Quality vs. quantity as a creative publisher on Steemit!

Hey, Steemit. In tonight’s blog post, I’m taking a break from the usual lingerie models and comic art. I’m going to share my thoughts on a specific Steemit-related topic, and that’s the subject of how we post. I was having a conversation with @vermillionfox this morning on the very topic, benefits of each method, and unexpected consequences. As Steemit grows we gain thousands of new Steemians every week, and I think back to how I felt ambling through this unknown […at the time] corner of the internet that is Steemit. Before I go on, I should predicate that I, very clearly, have a preferred method of blogging on Steemit so consider that bias when reading. I am going to try to be objective to the point of view that is not my own.

Something to consider for either approach is that in regards to Steemit […and beyond], both approaches do have advantages. For new Steemit users, especially, that’s going to be a real consideration. A big factor is your ability to write, tell stories, or clearly convey a feeling, emotion or idea in written form. I’ve brought dozens of new users to Steemit and the reality is, some of them just can’t write. Others can write all day, but lack moving, gripping content that stands out from the rapidly expanding content ecosystem. So, lets take a hard look at both and weigh our options.

Another consideration in this whole internet experiment is knowing your own goals with Steemit. Is it making money? If so, you’ve got your work cut out for you in managing to distinguish yourself from the noise. When @dan, @ned and the Steemit team brought the blockchain online, I often wonder […as an artist myself] if they anticipated so many artists thriving here on the site. There is still “beta” text under the Steemit logo and I’m aware of the calibre of artists and writers that regularly contribute content! If your goals aren’t monetary, though, then what? Prestige? That reputation number is enough of an incentive for many, so what is the secret to becoming a 70 reputation in the least amount of time?

Quality work, in my opinion, is anyone’s best chance of leaving a lasting impression on Steemit. Additionally, it’s my opinion that it’s the most effective way to make money […if that’s your goal]. It’s hard, because as I mentioned, the level o completion here […at least in the arts and creative mediums like writing, music and poetry] is already becoming world class. If you feel like your art doesn’t stand up against the users who are making the highest earning posts on the site, I have a suggestion. Find something that is uniquely you, and do that to the absolute best of your ability. Whether it’s a subject or a style, find your voice and share it. That is what Steemit needs more of. This place is going to get noisier as it grows, so find your own brand and build an audience around it. 

I employ the “quality” approach to Steemit in my time here. I have since my introduction post over a year ago. To me, this is a long form medium. My posts take time. Typically, two hours to write, re-read, edit, format and often times, finish photos specifically for the blog post I’m making […at least 1/3 of the photography I post here on Steemit only sees the light of day on my personal Patreon, because I feel Steemit deserves it]. Steemit gets my very best, and from my first few months here, it seems to have reflected that in my followership and rewards. 

I’ll refer again to my wise friend @lovejoy who once casually said to me “Humans reward one another for things that are hard”. I can do a couple of things that most can’t, and even within my mediums of work […at least with photography] I have a unique style […all my photography is done with exclusively available/diegetic lighting]. That is my unique voice in art, and that’s what keeps me above the noise. As such, even from my minnowiest of days on the site, some really generous, influential folks on the site began following me […to this day, many still do].

Quantity does go far here as well. I don’t mean spammy comments. Those are sure to get you flagged. I mean machine gun posts, 5 - 10 times a day. If your goal is reputation and Steemit notoriety, there is no doubt, it is effective. I’ve seen new users show up and take over the feed.   In a few months, completely catch up […and sometimes surpass] me with that coveted reputation number. When you’re posting that often, there’s no way to put hours of thought and consideration in to each post. Contrastingly, however, you sure can post a lot. It’s not a single nail, it’s a nail gun. 

In my observation, this approach to Steemit doesn’t make you as much money, especially since the implementations of voting power after HF19. Users only have about 10 100% votes to work with, and those few 100% votes really have to earn it. Another pitfall of the quantity approach, I know this from personal experience, is posting so often does have a slightly spammy feel […at least for me]. As a result, I have unfollowed artists because I was seeing too much! Seven or eight decent photos that could have easily been formatted in one post I would have been happy to give 100% vote. Instead, though, I unfollowed that person because I want to see the best from every Steemian I chose to follow. That being said, I recently noticed said Steemian I unfollowed has almost matched me in reputation in less than 6 months. Again, it comes back to goals.

Here’s one last thought. Neither of these are right, or wrong. Your time here and stake in the site is all part of a social experiment we’re all fortunate to participate in […especially so early]. The “quality” people like myself, I see complain that new users are eclipsing their own reputation on the site, and the “quantity” publishing grumbling that they aren’t making any money. For either strategy, keep your head down, know what you’re good at and spend that time on what makes you happy. If you’re here and your posting about what makes you happy, the money and reputation matters much, much less.

I post daily [...daily is about my quantity]. For more art, illustration, photography and thoughts on life and Steemit, follow me here @kommienezuspadt!