's human nature I guess ;)
PS. Respect for making it big while started from 0. I wonder if I ever make it big. I mean...I am 36, I studied law, I have a Masters Degree, I speak four languages, I've done a total of 14 jobs during my lifetime and I still don't have my own car. Not fair, but oh well there are people who have it even worse!
All of the new folks and even those who've been here awhile but can't seem to gain traction need to start paying attention to each other. Start out small and grow together. Minnows swim in schools. 20 little minnow votes on your post will do more than nothing. I have 1800 followers. I'll never see that many votes on one of my posts. I see struggling members with more followers than me and they're not earning anything because it seems everyone is too focused on the big prize at the end instead of every step of the way.
I agree and all I can give you is 1 cent for now! But one day I will give you a few dollars. I can promise you that. You have inspired me with this article ;)
After all, as Jim Morrison said: "The winner may be a hopeless romantic dreamer who never quits after all."
PS. Keep in mind that I never made it big, not because I am a loser, but because I happened to be born in Greece (you know all about the financial crisis I would guess) to two hard-working parents who had the non-so bright idea to have 5 kids (when they could hardly feed and raise properly two maximum). The fact that I've managed to study and graduate from Law school or that I have traveled around the world (as much as I have) is a little miracle now that I think about it!
You recently arrived and you can already give me a penny. I have 9 or so votes on a few of first posts and those didn't even amount to a penny. Things changed here. Many of you new member have it a lot easier than you might realize. It took me a long time to be able to drop a penny on someone, yet I still voted.
That Jim Morrison guy. Smart man. Reckless, but in control. Don't sell yourself short. The thought of you being a loser never once crossed my mind.
@nonameslefttouse, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support and wise words. Especially the very last line of your comment was as cheery as it gets. No wonder why you made it big starting from 0...There's greatness in your attitude and now that's something that all the dollars in the world can't buy!