TIME IS THE ONLY ASSET
Since joining Steemit a few months ago, I've had a great experience writing, hacking, interacting, and learning from an amazing community. Unfortunately, the day I had convinced myself would never come...well...has. As I've learned to do with just about everything in my life, I find it important to constantly assess the ROI of my attention; some might argue to the point of neuroticism. Do I drive or ride my bike? What's the health benefits vs. the time savings? Do I text or call? Do I book a traditional hotel or get funky with a treehouse Airbnb? You get the idea! I'm fairly obsessed with analyzing the major variables that surround every decision, and in the case of Steemit, I'm having difficulty justifying the time spent on the platform (which actually feels a bit hypocritical as I type this very post). I was perfectly comfortable with the initial investment I knew had to come with learning the system (and simultaneously excited by the idea of being rewarded for creating useful content), but now I understand the platform in all its nuanced glory and the ROI (for me) simply isn't surfacing.
THE SUBJECTIVITY OF STEEMIT
This isn't to say I don't support the Steemit mission (I recommend reading the white paper if you haven't already); I will undoubtedly continue to be a major advocate. It simply doesn't provide a personal return given what I know is required (for good reason) from an investment perspective. This is, of course, very subjective. I have three other major jobs generating income, I have obligations as a husband, I write for other publications more suited to my interests, I do yoga and play soccer for my physical health and take improv classes and travel religiously for my mental well-being. Spending an hour crafting a high-quality post (this also being quite subjective...though not as much as some argue) for less than $1 in return (which I understand is still unprecedented among blogging platforms) simply isn't sustainable given the life I intend to create for myself. I understand that persistence and consistency are the variables to success here, but at this stage, I've decided that developing the necessary rhythm is at best a hopeful roll of the dice...again, subjectively speaking.
SET ME STRAIGHT...OR DON'T
So what might I be missing? Am I taking the easy way out by placing so much weight on ROI? I do love writing; perhaps I'm overlooking the intrinsic benefits I know to accompany the practice of creatively bringing thoughts into the physical world, but life is about making decisions and iteratively refining our path towards something more suited to the most authentic version of ourselves. I'll still surely be found lurking amongst the murky Steem, but not in the same capacity. Those who find serious success on Steemit have either been fortunate early adopters or tireless journalists who devote the time necessary to get noticed and rewarded. If you can point me towards another option to which I might be oblivious, I'll happily reassess and write a lengthy post about how wrong I was.
β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π β‘π
Much β€
@Tayken
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A ton of β€ goes to those from and #PALNet. I've gained more from this community than can ever be measured in any currecy (crypto or otherwise). I'll continue to connect in Discord and encourage others to join this great community - http://minnowsupportproject.org