Hello fellow Steemians,
I want to tell you - yesterday had it all. In a good way. I didn't start off feeling good. I was afraid. And hurt. Basically, I had a lot of feelings.
Why?
Because a serial author I respect and admire posted that she was leaving the platform. An author who I thought, someday, I might emulate. (Well, maybe not 'emulate' because I found out she can write over 5000 words a day, edit, and revise. I don't think I can do that. I struggle with 500, but thankfully - I have a writing habit). I digress.
I started off angry - why would she leave - who was flagging her - what possible reason could they have? Throughout the day I was on discord, talking with people, learning what was happening, listening (basically - I was filling my heart with drama). At some point, I read up on 
This made me uncomfortable. What could I do with this other than scratch my head? Transisto is against huge upvote purchases, buying delegation with the purpose of self-voting, and circles of friends voting each other to the moon. So am I. Oh boy. What could I do with this?
As luck would have it, I didn't have to wait long! Transisto joined The Writer's Block. I belong to TWB. For those that haven't seen my shameless plugs (you know - the ones where I tell you how much they help aspiring writers hone their craft). The members of TWB were understandably upset with these downvotes (the author mentioned above and a second author who also publishes serial fiction).
Most members were excited for this opportunity to speak with Transisto, if only to understand the issue from the other side. I know I was. The discussion was long and, at times, heated, but I learned a lot. Transisto is about the good of STEEM. And ultimately, while I still disagree with the decision to flag the authors to dispute the rewards associated with the posts, I cannot ask more of Transisto.
For this reason I am asking whales (who am I - a little minnow - to ask a whale anything? I don't know, but my heart insists that I do) to talk to Transisto about the value fiction can bring to this platform. I ask this because of something transisto said during our conversation:
Whales: can you imagine a blockchain with hundreds of serial novels written by professional writers forever free for users? Thousands of short stories? What a selling point for new users! I can see it - and I can see the value. But, it isn't my view that matters so much as yours. Speak up, and make it clear that there is value in fiction on the platform. If we get the best authors to publish here and they bring their audience, well just imagine!
Please don't let 2 good authors take their work elsewhere. Show the authors of the world that they and their readers have a place here. A home here. Thank you.