Once you do. 

There is no turning back. My first six months on the Steem blockchain has been an incredible and exciting journey. Never in my dreams, I would have thought all of it possible.

I am known not to mince my words. I prefer getting to the point. I want to share with all of you a few tips about starting out on Steem and my experience here.   

What to expect?   

  I don't think you yet have conceived that expectation in your thought process. Everything I have seen so far, resembles watching digital nomads congregating to form social groups and communities. Then, for some at least,  from that platform are amazing blockchain tech projects created. This is only the start of the digital renaissance. It requires communities and individuals to work together for common goals. This far exceeds personal economic gains, being part of something bigger than yourself and have a voice in it's development. I would think the long term benefits will far out way our incessant need for instant gratification. We are all victim to that addiction. I too,  was taken by this and I have been weaning myself off.   

 
  Basically if you take the $ notion out your head whilst working on Steem. You are likely to be a much happier and healthier person. I am not saying you won't earn your Steem/SBD rewards in time, but initially focus on community building and create.  

(photographer: Henry Espinoza Panta)

 
 Yes you are going to see some posts on here and say out loud "Really!? That made, 1000$" and you just put more effort into writing that you did at school, but get a few cents. Yes it is crushing, but don't look at it this way. I know it's hard not to be and easy for me to say, but I know the feeling too.   

 First steps on Steem: 

 
Most people to whom I have introduced to Steem, were somewhat apprehensive to publish their first post and I am not surprised. There is so much info, in every direction and into such detail, that some takes a second read to digest. But I enjoy that as I feel that is very liberating. Pause, stand back and have a look all around you. It is "fu*k*ng awesome" (please excuse my French) to see the level of energy, dynamism and creativity happening with this particular block-chain. Guess what? You can choose any 'door' to be part of something, or you can just get on with it and create your own something.  

  Personally, Steem was my first foray into the cryptocurrency and block-chain world. I am sure for the majority of you reading, it is the same case. Look at Steemit as a gateway to this new emerging sector. In one form or another, block-chain is here to stay and you can learn about here. To start off with,there are the following simple tips: 

  Your content:      honestly, don't put your best in your posts when you are just starting out. Keep it for later, once you have established your community network. Then you will have more eye-balls checking out your headlines and potentially your posts.  I notice a few are frustrated that they write amazing pieces of work and get virtually nothing for it. Remember now is not the time to  be all $ orientated. So keep your posts sweet and short (max 250 words). Once you have a community, you will write because you want to express yourself where people listen. Not about making money.      
  
 Others content:      there is so much for you to experience, it will eat your day up and hopefully expand your perspective. Just look for stuff that makes you tick and write that into the search bar. You are initially looking for like minded people. Once you  find a community that your interested in, then start off with leaving good comments in relevant posts. Engage with the author and they are usually respond. Not like the whales, cause everyone has tried that, but ANYONE with more Steem power than you will do. The more you engage, the more likely you will be part of that group and they tend to work together. You want those up votes, well this a good way to start. You earn their esteem and confidence, so when you do post, the community will respond: comments, resteems and those elusive upvotes. Plus in these individual communities, you will gain much more than just an upvote. Please write me when you realise this.   

 Network:      generally in life, it is about who you know and not what you know. Here it is no different. You must be proactive in this when you are just starting out. Steem is quite young and I find it remarkably easy to get the ear of community leaders and as a whole. I don't think this will last forever with some of the more established. There are only so many hours in a day. Steem is growing daily and at times I find it difficult to keep up. So imagine when there are actually millions of people using Steem. Make your connections and maintain them.   

(photo belongs to @intrepidsurfer)

 'My feed':      is an important resource, as you choose what to see. By following, like minded people and interesting themes. Your My feed page will highlight each post that comes online. No adverts. That is refreshing. You are more likely to engage with those posts too. Upvoting ones you like are always welcome. Regardless of your Steem power. We do notice. You have 12 a day, so use them wisely, cause you get rewarded too. This grows your standings on the platform in other ways. Ways and more I will explain in part 2.  

If you would like to read my posts, then find me here @intrepidsurfer