For the last several weeks, I have watched many of those I view as leaders here grow more discontent with what they perceive as the state of the site. Individuals who daily try to give a hand up to others. They have many reasons to feel this way. From bought placements in search from bot usage, large self votes that they feel dilutes the daily reward pool. Not enough love coming their way from those higher than them in the pecking order.
I see talk of leaving, talk of jumping to Dan's latest attempt to create a perfect platform that will structure things more fairly. As if somehow anyone could ever create such a platform. As soon as people show up, it will always be tainted by those people, the good with the bad. The grass will never be greener, and to think that rich people will not buy their way to influence there too is not based on reality.
Life is not fair, there will always be those who have and those who don't. I don't care where you go, this dynamic will always repeat itself. Everyone seems to be looking for someone else to come in and save the day. Well, it isn't happening. The whales aren't going to save you, the witnesses aren't going to, Dan left for another stab at this, so he isn't going to. And Ned isn't going to. That doesn't mean they don't want to (although some of them surely don't based on their actions).
THEY CAN'T.
They are not Steemit. They are all just a piece of it, as I am and you are. We are Steemit. All of us contributing our little part in this dynamic. The problem, the way I see it, is many of you are not seeing the role you play here. The opportunity to be that which you are seeking from others. In my time here, I have surely seen the con artists, those who use their resources to give mostly to themselves, who spam selfishly. And in the midst of all of them, there is YOU.
I have witnessed so many of you acting selflessly, bringing a small moment of connection and sometimes monetary benefit to others who really need it. Performing small acts of alchemy as you transform a small slice of other journeys for the better. Acts that you think are so small that you are not seeing how powerful they are. You must think they are small that you could abandon them so easily in search of that utopia.
I wish many of you who despair could take a breath and realize you are the answer. Each one of you who are foundations for the many communities that exist here. It doesn't matter how small your vote is for you to work this magic you do. You enrich and strengthen the communities that you help create. Communities that will miss your heart and giving if you allow despair and cynicism to block your view of the gifts all around you. You do matter. You do make a difference.
I have watched so many of you lift up your brothers and sisters here it has amazed me, and I am not easily impressed.
Alchemy is a strange thing. It is created in what seem to be very ordinary moments. Moments that seem so small to one in their point of view, yet monumental in the eyes of those it touches. So easy to overlook as we look ahead to tomorrow in our desires for more. Lost while looking around at those who seem to create windfalls from selfish actions.
I have read posts from others in poverty smiling because they can now eat in a restaurant, can buy a new pair of shoes because of the actions you made. People who are being crushed by a government out of control who are helped not only with advice, but with real help in money from the 
And with all of these kind acts being performed, this loving alchemy being created, everyone in that community gets paid for their kindness. Paid. Please, think about this. How much payment do we need to get before this awesome miracle can be appreciated for what it is?
Since Steemit seems to love challenges.
I challenge those of you in despair, stick it out. I challenge you to be patient as those like myself who appreciate you grow. I challenge you not to give up and move on in search of greener pastures. Make no mistake, we will grow. I challenge each of you to realize these are your hands in the picture below, our communities in your hands waiting for more of your alchemy to grace us.
