Well, folks, there are some exciting goings on these days on Steemit. For starters, don't forget the currently running farmpunk contest sponsored by 
Writers are asked to write a story where 
Alternatively, if you'd like to write about something else, as long as your story meets the farmpunk conditions, go right ahead. Post your story on your Steemit blog then head over to Garden Gnome Publications and drop your link (be sure to read the rules first). It's a contest. So go con or go home!
In other news, our famed protagonist has extended the deadline for his roast or toast Quill contest. There's 25 SBI at stake on this one. What have you got to lose?
@quillfire toasting himself.
The winner of the last contest was @VotoVzla. The interesting thing about the current contest is there are 20 contestants. Many of them I have not heard of, but some of them I have. And I'd say they're just as deserving as my top pick. A big hat tip to 
Led by 
So I've been let out of Narrative jail. You can read about that here.
After a little investigating, I discoverd that they've changed their reputation scoring system. It used to be that behavior and content quality were both weighted at 40% in the scoring algorithm. Now, content quality is 60% and conduct is worth 10% of your total score, but you either have a 0 or 100% on the conduct rating. That means you're either a good boy/girl or a bad boy/girl. There is no in between.
Another change in the Narrative system is they are now certifying members. What that means is you pay a $10 fee to upload documentation that verifies your age and national status. They want to see that you are a real person.
This is actually a good thing. You don't have to reveal your real name on the platform, which means you can use an alias. However, you're allowed only one account because you can be verified for only one account, and that means ... no bots.
But not entirely. A person could, theoretically, verify their account then create a bot to manage the account and game the system. Nothing is perfect. But the practice of verifying accounts should minimize the damage that bots can do.
There are other benefits to certification, as well. You can view content intended for mature audiences (if you are 18 years old or more), be elected as a Niche moderator, and receive a nice boost to your reputation score (certification accounts for 30% of your total score). You can learn more about Narrative certification here.
One word of warning: If you do seek certification, be sure you do it right the first time. If you don't, there is an additional $5 fee to re-apply.
Be launch has finally been given a date: April 2.
If you haven't already, I've love for you to join me on Narrative.
Dividers by @EdibleChthulhu.
Get your weird lit on:
The Biblical Legends Anthology Series
| Garden of Eden | Sulfurings | Deluge |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| At Amazon | At Amazon | At Amazon |
Limerents in the Bog
While you're here, check out the backside 5:
