This post is a response to @midlet's new community, Steem Think Tank
How long have you been using Steem?
About a year and a half. ieen on the blockchain since July 2018
Where are you in terms of SP? (Plankton(0-500SP), Minnow(500-5000SP), Dolphin(5k-50kSP), Whale(you're probably not a whale, if you are you know what a whale is))
I am actually a minnow (but i don't know for how long)
Where are you in the world? (Just Country)
Nigeria.
What brought you to Steem?
I think i have shared this story a couple of times. I was in my final year in uni when i came across a friend who spoke about a platform where i could write and earn. Prior to that time j knew little about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology but i was excited about the prospect of earning so i gave it a try and learnt as fast as possible about steem. So basically money brought me here.
What was your first impression?
Well, at first things were a bit complicated. It wasn't as straight forward as i thought it would be. One of the first lessons i had to learn was that creating good content wasn't enough. To thrive on steem then you need to actively engage with people and build a network for yourself. This is still prevalent till today and most of the top earners leverage on their relationships. It isn't what many will consider as fair but that's the reality of things.
How do you feel about the current state of Steem?
To be very honest, not very optimistic. I have felt that way since September last year. Things are not what they used to be. At some point, i was earning enough to cover my monthly expenses. Now it's impossible to even consider. Asides earning, engagement has been low and i am speaking about the blogging side of the blockchain which consistutes of a major part of what the blockchain is used for. However, i still have hope. I believe things can change for the better if steem inc and major stakeholders make it their priority to see steem thrive rather then protecting their own interest. Easier said than done.
How often do you use Steem applications/websites/etc?
Daily. I use different dapps for different purposes. Yeah, i use steem every day.
What is your favorite Steem Application and why?
I will say splinterland. I dont use it as much as i used to but personally, i feel it is the best thing to happen to steem and it has been consistent ever since its launch. It is one of the first gaming dapps on steem, that counts for something
What’s your favorite thing about Steem?
The fact that it has given people like myself a source of livelihood. I have been living off my steem earning for over a year now. It couldn't have happened anywhere else on the internet.
What’s your least favorite thing about Steem?
I think some of the major stakeholders and steem inc are trying to sabotage the growth of the blockchain, consciously or unconsciously. Some of the decisions made over time have nevarjceky affected the blockchain. I want to see that change soon.
How difficult/easy would you say it is to use Steem?
Very very difficult. I can't persuade anyone to use it. I probably wouldn't be here if i didn't need the money then. There is just so much to do and learn.
Would you recommend Steem to family/friends/coworkers? If no why not?
Sure i will--i have. At some point i was preaching the gospel of steem everywhere i go but the thing is most people dont get it; they dont see the need to. I think this project just needs time. I hope we dont mess things up before then--the right time.
What do you wish you could do with Steem that you can’t currently?
Nothing really. I think as a cryptocurrency steem is where it should be and no, i am not talking about price.
What excites you most about Steem?
The money and the fact that this can turn into something very major in the future. I still think steem is my ticket to financial freedom. Maybe not anything soon but it does have the potential
What worries you most about Steem?
That we might have ruined things before we even had a chance; that we are becoming too decentralized for coordinated projects that can help the blockchain.
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/images/id-2316468/