I’m ecstatic. And it is with great delight I welcome you to a very special edition of SteemMag, (the twenty-ninthth edition), a weekend digest for Steemians.
Every week, I take a look at some of the most important/trending topics and have a chat with top Steemians who have expert views on such topics.
In case you missed it, here are links to Issue #1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , 5 , #6, #7 , #8, #9, #10, #11, #12 , #13, #14, #15, 16,#17, #18 , #19 , 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, #26 , #27 and #28
This week is very special. It marks the first anniversary of Steem when the first block was mined.
In page 1, SteemMag had a chat with @liberosist, one of the founding curie members, an amazing curator and writer.
I also had a chat with @lordvader. One of my favorite writers on Steemit. His success is a pointer to how dominating a niche can be fulfilling and rewarding. It is why niche communities can be an amazing feature on Steem when implemented.
In page 2, I had a chat with @ericvancewalton, one of the highest ranking Steem Authors ever. Having joined in July, it was nice to have a chat with someone who has witnessed the highs and lows of Steem.
A Chat With @liberosist
SteemMag: Its been 12 months of Steem and 11 months of Steemit. You've been here long enough to witness the highs and the lows. What has been your impression so far?
@liberosist:
It's been an interesting experience to see how a community is built from scratch. I was 3 months late though, but early enough. I would say there haven't been many surprises, things have gone along pretty much as expected.
SM: You also helped run @curie witness, what has been your major take away from Steemit mining and witnessing system?
@liberosist:
There was a learning curve in understanding the Steem network and getting the bots and scripts up and running for Curie, but together with @kevinwong and help from our developers we were eventually able to figure it out. The witnessing system was surprisingly simple, even for us non-developers. Of course, low-ranked witnesses like us have minimal responsibility and need not get involved with politics, so that makes it easier.
SM:Do you think Steem(it) has the chance to overcome its growing pains and become the next big social media site?
@liberosist:
No, it's never going to surpass Facebook, but if the system can be greatly simplified it has every chance to carve a significant niche of several million users for itself. If the system is made more accessible, a hundred million users, even; though unlikely in its current form.
The next big social media site will have to focus on instant gratification, extreme simplicity, a multi-billion dollar marketing campaign behind it and most importantly, an intelligent, centralized AI system organising content within it.
SM: Where do you see Steemit in the next 12 months?
@liberosist:
I hope to see the Communities feature arrive soon - it'll make a world of difference. I can see communities with thousands of active users start forming for general topics like movies, games, politics etc.
There will also be several niche communities with crypto, conspiracy theories, anarchism etc, which I'll happily stay away from. I'm also looking forward to communities that focus on short-form content, link shares etc. These might become very popular. Finally, I would like to see a micro-blogging extension (focusing on visual media just as much) to Steem - that's where the future is headed.
It’s always nice having a chat with you. Thanks so much for having a chat with SteemMag.
A Chat With @lordvader
SteemMag: You've been on Steemit for almost a year now. How did you learn about Steemit?
@lordvader
For quite some time, the Empire has been monitoring your system as a possible acquisition. We realize we will need to travel through not only space but also time in order to make this happen... but we are the Empire and I am involved so we can do pretty much anything we want (except cover a freaking 2 meter wide exhaust port!)
While we were monitoring your system, we intercepted this transmission:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/steem-steemit-bitcoin-reddit-cryptocurrency-000000501.html
Around this time, thanks to repeated attacks by those scumbag rebels, the Empire began to run short of funds. I was also growing more and more angry with my boss and underlings every day. It was becoming difficult to contain this rage. My executive assistant Vera, who is the greatest thing since sliced Ewok, suggested that I try expressing my rage through the creation of transmissions. If I were going to be creating these transmissions, it was only logical to kill two Mynocks with one stone. On steemit, I am able to relieve some of my fury while generating much needed funds for the Empire.
SM: What inspired you to take on the "lordvader" character? Do you think niche blogging, like that of yours, can be replicated by others?
@lordvader
No one is "inspired" to become "The Chosen One". I was simply born "The Chosen One". The Force had to choose someone. It only makes sense that The Force would choose the bravest, most handsome, most intelligent, and most eloquent person who also happens to be the best negotiator and greatest natural leader of all time. So if you are asking what inspires me to be awesome, I would have to say my sheer awesomeness inspires me to be awesome.
Can my transmissions be replicated by others? Of course they cannot be "replicated". My talent is often imitated but never duplicated. Does that mean that other powerful figures cannot find a place on steemit? Of course not. Most people do not know this, but it can be very lonely at the top. I would truly enjoy interacting with other powerful beings from the numerous galaxies.
For example, I have heard very interesting things about famous inhabitants of your system such as Count Dracula, Santa Claus, Captain Kirk, Cthulhu, Voldemort, and Charro. I'm sure many humans would enjoy hearing about their daily lives. Perhaps we could form a group to help support each other through the challenges involved with being so awesome.
SteemMag: What do you think about the inhabitants of Steem and Steemland generally?
@lordvader:
I have observed your planet for some time. It is clearly very primitive. At this point, it seems that the Empire could benefit most by a complete repopulation of your planet (possibly by delicious Ewoks). We had planned to invade 180 days ago. The interactions with the inhabitants of steemit have caused me to delay the destruction of your system's population.
It seems that some of your inhabitants can bring value to the Empire after all. Some of the inhabitants such as @thecryptofiend, @papa-pepper, and @dwinblood have shown special promise. I am also keeping my eye on a few others who have begun to respond to my transmissions more regularly. I am keeping their identities a secret because I may need to use them as spies in the near future. But they know who they are.
In addition to loyal followers, I have found that steemit is filled with many creative and interesting transmissions. When I have had to report to my idiot boss about your planet's culture, I often use the art, music, photography, poetry and writing that is available on this platform. It is an excellent representation of what your species can create. Surprisingly, I find that it has tremendous value and is an excellent illustration of your cultural accomplishments.
SM: Your advice to Steemians in general?
@lordvader
Bow down to me and The Galactic Empire.... or else. Also, keep creating valuable transmissions on steemit. Right now, this platform is the only thing delaying a visit from our new Death Star.
Haha. Lol. It was so exciting having a chat with you @lordvader. Thanks for blessing us with your amazing humor. It was a pleasure having a chat with you for SteemMag.
See you page 2 for more interesting chats and features
Page 2
P.S What is your opinion on the upcoming HF 17? Which niche community would you most likely participate in? Who would you like to see in next editions of SteemMag? I would love to hear from you!
Haha. Always enjoy reading a dose of @lordvader!
He's a beaut. A bit dark. But still a beaut.
Haha! Me too. Nice of you to drop by @nextgen622. Any chance you're re-activating Witness Files Series soon?
Yes, I should have more time very soon. So hoping to post more. Thanks for the encouragement mate.
Some of my fav. people here period.
@lordvader is always a beaut but I sense something dark in him. IDK, he could be a mean whale. We hope to clarify at a later date on this issue.
and I have enjoyed getting to chat with and get to know @ericvancewalton more outside here as of late, which has been a real treat for me, honestly.
Awesome issue. @lordvader has to be my absolute favourite author and as one would expect his interview is outstanding! Thank you:)
I guess you're his favorite too. How would you describe your steemit journey so far? 5 words?:)
A great deal of fun.
Hello my Friend .... Great success from the first year in this truly wonderful platform
Hi mate. We look forward to even more exciting announcements and results over the coming months.
Awesome! Is page 2 link broken? I love how @liberosis cringes at radicalists :D
Fixed man! Was trying to have page 2 published cos of the 6 minutes fixed interval. Nice to have you on this weekend's SteemMag
Oh yeah, works great now. ;)
Terrific interviews - entertaining and informative, as always!
I felt a disruption in The Force today and here was the issue.
Thanks @donkeypong. Always exciting to have you drop by despite your hectic schedule. Any steemian and/or feature you would like to see on SteemMag?
I would love to see interviews with some hot newbies on the platform and how they feel about their experience so far. I did see a few really interesting undervalued posts. Steemmag could help for exposure in this way. Hello wonderful @infovore Good job as always. I am your fan forever 😘
Hey! Any username in particular? Will work towards getting some "hot newbies" experience so far on Steemit too.
Thanks btw. Im so happy having a consistent SteemMag reader in you!
I resteemed a few but as soon as I am back on my laptop I post some names. I also feel that you should give some attention to a growing group of users from Aceh. It's a huge market and I am proud of those kiddos to be here on steemit, knowing the very bad Internet connection all over Indonesia. Have a wonderful weekend
I will DM you on steemit chat
Well done @infovore. You have pleased me. I am especially impressed by your photography skills. You managed to get my good side in every picture... oh wait. Every side is my good side. Still impressive most impressive.
Hahahaha. You rock man
Both interviews are great and super informative! Definitely looking forward to the community feature. (Within the design, art, architecture range of things.) I think that will really help folks find/engage with the content that they're passionate about and help improve navigating the growing steemit ether. Thanks for sharing @infovore
You're welcome. Thanks for dropping.And do I agree with you on how welcomed the commnutiy feature will be on Steemit. Its a major factor while reddit is what it is now.
Great interviews, @infovore! It was terrific chatting with you.
I will stick with my comments here above about you all!
Have a good week my man! I hit 10k SP today, LOL, can you even remember when you only had that?
LOL
#MinnowLife
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was splendid having a chat with you.
someone give that man a beer #lordvader #forever
Haha. Nice to see you drop by again. Its been quite a while eh?
What was your favorite part of this weekend's edition? Any feature/steemian you would like to see next?
you know where you can reach me :) get some women onboard. there are a lot who are quite knowledgable about crypto and such.
Impressive interview, @lordvader makes us awesome with his awesomeness! Great chat @infovore!
Thanks @the-future. Im glad you liked it. Is there any steemian you would like to see in future editions? How's #original-challenger going?
I would like to see any steemian because this way we can know more about them. The #originaltag challenge is doing great, there are so many entries. Today I have to announce the winners of this week!
Hi, @infovore! Very helpful and very effective, I am reading your posts with pleasure.
Thanks man. Which was your favorite part?
This one is the best to my mind :)
Haha, great stuff with @anakinskyw... errr... @lordvader!
Haha! Lo
All hail Lord V... I mean nice interview guys.
Lord Vader is king !
Fantastic edition, overall like the concept @infovore - replying to your PS section:
What is your opinion on the upcoming HF 17? I think we just need to get this done ASAP - I like most, would not change the payout limit to 7 days though - all other stuff makes sense in theory, let us try in action!
Which niche community would you most likely participate in? My niches are quite obvious here - Beer - Techno Music - Dance - Sports - Sports History - not writing too much about my work in Marketing and Comms
Who would you like to see in next editions of SteemMag? Did not scan through all former editions so i might mention people already included but would love to see @twinner - a new Top 100 whale from Germany or @surpassinggoogle like @the-future a really nice guy that helps others. And also one of my daily inspirations @surfermarly - but in general a lot more!
Even Snoop Doggs agrees and wants to see them lol
I wish I can upvote your comment 3x ;) Thanks so much for dropping by. An interesting combination of niche interests you've got there.
Will try getting in touch with surfermarly and the rest for future editions. And I do agree with you, @surpassinggoogle is an awesome guy!
Thanks buddy! Upvote @surpassinggoogle posts if you like and feel free to jump over to my profile too lol.
My interests are quite broad but beer is what i love and am German, music as a former DJ - Sports as I do Sports since ever and watch any kind (not looking active anymore but was young) - but all other stuff like crypto, photography, food I some times write about others are more as of experts. I might do more about marketing and social media maybe in the future but will never be as great as @hilarski or @thecryptofiend and or new Marketing boss @zurvanic - but I am here to help.
Have a great day - checking your other stuff later today and give feedback if appropriate.
hahaha, thank you for the magic that happened here!
hahaha, the world doesn't know that we go way back!
great post :)
Good interview. Nothing beats good humor. Enjoyed the read. Thanks.
@lordvade rocks! He's really sold me on the whole Empire thing
thanks for your continuous efforts for steem.... followed....^^