On one hand, there is more competition for rewards now than ever. In that sense it could be harder... but in my perception, honestly, I don't think so.

There are a lot of new users, but not so many that it is hopeless. It's not like joining Facebook or Instagram and being completely insignificant - you can still make a big impact within 6 months if you join here and work hard.

Also when I first joined, lots of people were saying it was "too late" lol - people always think it's too late. On Jan 2nd, steem was worth less than $0.20 btw. So it felt a lot more like a small little experiment, and less like this huge amazing thing that it is becoming now.

I hope you'll stick with it, and I look forward to reading your anniversary post in another 11 months.