Steemit's True Strength
Some people believe the Steem currency and/or the blockchain the platform is built on are the most impressive things about Steemit. Although these two elements play an integral role, they would be nothing if it weren’t for an indispensable third element, our people.
How do I realize when a person truly understands this platform? When I hear them genuinely say the most valuable aspect of Steemit is the community.
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." -Peter Drucker
Time and time again I’ve witnessed Steemit bring people together from around the world, birth some amazing projects and initiatives, and even make a few people’s dreams come true. Steemit has been an unparalleled connector, idea incubator, and a life-changer for me.
This platform has been especially kind to creatives, offering us a much needed alternate pathway to success. Today I’d like to shine the spotlight one such creative, the artist Juan Parker (@luckyfellow). He’s been a friend of mine decades before Steemit was even a glimmer in the eyes of Ned or Dan.
Juan In Chicago
I met Juan and his wife Karen on a shuttle bus from the Cancun airport around twenty years ago. Juan and I became friends almost instantly, journeyed around Riviera Maya together with our wives. One night we visited Senior Frogs in Cancun and there were conga lines with free shots of tequila. We got blitzed and sang what was probably the world’s worst rendition of Bob Marley’s, “No Woman, No Cry” in front of hundreds of strangers at Senior Frogs in Mexico. The crowd clapped for us, I think they admired our enthusiasm.
PO(b)K (Proof of Bad Karaoke. Cancun, Mexico ~ Circa 1999)
Juan had his art portfolio with him on that trip and by week’s end we decided to work together on a children’s book, “If I Had Thumbs Like People Do”, which we published in 2003.
Over the past few years I've watched Juan battle (and conquer) cancer, congestive heart failure, and continuously step outside of his comfort zone to achieve his goals. He's grown tremendously both personally and professionally as a result.
Cross-Border Collaborations
Juan is a prime example of how this platform can quickly transform the lives of creatives. He worked hard building his art career, locally and regionally, for thirty years before it finally started to blossom. For the first forty years of his career Juan was limited to selling his work in local art shows, galleries, or by word of mouth. Now thanks to another Steemian from Canada, his work has a global reach.
Recently, Juan partnered with web designer, poet, and podcaster Scott Gardiner (@sgtechservices), to build a website that allows him to sell his art anywhere in the world. Scott also has a YouTube channel, Scotty Gee TV.
Win Win
Even when our morale is suffering and price of Steem isn't as high as we'd like there are still many opportunities to be found on this platform. All we have to do is open our eyes and our minds. If we focus on these opportunities we will win no matter what.
This subtle shift in mindset is what separates the successful people from the dreamers.
Many thanks to Juan and Scott for providing a perfect example of just how well Steemit works for creatives! Please take a moment to visit Juan's website by clicking the link below and sign up for his mailing list. It would mean the world to him.
Click Here To Visit Juan’s New Website
Cheers and thank you for reading!
Eric
*I am an American novelist, poet, traveler, and crypto-enthusiast. If you’ve enjoyed my work please sign up for my author newsletter at my website. Newsletter subscribers will receive exclusive updates and special offers and your information will never be sold or shared.
Alarm Clock Dawn, one of the first full length novels published on the blockchain, and the book that started it all for me can be found HERE. Or Click Here to read it for free on the Steemit blockchain
My book on meditation, The Perfect Pause, is priced at $12.99 (paperback) and $4.99 (eBook). Buy the paperback and receive the eBook for free!
Let’s Keep In Touch
You're one of the most open hearted people on the platform, and my goodness, you just spoke the plain truth which doesn't seem too obvious, the thing is that the market may be blinding people into not seeing the many opportunities that fills steem. And I think we need to redirect to be productive.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks, @josediccus! I hope to see more people utilize the advantages here.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You are right, Eric ... platform steemit brings people together from all over the world. I am very impressed with your experience with Juan. What an amazing friendship. I think steemit is also the right medium for you to promote your books Success for you, Eric.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
He's a good friend and the older you get the more you see the value in old friends. Thank you!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Excellent review, Eric and you are right, there are still many opportunities for Steemit and with the help of creative people in any sphere, we can still achieve success and recognition!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks for the shout out Eric! It's always nice to help talented artists and good people like Juan advance in their endeavours.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You're welcome, Scott! Thank you for paying it forward!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Excelente post!
Posted using Partiko Android
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I see some interesting things from this picture, this is a very good work
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Am so short of words seeing this, the dark of that no woman no cry rendition picture. Laugh.
The art pictures above are lovely, I must say truly that joy always comes in the morning. Just a single connection can change a man's story.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I wasn't surprised at this your story, I've seen countless connections that has been made here from different communities being formed, helps that can rival that of angels have been provided. Two different religion has consistently been at peace and collaborating in here. Lots of cooperation I've never seen before.
The truth is, this is just the beginning.
Congratulations to the luckyfellow for this sealed deal.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Many People are still yet to recognized the full potential of steem and so that is why they are still underestimating it now. That is why whenever I wake up and I am on steemit, I am always grateful to be part of this platform
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Positive article for steemit community .
Thanks dear friend .
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@ericvancewalton, Great to go through from your and Juan's Journey and it's true that sometimes in no time we meet with some people with whom we travel with years after. Thank you so much for sharing this friendship journey with us. Stay blessed.
Posted using Partiko Android
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
steemit helping to create a powerful world for the creatives
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great story my friend.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit