Whether you are new to the Steemit platform or have been around for awhile, it is important that you understand Steemit's stance on spam and abuse.

Just to be clear, the following 13 guidelines are located on the "What is considered spam or abuse?" page on the Steemit FAQ. While the headers below are pulled from the Steemit FAQ, my responses to the guidelines are my own. (Trying not to break rule #10.)

1. Asking for money, views, upvotes, follows, or resteems.

We have only started, and I can already understand why new users might be confused. The language being used is simple to understand, but the Steemit community is filled with in-your-face and subtle examples of this guideline being broken.

Just yesterday, I sent a comment similar to the following:
"I see that you want to practice English, I set up a new account that will teach basic English lessons. Follow me if you are interested in learning more."

Did I break the rule? I didn't think so until I read this guideline #1. What if I said, "I have set up an account that will provide simple English lessons. We would love for you to join us."

Is the problem in the use of the words money, views, upvotes, follows, or resteem? Or is this a matter of intent? Unfortunately, it is sometimes hard to judge intent.

2. Leaving nearly identical or materially similar comments on multiple posts.

Do you have a standard line that you use in all of your comments? For example, I have often closed my comment with "Keep pressing forward and keep Steeming!"

I would not be able to find all of the comments that I have written that included this phrase. We should always try to post authentic, engaging comments but I see other people who include a life motto or saying in their comments. I have done this as well and I don't have an issue with this as long as there is a personal touch to the comment.

I do have an issue with repetitive, short phrases such as "Good post." or "I like your work." because these types of comments do not pass the "Proof of Read Test." I believe that I just coined this phrase, but please let me know if you have heard it before because I do not want to break rule #10.

The reader passes the "Proof of Read Test" by writing a comment that proves he or she read the post. I do not mind comments that include repetitive mottos, saying, or banners as long as the reader "proves" that he is she is interacting with my content at a personal level.

3. Comments that are unrelated to the topic of discussion.

Self-promotion, especially when unrelated to the topic of discussion, is spam. Comments are meant to add to the conversation. Comments can be used to ask additional questions about the topic. They can also be used to encourage the content creator and other people who are interacting with the content creator. I personally believe that comments can be used to challenge a position or correct inaccuracies (but I recommend doing so with caution and with a kind spirit).

Comments should never be used to draw peoples' attention away from the subject matter. If you can not add anything to the conversation, it is better to not write anything at all.

4. Sending unsolicited links or requests to users via wallet memos.

Your STEEM Wallet is a very important tool. Your wallet provides you with the ability to make financial transactions as well as understand your earnings.

Unfortunately, your Wallet can be spammed as people try to grab your attention by leaving you notes in the Wallet Memo.

The following screenshot shows 2 unsolicited requests directed to me:

5. Posts that require upvotes to enter or play in a contest or game.

So I have broken this one. I have not created many challenges or contests, but I did ask that people upvote my post so that it would increase the reward. Sorry guys! I spammed you.

This seems to be a specific application of rule #1, which prohibits asking for money, views, upvotes, follows, or resteems. So if you are interested in creating a contest, be sure to follow the appropriate guidelines.

I have seen some recent posts that say something similar to:
"An Upvote, Follow, or Resteem is not required to follow this contest, but it would be appreciated."

That seems like a proper work-around to me. What do you think?

6. Sending users a link to your blog or a post if it is not relevant to the conversation.

This is a specific example of what we already discussed in point #3. If you don't have anything valuable to add, then don't write a comment, especially one that includes a link.

A link adds value when ...

• it adds to the conversation of the original post
• corrects misinformation
• brings additional information to light that is related to the post, but not included in the post

7. Posts or comments that include little or nothing more than an offer to trade follows or upvotes.

I will repeat this again. If you do not have anything valuable to add to the conversation then don't write a comment.

"Trade for trade" or "upvote for upvote" is not a meaningful addition to any conversation. Steemit is not like other social media platforms. When you abuse the system, other Steemit users can downvote you which may impact your earnings but even more important impact your reputation.

Use your comments to serve others, not to be self-serving.

8. Using tags that are unrelated to the post.

Tags are like a directory that connects similar content. They are an important part of the Steemit system. If you are not using tags properly then you are probably not getting exposure to your content.

It does not make sense to include a "beach" tag for an image of a mountain. A "mountain" tag makes more sense. A broader tag like "nature" would work for both.

Tags are supposed to be specific. You can use broad tags like #steemit, but be careful not to get lost in all of the noise a broad tag.

Abusing the tagging system is not cool. Abuse occurs when people try to use a trending tag that does not relate to a post as a way to get more people to their post.

Another point to consider is that some communities in Steemit create tags that represent their goals and vision. If you do not follow the community's guidelines for their tags then they might receive pushback from their members and leaders.

9. Threatening users with any type of physical violence.

I really wish this point would not have to be included. It seems obvious that we should not threaten any type of abuse.

Steemit only references physical violence. I would like to add that emotional and psychological bullying should not be allowed.

Differences in opinions should NOT be viewed as threatening or as bullying. We need to learn to speak civilly to one another. I appreciate how Steemit allows various viewpoints and opinions to be expressed.

Both personal expression and protection of others should be valued. As hard as it may be, we need to strive for both.

10. Not citing sources when using someone else’s material.

We need to give credit where credit is due. It is not shameful, but rather honorable to value other people and their work. Citing sources is required for both information and photos.

One of the easiest ways to cite a source is to include a link. For example,[source](www.steemit.com/@SumatraNate) would look like source and would direct you to my Steemit blog.

I use this method when I source within my post. For photos and images, I prefer to cite the references at the end of my post. I normally include a header called Image Sources: then list the links to the images I have used. You will find an example of this type of citation at the end of this post.

Pexels.com and Pixabay.com offer images that can be used for FREE. Even though these images are free to use, they still need to be cited properly.

11. Posting ‘not safe for work’ content without using the “nsfw” tag.

If you are posting sexual or crude content, be sure to use the nsfw tag. Let's protect each other in our work environments and make sure that children are not being introduced to inappropriate material.

12. Selling or offering to buy votes/resteems/follows, or schemes that facilitate this.

Houston, we have a problem! So we are not supposed​ to buy or sell votes, but there are entire systems set up on Steemit that encourage us to do so?

I have used bidbots. There is no reason for me to lie about it. And you could have found out that I did if you wanted to.

Do bidbots fall under this guidelines or does this just apply to personal transactions? The waters are getting a little bit muddy.

What is interesting to me is that Steemit seems to identify this type of behavior as spam. So operating a bidbot service or using one make us Spammy. Is it immoral or illegal? Not sure of that answer, but I believe that the bidbot debate will continue.

13. Scams or Fraudulent offers.

Hey guys, stop trying to rip people off. Stop selling one thing and then delivering another. Let's use the Steem ecosystem to build each other up instead of tear each other down. If we can validate the use of Steem within our own community, we have a better chance of making Steem mainstream.

If we work together, we will all benefit together.

Final Thoughts

Let me know what you think about the Steemit FAQ guidelines regarding SPAM and Abuse.

1. Have you read the SPAM guideline before?
2. Do you agree with all of the guidelines?
3. What changes do you think should be made?

@SumatraNate

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Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/faq-answers-help-questions-3408300/