This post details my findings of Steemit, after joining the platform three weeks ago. I'm a beginner, so this content targets others that are still finding their way around the platform.

I've posted 5 blogs and about 30 comments, so this post isn't at all scientific - just me trying to connect the dots.

The positives

Let's dive into Steemit's advantages! Note: there are many more than listed here, but I like to keep things digestible.

Steemit is not just for writing

To be completely honest, I joined Steemit for the money. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely believe in the underlying idea of rewarding good content! Albeit, when I first heard about Steemit I could only think of the dollars it would potentially make me. I was planning on writing a lot and reading very little.

That changed quickly though. In fact, I've been doing a lot more reading than writing. Why? Because there's actually some good content onhere! Just look at the highest paid posts: they are often very opinionated, well written and with a ton of comments full of counter-arguments to get a discussion going.

Steemit quickly became more than just a money-making machine!

Steemit is a community

Although Steemit is often being described as a social network, it seems more like a community to me.

Steemit has all the basics a social network has: article-writing, commenting and upvoting, but it has so much more that really makes this platform a community:

• @steemfest: Steemit's very own conference! It will be held later this year in Lisbon, featuring workshops, talks & more.
• @steemradio: community curated music.
• Several contests are being held on a daily basis (where you can win actual money). This is a good way to give back to the community!
• Steemit Podcasts: people are in the process of setting up podcasts featuring us - the community. PandaCast by @fatpandadesign is one to look out for.
• There are a variety of real-life events and places, especially created for the Steemit community. If you're from New York, checkout Steem Park by @hitheryon.

Like many before me have said: I came for the reward and stayed for the community!

Steemit makes you money

While I'm still figuring this part out, Steemit can considerably increase your income-on-the-side. Many posts, such as this one are raking in $1,000+.

Don't quit your jobs to concentrate on Steemit just yet! But even for beginners such as myself, it's possible to earn a nice extra by simply writing what you know.

The negatives

Just like with anything, there are some disadvantages to the platform.

It's cluttered

Because the platform makes people money, they like to grab your attention any way they can: with overly-colorful images, long titles with caps, a lot of exclamation marks and some other tricks.

The platform is also multi-lingual without curation, making it extra hard to find the content you want.

And when you do decide to read a post, many writers are first shouting at you to follow them, upvote their content, or resteem it.

It's hard to grasp at first

The beauty of the platform is also a disadvantage in the beginning. It's so much more than just writing and getting a reward: there's steem, steem power, steem dollars, your wallet, voting power, .... It's a lot to take in. If you're still struggling, here's everything you need to know.

It's unpredictable

My first blog post was a small introduction in introduceyourself. Usually, introductions get between $3 and $10. I got $5, so that's a good start!

My second post was part 1 of my travels through Australia. It collected $41 and some comments. Not bad at all!

My third & fourth post were part 2 and 3 of that same travel story. They each collected below 1 dollar. One of those stories was created after Hard Fork 19 (for those that don't know: it's a change into the platform that increases rewards for beginners, such as myself).

I have no idea why my 2 first posts did so well, while the latest 2 flunked. Sure, it has to do with who is upvoting your content (people with more 'reach' will give you a higher reward) but it's still a big difference.

For now, I'm blaming it on my posting time: the first 2 were posted in the morning (Time zone: CEST) while the others have been posted in the eveneing of that same timezone.

The verdict

I'm loving the platform and the idea behind it, but I still have a lot to learn when it comes to actually earning something.