The thought from a wise rabbit with some bad habits.
Today whilst at work I was wandering why the retention levels are so low with new users. I have been trying to put myself into the other users on the platforms shoes. The ones that have been here from the beginning or around that time period. Basically the larger accounts that have been on here for two years or so.
These accounts would have seen the struggle when Steem was at a low 0.07 c a coin. There must have been 100 000 users (thumb suck) and no one really knew anyone else. Over time they have all found certain people that have similar interests and have got into a position of having a comfortable following. This doesn't happen over night and has taken months of commitment and many hours of dedication.
New users arrive daily and see it as a "pick pocket" attitude trying to grow their accounts not really understanding how it is done. All they are doing is look at the other account values and wander how the hell did they get there. The majority would say to themselves" look they did it ,then I can do it" not realizing the work that needs to go into it. Social media like Facebook and the likes ,you have family and friends who follow you and reply and it is easy to have a following. On here though you need a genuine following and not 1000's of dead accounts who have already left the platform.
The older users will most likely take notice and engage with a new user cautiously, seeing how he/she interacts and performs. Remember the older accounts would have seen everything, and a bit like the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." They have been round the block and seen ten's of thousands of new users come and go, and will spot something that is different with a new account from all the other users throwing their bullshit replies.
The accounts that have been noticed will be monitored like you would do with a new employee before anything is offered to them. Everyone gets the crumbs with some upvotes but no cake. I don't blame the older users for being on their guard with the defenses up , why would you support someone who will disappear after a month or two.
These are things which are common sense and what I have noticed since I have been on here for 5/6 months or so. I have been supported by so many people on here which has helped me grow. You may ask why and I will tell you why. I don't like talking about myself but I have noticed a group of individuals that started roughly within a month or two of each other and they all have the same traits.
These individuals haven't changed from day one and have been genuine. Thinking back now they do stick out as they do the basics well, which is growing your account the organic way. Posting, commenting and commenting well adding some value. They are part of the community and have been allowed in as the older users see themselves in what these individuals are doing. They haven't been handed anything on a silver platter and it is hard work, there are no short cuts. These individuals are still around so the wise accounts that have been helping them have chosen well.
These are just some of my thoughts on wandering why retention of new users is so low. Attitude and dedication are some of the reasons with a genuine personality and not expecting or taking things for granted. You have to gain the "trust" of others around you before support is shown.
Image source.canstockphoto.com