Introduction
Before I went offline yesterday, I took a quick look at the #introduceyourself section. And what I saw there, really got me wondering and thinking.
The "HOT" section was topped by posts not even making 2$. In the "TRENDING" section, four out of the first five posts not even were new users (I didn't count projects from old users as new here).
What's the problem?
In my eyes, an attractive #introduceyourself section is a great door to getting many new users - And I guess most of the people on this platform want it to grow.
Let me just tell you a quick story:
When I first heard about steemit, I quickly decided to at least try it, since I heard that there even can be dozens of dollars made from your Introduction post. If I remember correctly, I "only" made 2-3$ for I post I worked hours on - However at that time there were many introduction posts with 20$+ - So I just figured it was my "fault" and I should try better. Over the next weeks, I gave my best to participate with good content - and suddenly, I got a whale upvote by
. That's when I ultimately had the feeling that you can make it here, even if you neither have money or whale friends. You just got to keep tryining!*
But when you look in the #introduceyourself section now, this can't be said anymore - And I think that this is bad for the platform. And ultimately, all of us!
So what shall we do about it?
Just visit the #introduceyourself section, read a few posts and upvote them if they are well made.
Everybody can make a huge impact here. Just look what I was able to do with 25k leased SP yesterday.
Isn't that sad?! I, a little minnow with some leased power, was able to dictated the entire HOT section myself with just a few 50% upvotes.
So you want to give all newbies hundreds of $?
Of course not! But I think it would be awesome if at least a few posts in the HOT section were in the 10$ to 25$ section. I think this kinda the psychological barrier for many people where they take money seriously and see the potential of this platform.
A few great posts reward with 50$+ in the TRENDING section of course would be great!
I think this is the best propaganda for this platform. Not just because it motivates new users to make a good introduction, but also because it gives you a great argument when telling people about steemit.com:
Hey my friend, just give it a try and post an introduction. See, many are even earning good money on it. What do you have to loose?
But I don't have much steempower...
That's not a good excuse. If dozens of people with small power vote, it still can add up pretty fast - or at least spark attention of bigger accounts.
But if you want to help more than your power allows you, try to welcome the newbies with nice comments. I am not talking about copy & pasting "Hey, welcome bro!" to dozens of posts. I mean real unique comments which offer some value. Let me show you some examples.
You could recommend a user who shares the newbies interests;
or a community action they might be interested in;
you could as well give them a little hint or tip;
or you could just resteem their post!
As you can see - Everybody can do something! And in the long run, everybody here will benefit if this platform continues to grow. May it be through new people you meet, or just through the worth of your account when the price for STEEM rises!
Just think about what you can do to help!
A positive example!
Let's finish this post with a positive example!
When talking about upvoting in the #introduceyourself area, I just can't skip a shootout to one whale who frequently does so. It's a user (or service ;)) who seems to be involved in every major payouts on introduction posts - 
Thank you for doing that!
Conclusion
I hope I could raise some attention to the #introduceyourself section again.
You all probably know the saying - Come for the money, stay for the community! - Well, let's give them some motivation to come!
What are your ideas to make the section better again? Or do you think it doesn't matter?