I was reading a post by @farq a little while ago about how he has been on Steem Hiatus for the last few weeks as life has got in the way. I will pull one quote from the piece:
Truth be told, I probably have a "hiatus" from any service I use, be it Steem, Reddit, certainly Facebook - I've had a 2-3 year hiatus from Facebook.. So why does it matter to me on Steem? probably because I see Steem as an opportunity to earn and to hopefully create some sort of wealth, and especially at these times when the price is relatively low, the opportunity is ripe as ever.
This, "So why does it matter to me on Steem?" is a key question people should ask themselves and should be an indicator of what their mind is telling them of what is to come. Most people in this word can take a break from Facebook, Instagram or wherever and not feel like they are missing out but, those in Steem feel they are losing something from not being here. Even the ones who might not earn very much.
There is a reason for this and that is that there is not just earning potential here, there is the chance that it leads onto much, much more. No one joins up at a centralized social media platform with the intent and possibility that they could be part of changing the world in some way, even if only a small part of it.
Many people here realise that this is ground floor actions in a movement that will shift much more that a few coins. There are implications for finance yes, but there is also freedom of speech, thought, immutability, poverty, equality, education, healthcare, science... It is near endless what will possibly be affected.
@acidyo was in chat before talking about how there seems to be a convergence point approaching; communities, HF20, ease of signup process and several other factors that will likely see a drive in onboarding which will of course continue to put Steem in the eyes of public and investor alike. Investors currently love social movements to support as there is a massive amount of potential in motivated, attached members of a community. Whether they know it or not, they are not funding the latest app this time, they are backing a revolution. Well, that is if we can learn enough along the way too.
With the current waters being what they are, earning is very difficult for many people who are unwilling to use bidbots and don't have large supporters. This doesn't mean earning is impossible though, just very difficult. The competition is increasing but, the quality is not which means, those who consistently produce are likely to consistently garner support and grow.
What this means for me is that this is the groundwork phase, not the life of luxury phase where we can reap what we sow. Sure, some are already reaping a massive amount but, that doesn't stop many others collecting small amounts. They will add up.
Let's say that in 3 years from now Steem is worth 100 dollars. What do you have? What would it be if you were able to add 5 Steem a week to it? That is 750 extra Steem over the next 3 years. 75,000 dollars. Now, I am not saying that Steem will hit 100 in three years but, the potential is there. It might not be worth your time but, it might be too.
There are no guarantees to this though, this is based on risk and uncertainty and crypto is a risky and uncertain business at best. It will settle in time but, this is not that time and for me, I am very, very glad about it. Take out the volatility of the markets, take out the high risks of failures and you take out the potentials. Not just the potential to earn.
To be able to make the changes to the world that need to happen to create a more equitable and opportunity laden ecosystem for humanity, it isn't going to be done by doing what is easy and certain. It is going to take investment into what hasn't been invested in before.
Personally, my work (and I do consider this work) at Steemit is part of my investment into changing the world. Without Steem, I am one little voice lost in a sea of repetition and working like slaves. Here, I can help be part of a movement toward a hopefully better experience for all.
You might be looking at your earnings (or lack of) and be quite depressed, disillusioned as after all, some idiot on YouTube told you this was all easy money. For him it is because, you believed him. This is not easy and like anything of value, nor should it be. In time I hope people realise this and start their work in earnest, not just to earn now, but add their voice to the ripples until they make waves and perhaps, flood the known and break the banks.
For @farq, I recommended finding a way to post something once or twice a week, hopefully something of quality. This is not just to earn though, it is to stay engaged, to interact, add a comment or two, drop a vote and remind someone that there is a future to come and we are all a part of it. There is more at stake hear that money.
Taraz
[ a Steemit original ]