So, so complex: Barriers to Steem

in #steem7 years ago

This is a street shot from Milan that I like quite a lot. Why I like it is because it has a lot of things going on, several layers and groups of interaction as well as variations in the light and dark, the contrasting shadows and blown out whites. Although normally I prefer a lot of spatial rest in my shots, this one is a bit more complex.

But, not everyone likes complexity and I know for myself on average, I much prefer simplicity. Clean lines, blank space and minimalism. Steem is not that. Steem is a ridiculous mess of systems and eyes, an eclectic hodgepodge of content all dumped into the same line of sight and a very diverse range of personalities. This is without even mentioning the technology itself.

To actually know what is going on here, one doesn't just need to be technical, they also must spend copious amounts of time reading, experimenting, questioning and looking like an idiot more often than not. The ones that game the system the most are generally the ones who know the system the best, or at least the parts of the system they are gaming.

People talk about user retention being based on lack of reward on quality content and the like but for me, the greatest issue facing mainstreaming is complexity. The barriers of entry just to get signed up are far and above any other social platform and even after that, once in, it is a whole new kettle of fish. There are so many things to consider and learn here in order for most people that it becomes all too daunting.

Throw in new tech coming like SMTs, Oracles, users shilling competitors like EOS and ONO, scammers in chats (chats many don't even know about), phishing, 4000+ passwords and keys, quirks in the system, crypto trading/usage and of course, all of the contradictory information, projects, arguments, flagging events and every other minute detail; and a user is easily overwhelmed.

In my opinion, the complexity is a good thing for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, this is a platform in its infancy which means that there are a lot of wrinkles to iron out and the visibility of complexity means that this slowly has a chance of not only happening, but the average user can have some kind of view of what and perhaps even how it changes. This is like a real-world ecosystem and economy, and understanding much of the complexity here will help people understand it out in the wild too.

Secondly, the barriers to entry are a blessing that most people do not want to recognise. It means that less of the people who care enough to learn what is going on stay, which means those that do are more likely to actually invest themselves here more. We do see this with those who stay as they are generally the engaged long-term. This has added benefits of reducing competition for them also (even though it is increasing daily).

Too many cooks spoil the broth, and this broth is developing some very complex flavours that are hopefully going to satisfy a very large range of taste buds in the future. However, right now it is still sitting there bubbling away on the stove in the cooking process and not all ingredients are in yet. In time though, all of the major components will be added and a reduction process can begin where streamlining of services will thicken the consistency. Sure, there are always going to be new things coming in but the base will be solid.

It is frustrating now though considering even the oldest members (only 2 years remember) on the platform don't understand all of the technologies here, let alone what is on the way. I know that I don't know much about the tech, even though I do try. For many, these hurdles are just too high to remain engaged, for me they are enough to keep me curious and wanting to explore more.

Currently, the only way to have a chance of doing well here on rewards is to either get lucky or, start understanding the complexities of the system. The only way to really know whether one should invest themselves for the future or not is also to understand the complexities of the system. And the only way to find out what is available is to roam much wider than ones blog, ones feed and definitely any individual interface. There is so much happening on and off the platform most people do not know about.

Now, those that do have some understanding of what is going on here and care about things like user retention and future values should be doing their best to simplify the informational complexities for those who care, not just add more FUD... nor use what they know to screw over others.

At the moment though, I am not too worried about the retention of new users as I think that as the simplification process begins, they will be back anyway as they will have to jump back on the bandwagon through social proof. What I think needs to happen a bit more is that there needs to be support for those already here, those who understand the potential, want to be part of it but are struggling to get a foothold. There are these people at all levels of the system, with all sizes of fish and wallets, even a few whales.

At the moment though, complexity isn't going away and is likely to only increase so people who are uncomfortable with it might want to consider how they use and care about the system. If you are happy just posting what you do that is fine, but don't place expectations past that point in regards to engagement or rewards. There are many levels and layers to this ecosystem and each has effects on the others, so those who do not understand what is affecting their position are going to potentially have a bit of a rough time. However hopefully, in some future, one day, soon, maybe later than soon, but fingers crossed; those who stick it through will be very glad they did.

If however you want to look deeper, it is a rabbit hole so be prepared.

Taraz
[ a Steem original ]

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Steem indeed has a complex ecosystem but li you wrote you don’t need to understand it all when starting.
But while the complexity is high, there is also a steep learning curve. There are lots of people here on the blockchain we so want to genuinely guide you through your journey.
We don’t all will succeed but the ones who do engagement and are committed will increase immensely!
Advice: to all beginners just use as any other social media platform (hence interact), power up all you can and see the money as a nice side effect and above all enjoy the ride!

Absolutely agree. I'm investing my hard earned in here because I believe in the platform and its future. But I'm also trying to learn the game. Because it is a game... I want to connect with real people, and write and create quality content, it's an outlet for me, but it's also an investment.

I've found a few levels in apps and websites like esteem and busy, dtube, dlive, steemauto, steemd and getting my head around them. Then there's the bot's and the ethical arguments, the support programs like minnow support using bits and selling up votes.....but its all part of the game... And discord & ginabot! Yeah she's a steep learning curve.... But while it remains fun and I'm learning and I continue to believe in what's being created here, I'm in it for the long run!

it's an outlet for me, but it's also an investment.

I think this is how social should be. Support and investment. give and take.

There is so much truth to this post! I recently helped two people from my real life join steemit and it took more time than I figured just to talk them into the possibilities this platform holds. There was so much of a disconnect from what I know the platform will hold in the future to trying to explain the mysterious ways and rituals to the uninitiated.

Then, once I had them convinced it would be worth their time, it took me so long to try to explain the on-boarding process, creating content, voting, reputation,etc, etc. It is all so overwhelming to a new person(heck it's overwhelming to seasoned veterans at times!)

I, myself, am still struggling from bitterness from time to time due to the gaming of the system I encounter. And though I hate to judge anyone who is working the rules of the system that are currently in place, it is a heavy, heavy burden to bear to really put part of your soul to a post only to see a stolen meme making hundreds of dollars...lol Don't get me wrong, I know some of my posts have been trash and I could have worked them more thoroughly to ensure that they were more polished and presentable, but those were few and far between for me compared to some of the posts I see at the top of the trending and hot posts. I then have to remind myself that I am only in competition with myself and every post I contemplate has the potential to bring me closer to being a better wordsmith as well as a better person. That only should be reward enough, but sadly I'm not yet that evolved......

Then, once I had them convinced it would be worth their time, it took me so long to try to explain the on-boarding process, creating content, voting, reputation,etc, etc. It is all so overwhelming to a new person(heck it's overwhelming to seasoned veterans at times!)

This is a massive problem as a large number of the people onboarded by users here are left without any help or support (because they can't provide it) so they soon give up after being told 'post and make money' doesn't work.

I, myself, am still struggling from bitterness from time to time due to the gaming of the system I encounter.

We all do. it is an emotional roller coaster and I have very little emotion ;)

This must be why I immediately felt at home here.

and looking like an idiot more often than not.

Leaving all that aside tho, it will get much worse... or easier with SMTs.

Each SMT can design their own rewards matrix, their own token, their own everything very much. If you stay on the Steemit/busy everything bucket it may become sly impossible to understand what will be going on everywhere. But maybe if you use just one platform, like musing.io for example, you may not give a drat about any complexity and will just be happy if your decent answers get upvoted. And then somebody tells you about upgoats and smartmarket. Bye bye simplicity.

Oh and next there may even be a platform with an account based votin approach, complete with whitelist. And without oracles for that.

Welcome to Steem! 🤘

No it will get easier. People just have to stop be so entitled to Technology. It takes weeks to learn how to drive a car. It takes weeks to learn the Steem Blockchain. This is real life. Things have gotten easier the last 200 years. It will just keep going more in that direction.

It is super simple: post and pray/hope (whichever you prefer) that the magic happens and you get rich.

No. That didn’t work, right.

Or did you mean how 65 apps on mobile phones, all specialized at doing one thing and putting the world, education, and help in everyone’s reach at their finger tips simplified things? Yeah, that didn’t really work either.

But you’re right, technology has simplified a lot. So have all luxuries/comforts we benefit nowadays. At least to those who can afford them.

The question in that aspect is: does having more/easier access actually simplify life than when we had less?

I’m stoic and emigrated from first world to a development nation. I’m enjoying having less. :)

"does having more/easier access actually simplify life than when we had less?" Yes. Life has never been this easy any other time in history as far as we know.

I disagree.

That assumes that everyone has as much access, that there is no peer pressure because of wanting to have the same, and what nots.

Poverty levels are still ridiculously high, many people are indebted to a ridiculous level, only a minority of the world has access to affordable healthcare, and those who have all that all want a TESLA and only few will ever have one all while also being able to actually call it theirs because technically it belongs to their lender.

You know what is a simple and happy life? I walk out here and I see children playing in the street. Unperturbed by technology. Not bothered by wants or things they desire. They just enjoy the day. They are also less subjected to advertising, (fake) news and everything that comes with corporate worlds. Credit card debt is nothing they suffer from either.

No one cares about a gaming console or not being able to afford the latest game their friends play.

Eat, sleep, do what you need to do, and find happiness in the life you have.

033AD704-5BB4-4C28-BABF-0A3E3873DC99.png

Less is more. Absolutely when it comes to simpler and happier life. :)

Technology simplified processes and makes some things also much more accessible but at the same time we have ruined our society by imposing what we think they should all have.

People think they’re pursuing happiness yet they are (mostly) merely consumers.

Great attention to making a comment but I do not agree.

Technology has made people more free. People are having more free time. People are being empowered by technology. It's fine to have desires. Desires is life. Overall poverty levels are down. When you look at the overall trend. Technology is just a tool. You do not have to use it. You can still enjoy everything outside of the tech world.

I don’t disagree with the good of technology.

I disagree with the claim that technology has simplified life. That’s quite a difference.

As for the claim that people have more time... it depends with what era you compare with. Lack of time seems a common complaint nowadays. Especially lack of time for oneself, quality time.

Ever wondered why there’s so many productivity and habit building apps out there? Guess why.

Because most people can not maximize their time and thus how they live. Because for most people modern life is a challenge.

Btw here in the Philippines official poverty numbers were cut in 2011. Mostly because the government’s mathematicians had decided to actually lower the poverty daily living cost, contrarily to the inflation index. Poverty is making a return in the First World as well.

Leaving all that aside tho, it will get much worse... or easier with

I think if those creating the SMTs are smart they will use them to simplify the processes and engage users with the lowest possible barriers to start. I think that many who are already based here will complicate them though in the beginning.

Oh and next there may even be a platform with an account based votin approach, complete with whitelist. And without oracles for that.

I am interested in how this will work.

Secondly, the barriers to entry are a blessing that most people do not want to recognise. It means that less of the people who care enough to learn what is going on stay, which means those that do are more likely to actually invest themselves here more. We do see this with those who stay as they are generally the engaged long-term. This has added benefits of reducing competition for them also (even though it is increasing daily).

Exactly. Although, one should keep in mind that something like this could emerge on EOS later this year or next year. But I don't think it's necessarily going to be easy going on EOS, either. Particularly if a new exciting project catches Larrimer's attention in the middle of everything again.

EOS isn't a solution although some will do well there as they have been buying in for a year and setting up early. Time will tell overall but simplicity won't happen until coders start thinking about UX and coders aren't overly known for caring as long as they can use it.

Well i am so deep down that hole there seems to be no going back, not that i would want to anyway.
But i have been thinking lately is that mainstream will come when there are a few layers covering the initial blockchain.
It will be the engine driving the whole thing and general users do not need to know how an engine works to drive a car.
We will always need and have mechanics and that is good but now we are leaving the horses behind and moving on to this new thing

But i have been thinking lately is that mainstream will come when there are a few layers covering the initial blockchain.

Yeah, i think this too. In time, the blockchain details will be irrelevant just as the protocols of the internet are for most users.

Very good perspective, right now the Steem platforms require a certain diligence (or one could argue a certain networking, but that is true in any field) and inquisitive or otherwise talented person. Whether Steem is broadly adopted may not even matter, it just depends how strong its niche can be. In a world of soon 8 billion people, unique niches can be very fertile and carry great import.

peace

Steem is unstable because sometimes is rise and dipped.. When the steem rise it help everyone but is dipping affect everybody especially we that is buying it..
The dipping of this steem and sbd affect me so much because this what I do to put food to my table but presently is very difficult for me to take one meal in a day..
What I know is that all is good to be well.. May God bless Steemit community

If you rely on it to put food on the table you really should be learning all you can about how things work here at a technical level too. It is your job.

You are right though about the complexity of steemit . People le as ve when they don't understand and even care to understand what's really going on here.

Everything you have said in this post is true and calls for patience. It is not doubt that steem it gonna be big and of course. Nothing good comes easy and so all we need is time and patience.

I just feel that those that will remain in the long run are the smart among us. People who have the love of crypto in their hearts and are ready to invest. Lime y have always said, very soon. Steemit won't be basically about content creation but about investment and support for projects and when that time comes, the shallow minded will have no place here.

Lot of recognition here!! I am here to stay, but the complexity is definitely overwhelming at times. If ever things will get more simple, that would be great. Till then, finding ways to gain understanding is most important. By following some platform experts, finding the right discord chats and learning from other users... Even that took me time to figure out!

Yeah, it takes time to get a hang of the way it all operates here but if you combine it all together, there are actually a lot of features ;)

the road of success of steem is not smooth and light as the road above. steem has a road as dim light and some traffic jam . but i hope steem will overcome this obstacle

I asked a question in 2007.
" can aviation fuel really cause those thing to collapse like that?"

I'm still stuck in this goddamn rabbit hole, ten years later!

I want to learn more, about the whole steemit ecosystem to be honest, but all these rabbit holes....I dunno
....I only have another 3 decades left in me, at best!

I remember clearly my first few days after discovering Steem and yes it can be very overwhelming at first, and the only way to overcome that is to really put time into figuring out how things work on this platform.

If people are not willing to put a little of time and effort into understanding Steem, they yes it could be a problem for them.

But since the Steem concept of systematically rewarding users for their content has never been tried before (that I am aware of) it is normal for this to be kind of complex at least in its beginning. As you said, older users are just 2yo and by the time they are 5yo all of this could be much much easier to understand for the regular internet user.

And I agree with the fact that is this issue is not solved eventually, adoption by the masses will be much harder.

Oh the learning curve is absolutely steep and moving past confusion is paid with real sweat and brain swelling :)

But as someone else wrote before, steemit is not really social media and not really an investment platform. It's a hybrid utilising blockchain, which makes it both unique and revolutionary!

Now as you've noticed, complexities are far beyond mere mortal's comprehension! It took me at least 4 weeks to understand what the floor is built of and how to walk on it, and only recently I got into technical phraseology such as "missing blocks" etc. And it's gonna take me a while to get to the bottom of it!

I think this is the edge of selection, that's both satisfying for those who managed to get into the game, and bewildering for the droputs or those who can't quite make it here.

The first ones feel lucky, cause it wasn't easy, and the latter ones have to deal with inevitable disappointment, that comes with lack of progress.

However, this will have to get sorted out, cause steemit will keep evolving only if adoption rate goes up, which is a big limiting factor due to all mentioned above.

But I can't really say how it should be done. Nobody wants socialism here, and definitely nobody wants more whiners. But to create a real threat for social media giants you have to get mass focus. Somehow you'd have to convince the masses to invest in steem too, and that's a tricky one, cause most of the people still live in web 2.0, which is basically about creating free content for no financial return.

There are these people at all levels of the system, with all sizes of fish and wallets, even a few whales.

people are mistaken if they believe that it's only one class of of people here who struggle everyday to make this a successful platform .

And the only way to find out what is available is to roam much wider than ones blog,

you have to get out of your comfort zone . sure mistakes will happen but your horizon will expand and so will those with you . Is that not the point

I had a rough time posting with almost no reward for four weeks since I entered the platform. This week I stepped back on posting and took the time to read other posts, follow people, search the kind of content I want to read, learn, do the networking work, etc.

If you are happy just posting what you do that is fine, but don't place expectations past that point in regards to engagement or rewards.
Clearly I'm not happy with that. That isn't enough for me.