Hey everyone. I feel odd writing this. I mean writing like we are actually having a conversation. I am used to scribing poetry and stories that this feels like a different write. And it is a different one. A heavy one.
One that might get me in trouble even.
That said, this is not a rant but just a minor concern. I am not that good at writing though I try. But... I have a strength in reading and I read a lot of what is posted here on Steemit.
This ever amazing platform has some skilled writers, people who make me question the 'wordsmith' on my bio. It is the hub of everything I love to read and more.
Some have earned their places as being whales and dolphins and keep coming up with ideas to help minnows up that ladder. It is humbling to watch and be among those lucky enough to get that needed support.
Others are minnows rising with a wave of newcomers reminding every steemian how important community is. This is the beautiful side of Steemit.
The ugly side is the obvious imbalance between greed and the core values of this site. Due to my love of staying in the shadows or my fear of downvotes, I can't touch on that part.
But. The few months I have been here, Steemit has translated to me that difference can be made. Lives indeed are touched and changed by strangers living miles away.
Most people here are kind and positive, they inspire you to grow and be better at your work. Or do they?
I will speak as a reader and I must confess something. Even as contests to become better writers continue to flood this site, I doubt we will become better writers.
Writing is painful and I know. It requires a heart that can withstand being ignored and sometimes ridiculed. One has to have patience with their skills and do their best to harness them. Reading should be a part of your life and so will criticism at times.
(Mine:)
But here we rarely use constructive criticism to better a writer for the fear of downvotes. We upvote (some blindly) grammatically incorrect posts and the author keeps them coming.
If you are like me, you read one sentence and your reading mood is ruined. You scroll down to check if there is anyone who saw the mistakes you have just seen only to be met by praises of how good the article was. Your heart sinks.
You start typing a whole paragraph in the comments sections voicing your concern but when you look at the author's rep or the tonnes of 'positive and uplifting' comments, you long press delete on your keyboard and move on. I know, the fear of being the accountable reader.
Praising good work is great but so is constructive criticism if Steemit is to produce better writers and deserving authors especially when it comes to those of us growing. Give honest feedback!
All I am trying to convey I think is... Let's cultivate a community where authors can actually grow. Not just good ones but great authors. And as growing writers can we please embrace a little criticism, it is healthy for your wrining career.
I am growing so please leave your thoughts on the structure of these random thoughts below. It will be highly appreciated.
Also. Let me use this opportunity to say that as a growing scribe, I have found out I have a strength in writing good stories when inspired by either a prompt or art.
I am leaning more on art and if you draw (like 
Thank you for listening and for coming by.