I am two weeks late with this winner announcement for my Let’s Talk Retention! contest. I kept dragging my feet because it was challenging finding the time to write a post. To be honest, I had intended to make a winner announcement comment on my original post (yes, go the spammy route), and just reply to everyone to check out the comment. However, it would have been unfair to not take the time to thank everyone who took the time to enter my contest. Plus, the computer algorithm is being a bit funny today, so I wanted to share its’ sense of humor.

I do hate to mention tag, but I wanted to take the opportunity to thank @yabapmatt for showing support to the two posts I resteemed from @chineyes and @palikari123. There are many individuals who are more prominent with the support they show to others on here. Some support are more low-key, but doesn't mean it's not there. Thank you.

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There were some awesome reasons shared for coming back to Steemit day after day…and they all have one common theme, connections. It is the relationship and friendships formed that keeps us small fishes from giving up on Steemit.

These individuals below and the friendships I’ve formed on here are MY reasons for coming back.

^{One day I would love to us being these rocks in a tropical paradise somewhere, living off our Steemit riches!}

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@davemccoy - full comment:
And the reason I keep coming here is the friends and people that I have met such as you @beeyou... I have made very many meaningful connections and I want to do my part to help us all to grow here and maybe one day make those pitiful earnings not as pitiful ;)

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@lynncoyle1 - full comment:
It feel great to give and help others, and that is why I continue to return here :)

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@palikari123 - post link:
That's a good question, and to answer that directly, you are one of those reasons. You were the very first person, to come to my blog, upvote, read AND comment on my first 'original' blog post.

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@doomsdaychassis - post link:
In my time since the life altering moment I have met some cool people like the girl who shall remain unnamed because she doesn't like to be associated with me but she likes muscles so her you go unnamed steemian

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@chineyes - post link:
From then on @beeyou became (sort of) my cheerleader. I could really feel her sincerity in wanting me to succeed. It's hard to give up when you know that there is someone who actually enjoys your writing.

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@smylie2005 - post link:
I met some amazing people here! Friends for a lifetime, even if Ill never get to meet them, I know I can always count on them for a listening ear. They taught me the pleasure you get by #payingitforward. If it werent for @newbieresteemday and its beautiful members, I doubt Id still be here on Steemit.

Winner

Random drawing with all names entered, using this tool https://www.miniwebtool.com/random-picker/:

Winner name selected:

I thought it funny that the computer algorithm selected @davemccoy as the winner. Here was my stipulation on the contest post:

Second stipulation: I am selecting @davemccoy as the #newbieresteemday team member to send in the $1 steem required for sponsorship, in honor of his being the reason for my journey with Newbie Restem Day.

SO I had to select another winner. ;)

FINAL Winner:

@davemccoy, if you can kindly send the $1 steem I sent you to @steembasicincome with @perkyeunice in the memo section. Thank you!

Image Sources:
Pool party, Divider