Here's my 2 Cents (which is about what my average post is worth)! 😄

I've been warned that being on Steemit is like a rollercoaster ride, "better buckle your seat belts and hold on to your hats!

I've learned a lot in the month and a half I've been here, but I have a LOT yet to learn (THANKFULLY Hive account@stellabelle's bitcoin school is helping with that). So, if you've been living under a rock, or on fb more than Steemit, you might have missed a few recent... "issues, kerfuffles, problems, questions, quandaries, slander, threats, awful language, and flagging bot wars." I have no other words way to describe what I've read. It saddens me. It leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.
BUT, I’m not going anywhere.

This post is NOT meant to re-hash anything, but to share a bit of perspective from the eyes of a newbie. By the way, I'm totally on Steemit WAY more than fb now! 😄

So, back to the original question, CAN a few bad seeds and some drama spoil a good thing?
Steemit is unlike any social media I have ever heard of or encountered. I've just barely seen or understood the tip of the iceberg of intricacies about how it works, why it works, how it "should" work, etc.

But, what I think I know is this: it is more inherently GOOD than bad (funny, I believe the same thing about humans).

So, while some folks may be "abusing whale power,” “circle-jerking,” “setting up a ton of sock-puppet accounts,” “trolling,” misusing bots, or just being downright awful, it doesn't scare off this newbie who just wants to share some pieces of herself with the world, listen to an old friend from back home pour her heart out with her guitar, connect with others with similar interests and appreciation for our natural surroundings, learn more about cryptocurrency, give appreciation in the form up upvotes or SBD for something interesting, or watch a community rally together to help someone in need (even though they've never met in person and are miles away from each other). It is AWEsome to watch. It is exciting to be a part of (even if my own writings barely get read). Haha!

So, the creators/founders/first folks here have more weight in the system, that is a "normal" part if most groups/organizations. But, I am of the opinion that those who have the most weight in a system should not do things which may be, or seem, harmful to others (at least not without a thoroughly-stated, well-reasoned explanation). Now, if a member of a group is being just downright awful (trolling, threatening, lying, etc.) then I do think it is acceptable for the group to use the powers available (flagging, investigation, etc.) to "weed-out" the problem person and deal with the issue sternly—but compassionately. We have no way of knowing why some people do or say awful things. It can drive us crazy trying to figure out other people's crazy. 😵

I think what we have here is a rather delicate balance of freedom/control. This platform is amazing in that those who engage in it can help change it, help it evolve, help it become more of what the group envisions. I am impressed by the amount of intelligent, creative people here (both technical and not). But, even with that amazing openness and flexibility there is still a hierarchy--wanted or not—and those that may “abuse” their status. I agree that those who put a lot of time, effort, and even $$ into Steemit should have gains from it. But, can we temper all things with reason, can we try to not be greedy, can we try to communicate better, and can we try to be nice, folks? ❤

For some unknown reason I spent hours last night delving into two totally different, totally separate rabbit holes of Steemit issues. I think, when you get down to it, the core issue with both comes down to communication: either a total lack of communication, or downright hateful and inappropriate communication.

I came away from it saddened that this platform has drama, just like all the rest. But, we are all human, we all make mistakes, we are all figuring out our way in the world. I am pretty sure that it will ALL be okay. My heart goes out to those bullied. Thank you for those who stand up to bullies. Thank you to the technical folks who built this place. Thank you to the technical folks who continue to help it evolve and get better. Thank you for those who joined early on and put their heart and soul into building Steemit up. Thank you to those who joined a week ago and added an awesome photo, poem, or blog to the blockchain. Thank you to those who came together in a chat room and came up with #Yunk. I think I get it, and I think it’s great! 😄

I know it’s probably been said a LOT of times before, but (barring some technical catastrophe I won’t understand), it’s up to US ALL what this space is and what it becomes. So no, I do NOT think a few "bad seeds"(even if they are powerful) will spoil a good thing, as long as the community is active in standing up for those who have been bullied or wronged in some way. Which, I'm happy to say, I have seen happen. ❀

So, like it or not, I’m here for the long haul.

Thanks for reading.

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