Have I made a million dollars from Steemit? No. Have I been able to quit my job? Well, technically I work for myself so that question doesn't really make sense in this case.
So how then has this platform changed my life?
When I first signed up for Steemit, I was intrigued and excited about the existence of a social network that pays its users. I didn't really understand how it worked, and it seemed too good to be true until I got my account set up and started seeing some rewards for my posts. Being a professional writer, I've already made it past the hurdle of figuring out how to get paid to blog. So in that sense, there was no doubt in my mind that such a thing was possible because I have already been doing it.
A social network that pays its users, on the otherhand, is a different story. Yes, YouTube has allowed creators to monetize their channels for years, but there are very few options outside of that. When other platforms are built on algorithms that turn their sites into addictive drug-like experiences, something like Steemit, built on top of a blockchain that enables creators to own their data, becomes all the more important. And so I noticed that there were people on Steemit that truly cared about the well-being of the platform and were doing everything they could to promote a healthy experience.
And I noticed that they were exuding an attitude of abundance. They were grateful for the contributions that people made to the site. Whereas mobs on other social networks spend their time trying to get the people they don't like banned, crypto seemed like a place of possibility, where people are trying to build the future - a future where there is enough for everyone. Steemit is the reason I've even had the strength to either quit or lessen my time on other social networks. My mind is clear again. Even if I only make a couple of cents on a post, it was still time well spent on a site I enjoy being on.
I've been on Steemit for over 120 days now, and I am more firm in my belief about the possibilities of the crypto space more than ever. But Steemit is still a social network. And social networks have factions and internal politics. And now that the honeymoon phase has worn off, I see quite clearly that Steemit is no different. And that's alright, though, because that means there is a diversity of thought on this platform that still thrives.
There is enough for everyone. That belief switch changed me for the better. And so I am going to continue to focus on promoting the values I believe in, and I am going to continue to create and share content I hope brings value to the community.
If you're new to Steemit, welcome. This is a special place, and it will change you for the better if you let it.
Thank you for reading,
- Josh
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