When I began my Steemit journey several years ago, one tenat rose to the forefront very early on: support each other. An upvote for an upvote.
I'm not saying that it was customary to upvote posts from anyone and everyone who voted for one of your posts. I'm saying that as you crafted relationships with each other - real, respectful friendships - one came to understand that we were in this together. That once we were friends, we supported each others work.
It was a happy time. We communed with each other through post and comment. In fact, while the post were important, the real gold came through in the comments that we would leave for each other. Questions. Answers. Understanding. Bonds of friendship and loyalty crafted right before our eyes.
When you care for someone, inevitably, you want them to do well. To succeed. You would do everything in your power to support them and to share with them yourself, your time, and your company.
I have been richly rewarded in friendships here on Steemit. I have met many wonderful people from around the globe. They have shared with me their interests, their passions, their struggles, their life. Beyond Steem, beyond upvotes, I have received the gift of community and friendship that is more real than virtual coins, smart tokens, or upvotes.
I am well reminded of this loyalty and community this day. Having been away from Steemit for a time, long enough to have been forgotten or cast aside... One of my old friends messaged me a warm welcome back and a gracious offer to help me, both with information and coin, to reintegrate here. More than touched, I was grateful that loyalty and friendship still count for something here.
Whatever your reason for being here on Steemit: cryptocurrency,community, commentary, be sure of this... These are real people here. (Well, except for the bots!) If you are not lining your pockets with the warmth and wealth of human interaction, then you are missing one of the most vital points of having a community at all.
The power of friendship. The strength of personal loyalty. The communion of humans in its most simple element.
Warm regards,
