The Zero-Sum Game Of Life: "Givers" vs. "Takers"
Most of the time, in the world we live in, when somebody wins another one loses. In fact I've noticed you can generally classify people as either "givers" or "takers". Some would even argue life is a zero-sum game, where for every person who wins something, then others must lose that exact amount.
I would say that for the most part this has been true. Of course as society has "evolved" and increased efficiency through say technology, the day to day life is better than it used to be for many. But don't kid yourself, the people that control things still have their control. They still "take" like they've always done, they just let you keep a little more so you don't complain about it (or revolt). This is true all over the world.
Why Steemit Is Different
Steemit is designed and supported to provide a completely different dynamic. Its a social network yes, but its also much much more. Everyone knows what everybody else is doing because its transparent, and this transparency enables so many "good things" to happen here every day.
There is a natural incentive to be "good" and provide good content (not just in posts, but also in the comments, resteeming, and upvoting processes). And also there's a punishment system which causes "bad" things to wither away too. Its a "virtuous circle system" or a virtuous perpetual loop.
Here's the secret formula so be sure to write it down ;)
Doing something good for someone = getting better = doing more good = getting even better ... repeat and repeat until you're a big gigantic whale!
To Succeed You Need Your Followers To Succeed
If you help your followers to succeed, then you will succeed. Its as simple as that.
While this seems like a "mushy rah-rah" slogan, its not. If you realize that your followers are the ones that cast their future upvotes on your posts and comments, and also send your articles soaring by resteeming, then making those "followers" strong only increases the "value" of their votes and the "power" of their resteems. It behooves you to see them get bigger.
(source: gstatic.com)
My Experience
I have been blown away at the number of friends I've made in my short 23 day life here in steemland. But even though I now have over 2100 followers, I sometimes don't get much in payouts because my followers are many many newbies (with little to no voting power). As an example, I got one vote yesterday from @surpassinggoogle that equaled a weeks worth of posts and comments I've made. But I don't care one bit and I'm certainly thankful to have so many "little" followers... in fact I'm happy to have so many connections because I know the "good" followers will eventually grow up. Its not about what you make today, its what you build for tomorrow. Always keep this perspective in your mind
And hint hint... here's a secret that I want EVERYONE to know: I'm going to help my followers to grow up because it helps them and it helps me (we both speed our path to success together). ;)
Use My Activity To Remind You
So when you see me helping others (and you will ;) ), I want you to think about this single post. And then I want you to remember that YOU TOO CAN DO THIS. You can encourage your followers to be better, you can give them tips (like how to use @originalworks or @resteemable). You can find new ways to work together or new ideas of increasing their power (like @bumper for those that pay attention). You can offer to help someone who doesn't understand, and you can also greet a newbie in #introduceyourself. You can do this, I know you can.
So if your goal is to succeed here, I've just given you a "Quick Tip" to help remind you of how to make that happen. Its not hard to do, plus its easy to understand the logic. Now its up to you, you alone determine your path in life. I hope to work with you and will do my best to help you grow too. After all...
I succeed when you succeed, so... how can I help you in the future? ;)
As always be humble and...
I like it. Well said.
I agree with the central message—a do unto others as you would have them do unto you kind of deal with the added reassurance that eventually many of them will do unto you as you have done unto them.
That's why I don't really mind the 80-90% inactivity here. While I suppose some of them could be people who just couldn't hold out long enough for the good things to come, (those I hold true empathy for) too many others came here for the quick buck. When they see there's more to it then just posting, and more effort required then just showing up, they move on to someone else's greener-looking pasture.
As long as the remaining 10-20% that remain aren't mostly spambots, I'll be okay. :()
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I knew you would get it @glenalbrethsen... I have looked at your profile and saw that you made all your money from the comments (if I remember right you don't post at all, you just comment)... I'm impressed by that and you validated what was happening to me. I post to get the messages out, but I get far more upvotes when I go talk to others and "chime in" to their posts.
I'm glad you are planning on sticking around too... I also have that plan. While its still really early in the life of a social network, the potential to be much larger is exciting... And I'll be okay with just meeting people like you. I see you're a smart guy with good insight. (and lol, that's not just because you commented here either) ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
For the first part of last week I was only making comments and trying to curate. One because I needed to get the lay of the land and two, bandwidth.
Then I realized there was an #introduceyourself tag and so I actually did that on Thursday.
This week, I've been posting twice a day, once in the morning and one in the evening. Still commenting and curating as much as I can.
I think I officially turn 11-days-old in Steemit time in less than an hour, so I haven't been around long enough to give up hope yet. I have a friend @bbrewer who introduced me to Steemit and he let me know more or less what to expect (he didn't want to have me turn tail over the rest—actually, though, there's plenty here you just need to experience and figure out for yourself).
That said, I'm not rushing out to endorse the place to anyone who isn't already here, but I also have hope that Steemit and anything else it inspires to be built upon its blockchain and basic principles will reach its great potential.
You've been really kind to me, too. Everything you've said about me I say back to you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I agree with so much of what you said (especially about me being kind, lol jk)... seriously I think you are very smart and a good thinker and I'm looking forward to discovering things with you together in the future.
ps you were an inspiration to me when I saw you doing it different, I tried to figure it out and you were a spark that made me think about just commenting sincerely and engaging as being a solution on how to prosper here.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
And I was just following some advice I'd ran across a couple of times and have then stumbled into more since, so hey, maybe following rules that make sense does have its advantages! I guess we'll find out when we've graduated from Plankton to Minnow and onward and upward after that!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
lol... yeah I just got my SP to above where a newbie starts with the delegation. I will rise up from plankton one day, I'm sure of it! hahaha
ps and following rules helps for sure, it at a minimum shows you read the whole post.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It’s that personal touch that grabbed you so many followers @davemccoy. Those that connect with others and know their audience on a personal level, well enough to remember who they are and how they interact. I hope these followers will grow along with you and everyone will continue to support each other.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you to my favorite username friend... I knew we were going to hit it off when I saw your one of a kind cool name and I see your nice smile in the little pic by your name :) You are unforgettable to me now ;) ...
I hope we all grow and learn and share together. There is something special here and I can just feel it is real. I'm super glad that you connected to me and please let me know if I can help you out with anything beeyou :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I am relatively new here and have also noticed that my money comes from the comments I make and not necessarily my posts. I guess it's just a matter of getting a following so to speak and getting to know others here!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I think that's the best strategy right now. Comment as often as possible on higher profile posts and upvote at least the poster and their comments, keep track on the followers and upvote, resteem and comment on their posts and comments as much as SP and VP will allow, and then venture out into the tags in categories I like/know something about/would like to learn more, and look for more content.
As far as posting goes, I think trying to be a part of the general Steemit conversation helps for now, while beginning to write the kinds of posts you really like in a more gradual way.
That is, unless you're @davemccoy, then you just post what you want and run contests from the get go! 😃
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
hahaha that's awesome! @davemccoy is amazing!! Thanks for the response. I will continue to comment on others posts and see where it goes!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great post once again @davemccoy, the (near)future is bright for you because you do work this way!
I found this post on the steemfollower program. What is that all about? Ask @davemccoy.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is what everyone should be familiar with.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you very much @sajan.rai... spread the word!!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I've been a member of steemit less than two weeks. I made some bad mistakes looking for easy votes. Since, I'm trying to carve my niche in this budding community. I plan on growing my steem power and content. This been made easier by the supportive community.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The good think about this place is we actually do care that you succeed. Its pretty cool and I personally love it. I have no idea what mistakes you made, but I guarantee you they aren't important to you achieving success. Mistakes made are by definition in the past, and the past is irrelevant to what lies ahead.
Glad to see you here @unicornvomit and I'm happy we maintain communication and a connection. I'm always here to help you too (and I would imaging you would be there for me too).
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I would love to spread the love round more but the trouble is we have to keep the voting power & the bandwidth up at the moment I get to cast about 6 votes out a day between 125 followers that means 119 miss out or get nil value on the vote. Commenting works well as it gets you noticed people are more likely to visit your blog if you give good comments & after 10 good comments my bandwidth is caned. It's certainly a game of patience for the plankton's & minnows.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
it happens to me too professor, it is nothing to do with you and how many comments or upvotes you do. The system is straining because of all the new people and at certain times of the day it is unusable for the low bandwidth people like us (i'm usually down 8 hrs a day)... The good thing is that it seems to work in the evening very fast (I'm in NC), so I prepare my post for the day while its down and then do other things. Then when it come back on, then I get back on it... You can check the meter to see your bandwidth at www.steemd.com/@professorhobo ... Try to hang in there and not get too frustrated because you are not alone in the frustration. I hear about it from many, but I always tell people to look at the bigger picture.
That was a good link you sent me yesterday, thanks!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
No worries Dave I'm here for the long haul. North Carolina eh that's a big ole place are you in the city or the country, I wouldn't mind a trip up blue ridge.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Mountains, right on the hikers trail in that exact mountain range. Beautiful country
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You will have to post some photos
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
will do ... I am waiting for another snow, I wasn't on here last time we got a good one.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I want to see them in any weather, Johnny Denver sold them to me lol
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
lol ok
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You truly are an inspiration @davemccoy. Congratulations on having so many followers, you deserve every single one of them. @originalworks
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The @OriginalWorks bot has determined this post by @davemccoy to be original material and upvoted it!
To call @OriginalWorks, simply reply to any post with @originalworks or !originalworks in your message!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you so much my friend :) That is sweet... I love talking to you every day too... Especially your commentary about John ... lol
and ps... good job on the @originalworks ... I speak about it often but hardly anyone ever does it for me lol... I notice who my good teammates are ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Alas, they never listen. 😜. I hope that no matter how busy we get, we'll always find time to touch base.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
same here... and I will never be too busy to chat with you, the only problem I will have is finding the messages in these threads ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I know, I don't know if you managed to find my last comment about having RSI from all the scrolling. 😆
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
lol... I'm doing my best, but we gotta pretty thick web here lol
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It a repetitive strain injury. 😉
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes. This post needs to be read. Upvoted and resteemed! I don't have the time to read a lot every day because my 9 to 5 job. But posts like this are worth while! I learned from others, like @charles1 and @kenhudoy how to get started here. That you find more interesting Steemian on discord. Also there are groups who helps eacht other. Like resteem to steemit. So if you have time read my post and give comment please do. Thanks for your post
https://steemit.com/steemit/@futuredigicoin/just-joined-steemit-join-our-group-to-make-it-a-succes#comments
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I appreciate that @futuredigicoin that is a very cool comment you made. I'm glad you liked it and explained your situation. I will go read you post right now so I don't forget, but thank you again for the validation and passing along other information that you find useful. That's what I'm trying to get people to do btw... Cheers
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Another great post Dave, I really enjoyed the read and will take to heart the message. Once again, great job!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks Todd, I always like to hear from you... And I know you are one of the ones that actually read it... In a sense you are the guy I have in my head when I write because I truly think you will "get" the message. Thanks again and lets keep moving forward one step at a time!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
As always, another great post @davemccoy. I see you’re using the bee art from @keeperofthewoods. That’s awesome.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
haha yes I have, I was so happy that she took the time to do that for me... and thank you so much beeyou... I love your name, its so true :) ... thanks for the compliment and just having you stop by and comment is awesome! have a wonderful day!!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is a good article. I've been noticing this as well. I read the articles of someone on Steem who constantly upvotes their own articles and own comments, but rarely anyone else's comments. I don't only comment for the upvote on it, but it's nice to know that someone isn't just looking out for himself. If they care about their followers I'm more likely to upvote them as eventually it'll get back around to me (even if it's not always my turn).
I look forward to reading more of what you have to say.
And I like the reference to Tim McGraw at the end.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you so much for such a great comment that gives me a lot of understanding into who you are and what you stand for. I completely agree with you and encourage you to make your own post about topics like this because you simply understand it. A lot of people take for granted that everyone understand what they themselves understand, but that is simple not the case. I can see you are going to do real well here and I think you are one of the "good" ones that will rise. I look forward to working with you and I hope you stay in touch!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I love how this post gives a quick rundown into just how Steemit works, haha. Nicely done.
Question regarding @resteemable: I've been trying to use it on various the past few days, but whenever I do it says that the app is offline for maintenance. I wanna resteem these posts but I don't have a whole lot of followers or Steem Power yet, so I like the idea of @resteemable....if it would work :/
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks @therosepatch... and I haven't been able to use @resteemable either... I have been trying to find out what is happening, but with no luck... Maybe @resteemable will see this and give us an answer ;) ... they are a great service for us "smaller" fish, so I'm sure they will be up again soon as soon as they finish their maintenance... If you hear anything, let me know too bc I use them all the time to help out other people's posts (and mine too!).
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@resteemable is back up now... I thought you might like to know ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yup and I've been using it, haha.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
me too... I think we were the 2 happiest people in steemit today ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@davemccoy well said my friend. You were one of the first few people I met on this site and your mentality is on parr with myself. The price of been a leader is actually been the one who serves the most. I love the fact that this site works best by lifting others up. Awesome post. Your followers here will be very greatful :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That is very cool Clive and I really appreciate the compliment. I agree with you about this site and I think you too will be a leader here. I am very excited to work with you and to help you get bigger by also helping others to get bigger. Its a virtuous loop and its pretty powerful when you think about it. Stay in touch!!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hey @davemccoy, love this post!! You have helped me tremendously!
Thank you! Have you seen this: https://steembottracker.com/
I'm hoping it's something new for you...love to be able to help you too!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you Lynn I'm glad you have your nice picture now in your icon... Its nice to put a face to a @lynncoyle1 lol... And I have seen it, but if it makes you feel better I am very very happy that you thought to send me that link.... It is cool, and I am evaluating the different bots... I have found just a few that can return 3x or higher consistently... I think some of them play games so I'm trying to figure out who does what. I have had good success with @steembloggers though and I'm interested in moving my trial up to see how it scales. If you try any of them, let me know because honestly I could use all the input from my teammates I can get. There are lots of awesome things to learn here, and we are just in our infancy when you think about it.
Thanks again for thinking of giving me a good idea and as usual, I like to hear from you every time.
Let me know if you try @bumper and if you have any problems or need me to help further, just let me know :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Well you are welcome! and yes, I finally realised that I didn't have a profile pic!! I used a couple on this blog https://steemit.com/steemit/@lynncoyle1/change-is-coming-but-how and would love for you to have a look and evaluate. I'm not sure really what I'm doing :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I would love to go there.. I will go right now. And I think you are doing really well for someone who doesn't know what she's doing ;) ... I'll respond over there right now after I review!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Your Post Has Been Featured on @Resteemable!
Feature any Steemit post using resteemit.com!
How It Works:
1. Take Any Steemit URL
2. Erase
https://
3. Type
re
Get Featured Instantly – Featured Posts are voted every 2.4hrs
Join the Curation Team Here
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I love this! And not just cause you used the bee picture! hehe. Great stuff. I will pass it along. :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Of course I will use the bee pic... It is something I post proudly because my friend gave it to me :)
And glad you liked the article, I believe you will spread the message ;)
ps... way to go, you took a huge jump in reputation (that's exactly what I want to see!!!)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You got a 28.57% upvote from @steembloggers courtesy of @davemccoy!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is literally a brilliant post ***@davemccoy ** I am q.new here myself just at my 7 day birthday today. I like the idea of it is only beneficial to us to work with other members above or below us in the rankings .I will be looking out for your posts in future because I really think many of your points are bang-on & perfectly put ,obviously it would be in my own words but I may well borrow some of your points to put across .
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thank you very much @sbyse that is quite a good compliment... And I'm glad you gave me your background here so that I quickly could get to know you. I can see with this simple post that you are going to rise very very fast.
You are also "bang on" lol ;) and I welcome you to borrow any thing that I do or have done. I am planning on recruiting teachers/coaches/mentors to do many of the things I've done so that they can spread the word and help others grow in each respective time frame. I would love nothing more than to see you writing a series of #quicktips and populating that hashtag with the tips I'm trying to share. I have the thoughts loosely in my mind, but I encourage you to be a teacher/coach/mentor to your generation of newbies and will be happy to support you with ideas or help if you would like to do this.
I am very happy you connected to me and lets stay in touch for sure! Have a wonderful weekend!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This post has received a 18.18 % upvote from @sleeplesswhale thanks to: @davemccoy.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wish Granted!
0.2 SBD transformed into a $0.66 upvote!
Love, Lila Wish Genie
Always see blog Location for current rates.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I only got a .33 upvote, I hope you made an honest mistake. And either credit me back 0.10 or make it up on another post. I love your concept and if you deliver I will be one of your biggest supporters and fans. Here is the copy of the upvote to show you:
Please check your records and let me know if it was an honest mistake. Thank you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Greetings! I am a minnow exclusive bot that gives a 5X upvote!
I recommend this amazing guide on how to be a steemit rockstar!
I was made by @EarthNation to make Steemit easier and more rewarding for minnows.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit