In July, when @traciyork announced that she was stepping in and running with @streetstyle’s monthly power up day, I decided to put my money where my mouth is. I am not as active on the blockchain as many, but in my three years’ mostly part time involvement, I’ve done ok. I think, anyway. I’d have done better if I’d “done” it more.
What does “doing” it mean?
“Doing” it means a few things:
- Investing in the token, i.e. by buying Hive and investing in the blockchain and the crypto currency.
- Creating original content and post it. For me, that means between 3 and 8 hours’, at least, investment of time. Thinking about what I’m going to post, planning it, drafting it and then editing and proofreading it (often badly) before posting.
- Curating other people’s posts, i.e. voting for, and reblogging, their work. If one is smart, one has criteria for deciding which posts to curate. That’s a discussion for another time.
- Engaging with the people who curate and comment on your posts. My approach is two-fold: respond to comments (if I can’t respond, I’ll often give a little upvote) and secondly, I will often reciprocate by visiting their posts. Especially if their content interests me and/or we are both participating in the same initiatives, like the monthly @yourtop3 contest. Call me old fashioned, but I think it’s the right thing to do.
Listen to mother
This also reminds of some advice my late mother gave me, and which I’ve never forgotten (and I’m not known for having heeded much of her advice….). She said that when one moved to a new place, never to refuse an invitation: you never know whom you might meet. The same applies to visitors to your blog: you never know when you’ll meet a new friend or kindred spirit. Or just someone who posts content that piques your interest.
Returning to my “doing” on Hive: I haven’t been in a position to buy Hive and probably won’t forever. What I have always said, and it remains my contention: my investment in the token (and the blockchain) is through content creation and by ploughing back my curation rewards, i.e. sweat equity. I would also have done better if I’d done more sweating of the curation and engagement but, well as they say, life happens. Like everyone, I have a 3D and work life and obligations off the blockchain. I also admit to doing what rocks my socks and not much else on Hive. So, I get it: you get out what you put in.
Reaping what one sows
Reaping what one sows is a great segue into #HivePUD.
Getting involved in @streetstyle’s initiative, just over a year ago, made me look more critically at my wallet and what I was doing. I wasn’t paying it much mind for two reasons: crypto had tanked. The second was because I’d been blogging for a while (i.e. before social blockchains) and was continuing to blog, and enjoying it. It was primarily the blogging and the engagement (which some people call community – another discussion for another time) that I was really interested in. I also hadn’t paid much attention to the mechanics of being on the blockchain and what it really meant to build up a head of (then) Steem.
Hardfork22/23 had a huge impact on what I couldn’t do on the blockchain. It forced me to pay even more attention: to posting and to curation. I am slow learner. Partly because I don’t pay attention unless things hit me on the head. Often. HF22/23 made me pay attention. I am glad I did. With the gentle advice guidance of a couple of blogpals (you know who you are – and I am grateful), I’ve built my account. Towards the end of June, I reached what for me, is a significant milestone.
There was more
The added benefit of continuing to blog, and doing so regularly, was that I got better at it. Other people have, over the last thirty odd years, told me that I am a good writer and a good cook. Over the last few years, the more I’ve written and the more I’ve cooked, the better I’ve got. More of those lessons another time but it does prove two old adages: you’re never too old to learn and, practice does begin to make the perfect meal.
Keeping blockchain anniversary promises
I promised, when I announced that I’d be powering up on 1 July, that I would offer two 50 Hive delegations to minnows. I also my doing so is to mark approaching third anniversary on the blockchain. That is today.
The delegations were also contingent on my achieving 2k HP that makes a vote a bit more meaningful. Anticipation of achieving that milestone laid the foundation for starting think of giving back or paying it forward: reciprocating for some of the support I received as I swam towards minnowhood. For July, I offered two, three-week, 50 HP delegations: one for a member of @theterminal and the other a member of @pifc. The Terminal member who won that delegation is @dumouevarist and the details of how he was picked are in @traciyork’s winners’ announcement post.
However, @pifc is not up and running and is working on a re-launch so could not nominate candidates from which to choose. Anyway, I decided that I would still allocate the HP to a redfish. I chose @beckie96830 because, not long after she joined the blockchain, she reached out to me, personally. She’s an aspiring writer and in the short time she’s been on Hive, she’s been working hard to learn her way around and to build a presence. I knew she would/is putting the extra HP to good use. In addition to the HP delegation, both accounts get upvotes on their posts – at least one a day if they post that often - at least for the duration of the delegation if not longer. Please pop over and check out their blogs and say “Hi!”?
Next month – August 2020
I also promised that these delegations would be recurring. This is another promise I’ll be keeping. However, but I’m doing things a little differently for August. To be eligible, redfish must meet at least the two basic requirements for entering #HivePud - before the 25th of July:
Write a Hive post about powering up (minimum 250 original words)
Tweet about powering up and use #Hive and #HivePUD in that tweet (or three)
- The accounts must be:
- Less than 3 months old
- Have less than 100 HP in their wallets when they power up
- Have a reputation of less than 55
- Follow the rest of the instructions in the announcement post and make sure you read the small print. @traciyork and I will stick to the rules. The end.
A last word – or two, or three
I shall be powering up my liquid HP on 1 August. I will, however, not be using my HBD to buy Hive. I had, up to now, consistently used my dollars to buy HP, but Covid-19 has had a huge impact on my work and my income so I will be drawing these out after 1 August. While I have had some work, I have had not nearly enough and have no choice but to look to all possible income streams.
For the last three or so years the bulk of my income has been derived from work in the hospitality and tourism sector. Covid-19 has effectively killed that, a situation not helped by the fact that I live in a country that has a 30%+ unemployment rate. While I’d love to be in a position to take the “high” road of some investors in this platform, I simply do not have that luxury. I know this is the case for many other Hiveans.
My final, final word then, is to plead with whales and orcas not to denigrate the little fish who bring numbers to the platform. It is the numerous plankton and redfish that enable it to be said that Hive has so many thousands or millions of users, making it look good. Let’s support them so that they do reach a position that they are able to leave more HP invested in the blockchain than they take out. That can only be a win-win for everyone.
See you on 1 August 2020!
Until next time, stay safe, stay healthy
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa
Post Script
English writing and online tutoring services
And then there's more:
- If this post might seem familiar, it's because I'm doing two things:
- If you’re interested in a soft entry into the world of crypto currency and monetising WordPress blog, use the fantastic Steempress plugin to post directly to the Hive blockchain. Click on the image below to sign up
- I also share the occasional post on Medium.
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wow! and yesterday was my 3rd anniversary! thanks guys!
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You're welcome @fionasfavourites. Happy Birthday again 🎉
BTW, it would be very appreciated if you could support our proposal so we can keep up the good work!
Thank you @fionasfavourites, for using the CO2 Compensation Coin (COCO) to reduce your CO2 footprint.
And for #posh on Twitter
You really did beautifully well by delegating HP to @demouvourist and nominating me too.
I'm excited that I reached out to you from the onset and I've 🐝 doing wonderfully well. Although there are times I would be off because of internet.
Most times I'm online and I love it.
Thank you sharing and promoting redfish ralliers in the best way possible.
💖💖💖💖💖
Becky.
You are very welcome, Becky. Also, be realistic - internet or no, we all have lives offline. Balance is good. And you know, things do go in cycles. And that's ok.
We've also had big issues with power outages here. Happily, for the moment, they seem to be sorted.
Be well!
That's good going to have been around for 3 years! You've seen a lot in that time and I certainly don't begrudge you for your approach with the HBD. Those bills don't pay themselves and you've earned it through providing content to the platform so all well and good as far as I'm concerned!
I think @beckie96830 is a very worthy choice for your delegation as she's really a shining star and got involved with lots of things since she joined, great spirit (if a little cheeky - but then... look who's talking 🤐)
Thanks so much @nickyhavey. Yes, there have been big changes.
As for @backie96830 - a girl with spunk has a future ahead of her :D
😂😂😂😂
Thank you very much.
You've got a high spirit as well. Always around the blockchain wherever and whenever while going about with your daily activities.
I took a big break this month. I started the month with the death of a loved one and so far I've lost three.
I can't possibly start sharing how I feel to everyone but then I try to be active in the blockchain as I could.
💖💖💖💖
Becky
Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about all of that, I send my condolences to you. Take all the time you need, there are more important things going on than trying to be active here so look after yourself and family
Oh I am sorry to hear this, Becky. That is so difficult. My deepest condolences to you and yours.
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Happy Hive-iversary! Or birthday I suppose. Either way congrats on sticking it out this long. I think I've had a similar trajectory during my almost three years on here. There's always ups and downs with how much time any of us can spend on here due to real life sometimes needing more attention or just needing time away from the screen! It is nice to see the amount of giving back going on surround the power up fun at the first of the month. I think it's a great way to encourage people to get involved on all levels of the Hive journey. Perhaps I need to pony up and do some delegations, as well...
Thank you, Katie and yes, spending time away from the screen and with people is good. Although with today being day 117 of lockdown, I really am beginning to get cabin fever!
The Hive journey has been a challenging one and after the first hardfork I experienced, I really struggled - ended up with no RCs (as they were called then). It really is difficult for redfish to get going. I remain eternally grateful to @lynncoyle for a small delegation as well as to the support I received from @pifc in my early days. Had it not been for them, I might not still be here.
Oh, and on a delegation: I think that it would be a fabulous idea (and yes, that's pressure 😝). I'm sure @traciyork will guide you...in the absense of @streetstyle....
If I tried to say everything I want in response to your extra awesomesauce post, I'd probably still be writing by the time your 4th anniversary rolled around! 😂
Suffice to say, your plan is amazing, your final word is on point, and I've sent you a very small token of my appreciation for all your incredible support. Once again, I can't imagine what these past few years would've been like without your friendship. ❤️
Oh, and...
Thank you,Traci! Sentiments entirely reciprocated. I am glad that the approach I have taken makes sense. I just want it to be simple and in case @abh12345 (and even if) he is (not) helping with the numbers...
Complications also make my brain hurt!
Here's to a successful #HivePUD for August!
I can help if required :D
Thanks so much! :D
Excellent, thank you for the mention, and know that I am putting the award to good use. I'll start activating myself for the power-up on HIVE
You are very welcome and I hope that when you power up, you won't feel the loss of the delegation which will go to another redfish.
Continue the good work! All the best for your ongoing Hive journey.
Interesting post because I am new the Hive and all that surrounds it. Will be reading this post again and searching words/jargon that I do not know yet.
I hope you find your way financially through these new times.
Thanks so much for stopping by and please do check out the post in more detail - and follow some of the links. I know that my intention with the delgations is to support folk like you who need a helping hand.
See you on #HivePUD day!
Happy 3rd anniversary @fionasfavourites!
I'm actually happy that you have the option to draw on HIVE to help you through these tough times - we need more stories like this imo.
Thanks also for sharing the occasional post on Medium :)
Thanks, Asher! It's been quite a ride. As for the posts on Medium: more than occasional and they appear here first! ;)
Cool :) Linking to Hive from elsewhere is good for SEO and so even if you choose not to post here as well they are valuable for Hive. Have a nice day :D
and you don't look a day over 2 years!
And you are too kind! 🤣
Happy third anniversary on Hive @fionasfavourites!
So true and am I so thankful for meeting you!
I'm a real slow learner and mostly bumble through the blockchain as time is a rare commodity but I must get my act together!
So very bad and very very sad that our tourism industry has been hit so hard, I can't bear thinking about some of the beautiful little places we visited especially down your way.
My aunt told me that Amazon are recruiting in SA; my cousin's ex wife and his daughter works for them from home, not sure if they have opportunities in your field but may be worthwhile looking into it?
My aunt is in her lare 70s and was doing translation work for somebody up till recently.
Let's hope things improve; when lockdown was extended, we were seriously considering selling up and going down the coast to a smaller place but will sit tight now as we're recovering, and looking at everything we've done around here, really makes us reluctant to leave!
Likewise, Lizelle - on meeting you, and bumbling my way around the blockchain!
I have secured some research and writing work for a client in the UK who provides content (and consults) to the pharmaceutical industry. I am now on to my 3rd project for her. Pay is not great, but it's better than nothing. The work is interesting and, I have to say, £ are better than $... I am, though, hoping the Rand hovers at R20 or over.
I am registered on Guru.com and Upwork. The former is how I found this client. I am grateful. I will look into Amazon, but I suspect it's call centre work and right now, when it storms, and when there is loadshedding...well, you know....
Have a good day - I will be researching the impact of Covid-19 disruptions on EU regulated industrial pharma.... 😉
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Glad that you found this work, sounds really interesting and must keep you really busy!
I had a quick look at Amazon, they are recruiting mostly in IT as well as customer relations which would be call centre but also editorial & writing management, but probably are fulltime positions.
The government really don't care what they're doing to tourism and leisure, it's quite crazy!
But... let's just try our best to make our own little havens and find new ways to enjoy this beautiful world of ours!
Thanks for that. I will look at Amazon. If there are freelance writing gigs, that might work for me.
And yes, we have to do what we can. watching the numbers and after tonight, I don't hold out hope for tourism before November
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Congrats on 3 years, how time flies...
Each person needs to assess their individual situation literally daily of late, our telephone/ADSL line was cut on 15th July, spent wasted time trying to phathom out whether it will be connected, it won't. Now cancelling ISP of 9 years, having to source best option in our area.
Yes investing is one thing, living another a balancing act all the time!
Have a wonderful new week and hopefully some things will slowly reveal themselves as to alternate earnings, living in South Africa has never been the easiest for online work, keep thinking outside the box you never know.
Urgh! Telkom! I have just stopped our landlines - work and personal. The rentals for services we did not use were just ridiculous. I am afraid they (and the other SOEs) are not covering themselves with glory. Actually, what is happening, vindicates a decision I took 15 odd years ago, not to use Telkom as an ISP. Too many eggs in one basket...
These are weird times. Nothing to do but deal with things one day at a time.
Hope you soon get sorted and stay well, Joan.
PS Good wishes much appreciated!
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We have had telkom line and outside ADSL ISP for uncapped facility over the last 9 years, worked exceptionally well, only ever had problems with Telkom lines on two occasions. Now they have physically cut the lines, called it cable theft (which they are not fixing) and left a huge area without communication, everyone is saying they will not be using Telkom again.
Yesterday my son got stranded on freeway with vehicle, insurance took 5 hours to arrange a tow truck, they are next on my hit list. Price Waterhouse became Alexander Forbes now Momentum, big business also full of problems along with SOE's.
Country is going down the drain at an exponentially fast rate now.
Well, I think your skepticism is well founded. Last year they arrived to give us satellite phones - because of all the cable theft. The technician arrived and told us "as you were"... Why? Because there was no signal. Well, the entire village could have told them that.
Service - a complete misnomer. I'm retreating from so much now....and these issues are not just here....
Hope your son is ok and that your connectivity issues soon get sorted.
One day at a time, very tired of seeing a country on a roller coaster and it's all downhill.