The beginnings of something big? I hope so. There have been a lot of discussions recently about how we can band together as small accounts to create some huge impact. There has also been a lot of brainstorming on creating a functional middle class on the Platform.
In a way this is a continuation of my previous post A Question Of Growth where we discussed ways to offer more support to those who support smaller fish.
The comments were quite lively and insightful. I was honored to have people who I respect and who have supported me weigh in. Many even taking the time to write comments as long as a post of their own.
At the Time I felt I learned a lot but found few answers.
But this quote from a comment by @simplymike has proven to be true
But I’m positive the community will find it’s way to find solutions to problems that are being addressed. These last couple of months have shown me the strength if this community is able to really realize things to make the SteemIt adventure better for everyone.
Seeking Solutions
I woke to a very nice surprise this morning, and knew instantly it would be an interesting day of Steeming for me. Any day that starts out with some unexpected Steem in the wallet is sure to be a great day.
Then finding something to read over the first cup of coffee confirmed the dawning of a very interesting day indeed.
I just happened to click on what could very well be some first steps toward those solutions.
The post is by @hitmeasap and the rapid results speak volumes about the need for a project like this.
I am one of the users who truly believes that we deserve a middle-class and that we should focus on creating one.
Now, before we dive into this any further, I'll use davemccoy as an example:
@davemccoy has 472.259 STEEM right now and I know that several Steemians out there believes he is worth much more than that. He has less than 500 Steem Power
He picked a perfect example. Everyone knows what this man has done for the platform. His projects geared toward the education and retention of new users is unparalleled. The scope and far reach are phenomenal for someone who is still at redfish status. This also proves that even the small user can have a big influence.
Back to the post. That little example has in the span of a few hours already put Dave at minnow status.
The rapid success of the example post shows that a project geared toward minnow making has huge potential.
There is already a follow up post for brainstorming ideas.
This in my opinion deserved far more than a resteem.
This is why I am posting today. I have hopes of spreading the word and getting more people over there brainstormig ways to implement a sustainable long term project.
Looking Up
I pay close attention to the data that @abh12345 so kindly compiles for us. Recently while scrolling through everyone's pie charts I noticed something interesting. It seems there really aren't many people around beyond dolphin level, and not many of those.
There simply are not enough large accounts to support us all, even if they wanted to. The few that do are doing the platform a great service by fostering growth, but we have no right to expect that of anyone. If we as a community wish to grow it will only happen through the growth of those a level up.
We can post great content and engage that will help. There is still a ceiling in place to break through that requires those who support us to grow. Where do they get their support, and how far can that take them?
Realistically speaking most of the people who support me are getting a majority of votes from minnow or below.
Is it not to my own advantage to take any opportunity to foster growth of these accounts?
Call For An Uprising
From everything I have seen it is entirely possible that the sustainability of our platform depends upon our success in creating this middle class. There is no denying we have the combined power of our numbers working in our favor to accomplish this. Just a little bit of that focused strength could make all the difference in days to come. Working together to deliberately empower those people like @davemccoy who give of themselves in order to help us grow will speed the process for everyone.
I am for one will be spending some time over here watching for an opportuniy to help make this thriving middle class happen.
Well.. I'm so far behind everything you wrote here @headchange 😊 I won't use my situation as an excuse, I read many posts about this weeks ago and thought it was not for me, but then when I receive the SP delegation and become a part of this project, I still have no clue what to do beside supporting everyone that helped me out at 100% and use 50% upvote to others. Now I need to find a way to support the initiatives too. You've seen "my pie" 95% of my upvotes came from redfishes and planktons, what should I do?
Perhaps.. this questions won't confusing you because all you do is a call to action inputs😊 I need to leave my newbiehood if I want to grow, so supporting any action to build the middle class is a need (though I hate classes anywhere in real or virtual life)
Hey there Cici Can you tell I am behind on my comments again? Honestly I wanted to put this one off so as to give it the response it deserves.
I do agree with you that classification is distasteful to me. At the same time much of our abilities to function effectively here are earned over time. So in this case working within those classes is necessary.
You are one step ahead of me in age, rep, sp ect.. but still close enough that we should be able to benefit from similar strategies. Your delegations give you a nice added boost.
You know I am always up for trading tips so anytime you have any I am all ears.
What I try to do is be creative with other means of support in addition to my penny vote. I try to keep my eye open for any projects my supporters are involved in. Lots of times they need something resteemed or the word spread about something. Most of these strong supporters are the type that don't toot their own horn enough. Being a spokesperson costs nothing but time.
While we are on the subject Asher had a link at the top of his post. That is a perfect example he needed comments on a contest he is in.
Free delegations make me a tiny bit nervous. I would never support something I don't believe in. So far that has not been an issue at all for me. But is something I have thought about and is somewhat behind my considering a lease on sp.
I saved up ma little steem for that already. If I do it I will keep you informed how it works out.
I don't know but I am starting to suspect we need to start now with giving back to the community. We both do that already to large extent. But look at Dave and all he has been doing. The whole time he was just a little redfish.
Kind of makes me wonder about what could be possible....
Thank you very very much for the donation @cicisaja! That was awesome and I'm touched that you would send that to help me! :D
And for the record, I too don't like "classes" of people, to me there are good people and not so good people and "class" has nothing to do with it!!! I know you are one of the good people for sure! ;)
Thanks again, that was truly awesome and inspiring!
You are most welcome @davemccoy 😊 do you remember what did you say to encourage me "get in" to the engagement league☺ since joining that league, I just missed out 2 or 3 weeks of winning something, my tiny donation is nothing to compare with what you've contributed to me and many steemians all this time.. and I wish that You'll "graduated" and your name will be on paulag redfish rocket hall of fame soon😉
Wow, I'm loving how you have joined with @hitmeasap and getting behind this idea! (not for me btw, but for the future of many!)... I'm in and think its awesome that people are focusing on what is important, the real people here! Great job @headchange and thank you so much for the kind words about me too :D
Well after all you do for so many I am glad to see you get your turn. I am honored to be a small pert of that. I also hope to be a part of turning this project into something that will make a real difference to many.
And while we are at it "here's your sign
hahaha... I love it! You are very good and that is a kick ass baby! :P
Interesting proposal @headchange!!!
We need a large and thriving middle-class...
Feudality is so 2017...
;)
/FF
Glad to pass on the info Certainly hope there is a new trend on the horizon. Can't be going around all out of fashion and stuff. 😌
Right... =)
He he...
Thanks for this! Following you.
Thank you very much. I will be around to see what your blog is about and look forward to getting acquainted.
Yes the project that have been starting in just the last few months have proven to me that people are working on this. You point out some great people here. I am also a redfish working my way up. It takes time for sure but a lot of people here are doing a lot to make it easier. I really do hope to get there soon so I can also try to give more back to our new users.
I think it is never to early to start. I notice you often do a @pifc post that is huge. I think the minnows need a bit of a push from the bottom just to keep what they do for us sustainable.
Many times the people who start these projects are little fish just like us. If they can do it so can we.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to work with you on some of these initiatives in the future.
I really like the idea that is being formed here.
Still, we need to be able to bring some structure and organization for it to work properly
Agreed I am keeping a very close eye on how it plays out. The experience with community building that you and Dave bring to the table gives me great confidence in the potential.
I have started to form some ideas for what I can commit to the project. Keeping a commitment scaled to my account size is a must.
This post is reading a payout of .25 sp and .25 steem. that is pretty typical for my account.
I am thinking I can do one extra post a week dedicated to this project. Donating the steem and still get the small power up. We both know I should be doing one more post a week anyway.
I would also be happy to do any promo I can. Anything else you think of just shoot me a message.
Good idea.
The thing is that everyone comes up with ideas, but we have to create a concrete plan of action. Maybe we should create a real 'community action plan', which is - of course - Dave's specialty
I was kind of hoping someone with experience would be heading that. I myself am hoping to tag along and gain some good working knowledge of this area.
I feel that by the time the rep score is bumping 50 it is probably a good time to start considering ways to give back.
The knowledge I gain now will be a huge asset when I am ready to proceed with a project of my own somewhere down the line.
I'm discussing details with @apolymask as we speak, lol
And you're right - first reach that 50 rep score, then you can focus on other things :0)
Sadly I already know that a little bit of experimentation with the bots would put me really close to 50 rep. But it may not be worth the trouble to worry about rep score much if the whole scoring system is due to change in 3 weeks.
On the other hand sp is coming along way better than expected.
It is just fun for me to see people I know level up. Keeps me from burning out on my own account building efforts. Mine grows best when I just don't think about it too much and enjoy the platform.
This is such a coincidence. I arrived here just after reading a post about an experiment on how much it would cost to get your rep score from 59 up to 60.
Reputation score has little value, since it can easily be bought (Still, I think I'm going to play the game, because I'm so frustrated: I've been so close to 60 for more than a week, and whatever I do, I just can't seem to reach it. I'm done with it, lol, and I'm going to buy that level 60, for my own peace of mind)
I checked your wallet earlier, before I made the curation post, and noticed you had well over 100sp. That number seemsto be going up smoothly.
And I think everything goes best when you don't think about it too much ;0)
Right now I am building up @minnowbuilder for this exact purpose. The account will be there to give daily upvotes from 0 to 500sp with the mission of building a school of minnows that are all working together to build even more minnows. To make this happen it takes a LOT of leased SP and that means a lot of Steem to lease it. Been doing daily account building posts to help get the first account started.
When it starts it will be in Beta test mode to see how much effect we can have on others and if there is enough support out there to make the rest of the accounts launch.
There are plenty of us smaller fish who are working on solutions to help get rewards in the hands of those who deserve it. Just not even close to enough of us with even 500sp to support all of those who don't without them in return supporting us. Those little 0.002 type votes do add up and are greatly appreciated by those of us that are trying to build a better steemit.
Actually I am glad you popped in I was going to try to hit every one of those. I almost got too far behind and missed one. I do agree increasing the number of minnow will end up being a huge help to the entire community.
I am starting to think I better begin looking around for one of those auto voters. Just so I don't miss something I intended to vote.
I am still saving up for a lease I am at 12 steem right now. So also time to start looking closer at that. Just to see how much more I need to save up.
I like to have at least a whole 0.010 just so it shows up every time I vote.
I was just thinking about doing a post about not waiting to be big to try and help.
I thought it would be a good place to go over @minnowbuilder, and a handful of others that are keeping progress rolling along.
Mostly the thought came to me because so many seem to have the misconception they have to get there themselves first.
I am also doing same as you and attempting to get a few more dollars to buy steem with. That will help with getting more votes out as well as growing my little account.
I am really glad I found the @pifc. Mostly because both you and @wolfart have genuine straightforward insights to share on the topic of growth.
Before you invest in anything wait a few days for something I'm about to announce for MinnowBuilder. It will be pretty big IMO and something you will likely want to take part in.
Think we have figured out exactly how to fund these accounts and get the ball rolling while letting those who fund the account earn income and profits.
Wow thanks for the heads up! Would you believe I was looking at the minnow booster site when your reply came through? Perfect timing.
Honestly I have been sitting on my Steem just in case I decide to do something different.
Timing is everything isn't it? I should have details to release in a couple days.
This is so cool!! I've just tonight seen the posts from hitmeasap and Dave. Love it @headchange ... great job :)
Agreed I really love this! Thanks for stopping by when you arn't suppose to be here. Please don't tell me you addiction has driven you to having a device stashed under the kitchen sink.
Thanks for putting your post here. @hitmeasap is one of the big supporters here on the platform. @erodedthoughts is one of the first people I have meet here on steemit and is my friend. what he does for the platform cannot be measured. Grass does not grow under his feet.
Well I know neither of them very well. I do know a good deed when I see it. Besides they had me at the mention of Dave who had been wonderful to me.
I am all about doing anything I can for those who have helped me along. I truly hope that a lot of people will begin to consider looking upward a little with support.
Maybe having small votes just means getting creative with ways to help out.
Every little bit helps.
Thank you for what you are doing for pifc discord. I have to go lay down again be back up soon
Aweome initiative, guys
I am just a minnow makers minion, out spreading the word. Three new minnow in two days shows a lot of potential.
headchange! I just found out about this hitme thing right here, how come no one ever tells me about this stuff? I think you're hiding information from me to keep in the dark. but isn't there already a program like this in minnowbuilder? what's the difference?
We will be announcing the full plans of @minnowbuilder next week. Have spreadsheets built and running some math for the intro posts. It will be a game changer for those who like to support the community while earning at the same time. Think we have a true win-win solution built in. Follow the account and make your own decision next week when we launch it.
oh I see. well thank you sir thedarkhorse I'll do that, it sounds very powerful!
Yeh it is a evil plot to keep you out of the loop. How did you find this anyway ? Thought I was all hidden away.
The difference is this one picks someone who is almost there and just seends them the rest of the steem they need to get to 500.
The @minnowbuilder Is a long term project that will offer support to redfish based on their level of sp.
The goal is over a period of time to build them up from redfish to minnow.
The first project is just starting this week and already has turned 3 accounts into minnow.
The second is in the planning stages as a branch off of the @pifc project.
There are a very few minnow building projects floating around the platform.
You could always click on a link and check it out.
(hint) the links are the little green bits of text 🎯
"Yeh it is a evil plot to keep you out of the loop." ah ha! I knew it!
I found it because being the typical female you can't stop talking about stuff(except to me and then it's a blackout, I have to find you talking to someone else to get any information)
hhhhhmmmm...where does the hitme program get it's steem from?
Congratulations @headchange! You have completed the following achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Click on the badge to view your Board of Honor.
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPI like your thinking and I like your initiative. I did some quick back-of-the-envelope math to look at the process from a Curie perspective. Currently, Curies are worth about 30 SP in rewards. It would take over 15 of them to reach minnow status. They are usually only given once every 2 weeks, so that makes 30 weeks, or well over 6 months.
That's assuming you are putting out consistently excellent content of the variety that is eligible and attractive to the curators at Curie. Seems like a long time to hit minnow status :(
Well your series is definitely that level. But I get what you are saying. Right now they are looking for accounts that are at 450sp to make into minnows.
I am all for see a few more minnows being built.
To be honest when they picked Dave for the first one I was all in. He has been a huge help to me and many others.
They have managed to produce 3 minnows in a few days time.
I am just here for the experience, so the status/rewards/SP doesn't bother me much. It would be nice to be able to upvote more frequently, but I try to make up for it in quality comments (which I personally find to be more rewarding to receive anyway.
I agree that it's a problem overall (even if it's not a problem with me personally) since it hurts retention, morale, and handicaps the overall distribution of rewards. Even the most benevolent whales and dolphins only have so many hours in the day, and they aren't able to support everyone.
I think to a certain degree, the SBI initiative helps with this, but it only takes care of you, not others since you lose the ability to upvote if you turned all your Steem into SBI. I have ~25 SBI and I have a $0.04 upvote. If I poured my first 500 Steem into it at that same rate, I might have an $0.80 upvote on all my posts.
I'm not sure why I just did that math or what point I was trying to make XD. My brain is fried. Just an interesting thought experiment I guess :)
Glad you feel that way about the comments. I am love the three part series. Sadly my sp is always super low.
No actually thanks for doing the math! I have been wondering myself about the best use for a tiny bit of steem I have managed to save back. Those sbi really do add up. I think I have about 20 now. I get a bit higher vote because I don't post every day. They will average it out for you over time if you post less so that helps my payouts look better. Also helps give a bit more curation reward to my few regular voters.
I will probably focus on growth until I can do justice to the communities I want to be involved in. If you think about it though. it don't take a whole lot to make a little difference here and there.
That is part of what makes the platform so attractive to me.
Oh what is going on here?
Coming together, growing together, I love it
My first post got over 5 SBD, I thought it was the start of an amazing journey
and then it dwindled to almost nothing, but I kept going, and got a curie vote... then it dwindled
Tons of highs and lows, more of the lows haha
I met a few Steemians in person, and some others through the communities and if it wasn't for that, I would have probably given up a long time ago...
So now I am curious to know what's going on
Thank you @headchange... going to head on over to the posts you have highlighted 😊
I think that is kind of what happens with most people. We tend to form real and lasting connections after interacting so often.
It really is a great project and there is a new post out today
https://steemit.com/steemit/@hitmeasap/3-out-of-3-minnows-already-or-we-re-looking-for-new-candidates
They are on the hunt for the next minnow right now.