Hello Hive community! I’m IGiveFreeCompliments (aka IGFC or @freecompliments). You may have seen me floating around dropping compliments here and there, as well as some posts about medicine. This is an introductory post to give you some background about me and my goal here.
Contents:
- My goal on Hive
- My background as IGFC
- Reddit gives me problems
- My background as a person
- What will I be doing here?
- Why the heck did I post this on LeoFinance? Am I lost? Do I need a map?
- Conclusion
My goal on Hive:
I'm here to spread some joy and make people smile for no reason other than happiness. The reason that I chose this platform is because it appears censorship-resistant, which is very important to me as a value.
My background as IGFC:
Back in February of 2013, I created an account on the social media website Reddit.com called “IGiveFreeCompliments.” Its purpose was identical to the purpose that I proposed above. I saw that many people on the internet were unhappy and could use a boost – and there I was, capable of giving a simple compliment to help someone out. My compliments started out simple, superficial, and direct. I learned over time how to customize and add a bit of meaning to the compliments, because a good compliment is specific to the individual.
I created a community on the aforementioned website called r/FreeCompliments. Initially, it was used as a hub for me to give compliments directly to people without disrupting discussion. Over time, it grew as a place where people would request compliments and give them to each other. It grew by the thousands and became one of the most positive places on the internet.
I later expanded to posting resources to help people undergoing mental health conditions, particularly depression. Mental health became a strong focus of what I attempted to tackle. I also focused more on promoting the community strictly within the confines of the parent website (i.e. I promoted the sub-Reddit FreeCompliments within Reddit).
Reddit gives me problems:
Throughout my time on the website, I encountered some people who were thoroughly against my efforts, claiming that they were superficial, disingenuous, or that I actually earned money from my compliments (lol). I ate up the accusations, but at one point everything came to a boiling point.
Due to my efforts at promotion, and the efforts of a few users who did not like my mission, I was banned from the website due to over-promotion, labeled as spam. This was despite the fact that I always attempted to integrate the community as a relevant remark to the discussion at hand, and actually contributed to discussions.
I attempted to come back to the website solely to moderate the community, but was banned again. It was clear that my presence was not valued by the Reddit administrators. At this time, the community numbered approximately 35,000 members.
Over time, I saw that the Reddit administrators decided that this community was giving them a better reputation, and they implanted power-moderators (i.e. those who held significant influence within the website and would impose their views, bans upon people, and censor whatever they did not like whenever they felt like it) to run the community. After this implementation, the community grew to over 250,000 members due to the website’s promotion algorithms (isn’t that ironic?). It also lost much of the heart that it had when I was around. Censorship intensified, and discussion was stifled. My baby, which I had worked upon for 4 ½ years, had transformed into something I could not recognize.
And the cherry on top of the cake… in 2021, my username was removed from the founder’s list. They had managed to remove most traces of my account’s existence and take credit for the work I’d done. It was my final straw with the aforementioned website.
Now I’ve found a platform which is censorship-resistant, and it seems that everyone here is receptive to the kindness I offer. It feels like I may have finally found a home.
My background as a person:
As some of you may have seen from my blog posts, I’m a resident physician in a big city in the Northeast US. Additionally, I have some educational background in economics. I’m also a lover of art, fitness, old movies, and healthy eating. Hopefully I can sometimes provide useful input on those topics.
What will I be doing here?
I’ve just established the new iteration of the original community: FreeCompliments. My plan is for everyone who is having a tough day or just wants to hear some kind words… to come here and ask for them. At least on my behalf, there is no expectation of monetary tips or gratitude – it is intended to be a selfless deed. If others choose to have a financial incentive for kindness, then that is absolutely OK; our time is valuable, and in the end, the ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on people's lives. I hope for there to be an emphasis on comments in this community, as the comments may be the saviors for those who need help.
Additionally, I will encourage all forms of content in this community. Have some art to share? We’ll find the greatness in it. Have an experience to share? We’ll compliment your newfound wisdom. Have some advice or pearls to help others? We’ll welcome your suggestions with open arms.
Finally, I would like for this to be a censorship-resistant community. Everything goes. Everyone gets a second chance. Forgiveness is paramount, as we are all imperfect beings. Open-mindedness, learning, empathy, and an attempt to understand vastly different perspectives will be strongly encouraged.
Why the heck did I post this on LeoFinance? Am I lost? Do I need a map?
Fortunately, this time I am not lost (although a map never hurts!). From my observations, LeoFinance has been a hub of innovation for ease-of-onboarding, ease-of-use, engagement, and methods of breaking through to outsiders. As such, I’d like to build upon the importance of rewarding comments, using the wisdom of the knowledgeable users on LeoFinance.
Aside from my promotional efforts, the reason that FreeCompliments succeeded wildly on Reddit is that there was a very substantial emphasis on engagement through comments. Although on that platform, the incentives were largely altruistic, I believe this effect can be replicated here – possibly to an even greater extent – if there are sufficient incentives to comment.
Engagement by encouraging comments will drive more people to use Hive. It’s an easier form of interacting with the blockchain, and if sufficiently rewarded, will result in user retention and even further provocation of short-form commentary. Additionally, because users are staying, this will help bolster long-form content so that Hive does not lose its quality. This can hasten the network effect so that Hive can grow steadily.
I’d greatly appreciate further discussion about how to increase comment rewards so that we can achieve the aforementioned growth. The input of Hive and LeoFinance experts will be invaluable, and I believe we’ll be able to grow engagement if this is properly implemented.
Conclusion
Based on my limited time here, I’ve come to appreciate a lot about Hive and will continue to learn its ins and outs. I hope that I can bring a great deal of value and positivity to Hive, its users, and build upon a platform wherein users can engage in a way that brings joy to everyone. Welcome to FreeCompliments, and a big big thanks to everyone for having me here!
Welcome to Hive and to LeoFinance!
I think we've interacted before, but I wanted to take a few moments to read your post and maybe add a comment or two.
One topic covered by LeoFinance informally is Web3 and how it compares with Web2. You provided a vivid example of what can happen when something you created is no longer considered your creation. You will not have that problem on Hive and at LeoFinance, so you made the wise move in coming here.
@wesphilbin mentioned the LUV token created by @crrdlx. It's an engagement token used to stimulate engagement among Hivers across the blockchain, and it has other use cases as well. It's one of the most popular engagement tokens on Hive, and it's a perfect match for your own IGFC initiative here. More information about the LUV token can be found at the post titled "About LUVshares".
I've only visited Reddit pages via search engines, so I don't know much about how things work there. Hive and LeoFinance are geared more for long form blogging. However, a few months ago LeoFinance brought its microblogging platform, LeoThreads. At LeoThreads, you can post pretty much whatever you want (except for things landing you in jail). This includes threads regarding medicine and mental health.
I wish you well as you begin and continue your journey on Hive and LeoFinance!
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
I think I missed this comment, but glad I looked back - apologies for not replying earlier! Thanks so much for reading and for your recommendations - and in fact, I've been using the Threads feature for over a week now. I also agree that the LUV token is perfect for this initiative! It's always good to spread the Luv. 😊
BRAVO! This is a lovely initiative! 💜
Thank you so much. I still recall the day you helped me join. Let's keep Hive buzzing! 😊
I'm so glad you are here! It has been a pleasure watching you get started here! ❤️
Thank you so much Melinda! There are more great things in sight, and I greatly appreciate your support. 😊
!LUV
@melinda010100, @wesphilbin(3/10) sent you LUV. | tools | discord | community | HiveWiki |
NFT | <>< daily
Wes, is that you... 😁 - Ah, nope but another good soul on the block. Awesome. Welcome to the Hiveiverse!
Thank you kindly for your generous words, Mondoshawan! Wes is a wonderful person as well. 😊
Wes is the Bes (t)!!! Brother Bridge Builder No. One, for what i know for sure...
Not yet... 🤟❤
There you are! Thank you for your kindness and support as well. 😊
Congratulations @freecompliments! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)
Your next target is to reach 1250 upvotes.
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPCheck out our last posts:
Yay! 🤗
Your content has been boosted with Ecency Points, by @freecompliments.
Use Ecency daily to boost your growth on platform!
Support Ecency
Vote for new Proposal
Delegate HP and earn more
You're off to a most excellent start @freecompliments, I wish you the nothing but the best for your project and community and all the Hiveans you support.
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and for joining the community! We can build something truly fantastic here. 😊
The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the people( @wesphilbin ) sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.
Welcome to Hive and Leo!
!PIZZA
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
Thank you so much! The Hive community has been wonderful so far. ☺️
I gifted $PIZZA slices here:
@sharkthelion(1/10) tipped @freecompliments (x1)
Please vote for pizza.witness!
Hellooo @freecompliments ,
Welcome to Hive Ecosystem! ♦️
Excellent introduction, I loved the post!
Here you will find a very healthy network.
Where you have freedom of speech and receive a lot of support for your effortin creating content.
I hope to see you flying through the communities and staying forever in Hive!
Nice to meet you!
I invite everyone to participate in the communities: HiveBR and SkateHive.
In addition to being a content creator, I am a Moderator and Curator in these communities.
Let's exchange ideas and evolve together.
Boelter hugs straight from Brasil!Thank you so much for your kind and warm welcome, BoelterMc! ☺️
While I don't personally participate in skating myself, it seems like a great place to give out compliments and encouragement to people. For that reason, I'll catch you there for sure.
Happy New year and Month of Joy 🙏 You are highly welcome to this Amazing Hive Community wishing you the best 🙏💃🏼
Awaiting your unveiling of good things in the Blockchain
Thank you kindly for your wishes and warm welcome, Sommylove. All the best to you in this New Year as well. 😊
Amen 🙏
You are highly welcome 😁
Welcome to the Hive community @freecompliments!
We sincerely hope you find everything you are looking for and have found a new home here.
Seven suggestions to consider:
I found you because @brittandjosie and @jamerussell from @heyhaveyamet presented and promoted your publication to get more exposure and help you grow faster.
If you find yourself overwhelmed and need some guidance, or if you have any questions, there are informed Hiveans available who can help you; you can click to go to The Terminal in Discord here:
Have fun and happy Hiving!
Welcome to Hive! I am sure that you will find yourself very comfortable here!
With commitment and passion you will be able to build something important and achieve all your goals!
Good luck!
Thank you so kindly for your warm welcome and words of encouragement! Some people's days have already been made better, so goal already achieved. Now to simply carry on and move the goalposts even further! 😁
Welcome to us on Hive 🤗
We need People like you here and that is a great initiative, and so right about spreading joy is what many needs today.
So much hard stuff going on around the world and it is easy to get lost in the negstivity.
Then a compliment or words of incuragement can be all it takes to get a smile 😊 a reminder they not alone.
This place is a true home and I really hope you Will feel it to.
Stay YOU... And I am looking forward to see what you do next.
smiles.. quite thoughtful. Welcome to hive we all hope to be seeing more of you on the blockchain.
good luck on your hive journey.
Thank you kindly for your warm welcome! 😊
I'll certainly be around trying to bring smiles all over Hive. Have yourself as a day as wonderful as you are.
I really enjoyed your contents and its initiatives , its really amazing to have such goals and plans here on the community,
You are highly welcome too and i look forward in seeing more of your posts too
Thank you so much Kathryn, for both your warm welcome and your well wishes! I hope you have a day that's as wonderful as you are. 😊
And if there's any point in time when you're feeling down or need a shoulder to lean on, we'll always be here.
What to say if not welcome!
In the project and fantastic idea a little joy and compliments in our days never hurt eh he!
The idea must be a SUCCES because who doesn’t like a compliment. So good luck an dare you around
Well done
I certainly hope so! It's flourished and I think it can flourish again. With sweet and kind people like you all around Hive, it'll be very easy. ☺️