When I first learned of Steemit, I was drawn to the fascinating real-world use-case of blockchain in a practical application. This is one of very few platforms that actively and successfully uses blockchain technology. Sure, there are many emerging coins and tokens that have great potential, but this platform is operating - mostly as intended - right now.
I was drawn to the productive angle of writing on the Steemit platform, as opposed to the destructive approach of most other social media platforms. In the case of Facebook, for example, I was spending much of my free time perusing articles on politics or other news and getting into debates with strangers who had no intention of listening to other perspectives - and I'll admit, my main goal was often to simply "win" a debate with strangers on the internet. Kind of silly. This also happens on platforms such as Reddit, where readers are eager to dismiss differing opinions rather than engage openly in free discussion. Discussions usually devolve either into echo chambers or trolling flame wars with little genuine or respectful openness to differing opinions.
One thing that these other platforms have over Steemit, however, is the ability to be recognised amongst a crowd. If I post an article on Reddit, or comment on a topic on Facebook, posts will often receive a high number of views, sometimes in the thousands. This is far more difficult on Steemit. Perhaps it is because Steemit is, at least right now, much smaller than these other platforms. But it does make it tough to feel like I have any significance on this platform. I am, indeed, a minnow among many. It is difficult to not have a feeling of futility and insignificance sometimes.
Something about Steemit still draws me back, though. I think it's because there is a natural positivity to it - an eagerness even - to listen, to learn. It just feels better reading, interacting, and posting on Steemit. I might get 7 000 reads of a post on Reddit, but it's more exciting to get 1 000 reads on Steemit, primarily because, I believe, there is a sense of community that the other platforms lack.
Part of it may also be that we are involved in something new and different here. An economy that works without ad revenues and censorship - a decentralised platform that encourages productivity and allows cream to rise to the top. It's cool to be a part of something that is changing how we produce and consume media, even if it's just a small part; a minnow among whales.
We minnows need to stick together. If you are a minnow that has experienced growth and recognition through the Steemit platform, please share your experiences here. And keep swimming!
image source:
http://ruckthis.co.uk/hungry-minnows-world-cup-ambitions-for-the-lowly-seeds/
