Oof.

As we say here in Japan: Shouganai. "It cannot be helped."

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As it is no longer feasible to support myself and my family via my work here on Steemit, I'll have to adapt and look elsewhere for now, in the interest of continuing to keep Voluntary Japan steaming on (real steam, not "steem").

I am currently building a part time schedule of other work, to pay the bills.

Once I power down to 7,000 SP (to think, I once held over 20,000), I will stop all power downs, and move my focus elsewhere. I will, however, continue blogging here, just perhaps not at the rate I have become accustomed to. It is no longer feasible for me to do so. The 7,000 will keep me from kicking myself too hard should this weird place I've come to love finally start to really go somewhere.

Some new platforms:

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Thanks to my friend @crystalhuman, I am now on the waiting list for Narrative Alpha, a promising sounding site that looks like it will give content creators more control over the community aspect of their various networks, and keep influence organically spread out, to avoid things like the "pyramid of power" that seems to have developed here, and which has--along with state regulation killing the crypto markets--turned this platform (aside from the beautiful pockets of community which still remain here and there) into largely just a big infomercial on the web.

Do you guys know of any other promising blockchain-based social media platforms? If so, do let me know.

In closing.

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I really didn't set out to write a "downer" kind of post here. I just need to think out loud, and type this stuff out to get myself more clear in my head. I know my objective now, clearer than ever, and nothing--not struggling markets or platforms--will stop me there. Never has, and as long as I can breathe, never will. Just retooling once again. No "plan B." Just new ways to make PLAN A work ;) Have had a great summer as a full time activist, journalist, Steemian, content creator, and unschooling/freeschool/community volunteer. Kind of fuckin' sucks that there was not so much traction. Fuck it. Not gonna stop. no matter what.

~KafkA

!

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Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as DLive and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)