I get it. The idea behind this platform is to have a gathering of "talented artists" share their work in their chosen fields to a possible new audience for new exposure and the possibility for some type of financial reward at the end if the game was played properly.

Before joining this community a month ago, I spent my time on FB and IG. Why? Because it was easy and a distraction. In my ADD trace, I would bounce from one shiny post to the next. I am not an artist in any sense of the word. I am just a guy who LIKES things. I have interests that are all over the board. So when I was told about this place, I figured why not? Could be fun and I have nothing to lose.

When I arrived, I felt like an pretty 18 year old girl getting off the Greyhound bus in LA from Madison, Ga making my first journey to MAKE IT in the big city.

The music begins and it's time to dance. But what is the etiquette? What are the ground rules? What clique do I fall into? Who is popular and why? Where do I see myself in this new adventure since I am not a crpyto guy, an artist or blogger/vlogger with my own YouTube channel that showcases my special talents? Not a clue so off exploring I go.

The recurring sentiment I hear is that, as a minnow, give quality content and comments. Be patient and eventually everything will fall into place. I am good with that. This isn't my "job" or "source of income".

I stumbled on some, what I would consider great souls and having an opportunity to engage in sometimes deep, but always meaningful dialogue. It was and still is very refreshing. I have found new and interesting topics, subjects and personalities here that have been an absolute joy. For the most part, everyone I have interacted with has pleasant and helpful.

And then there is the dark underbelly of the city. When you know trouble awaits you at every corner and the pimps and drug dealers are there to help you, it will only cost you your soul. Do this and you will have meteoric success instantaneously.

So when I read posts like yours, it saddens me, because I am hearing a lot of the same rumblings from others who have been on this platform for a while. I can't help to think that the voices of reason will not exist because everyone of substance is gone. There is a reason for the cliche of the struggling starving artist.

I wish it could be rainbow colored, glitter filled butterfly fields for everyone. Unfortunately, it can't and won't. Life isn't like that and the reality is that there are going to be some serious growing pains. But with the support of others, we can heal these wounds and laugh about the scars later. Maybe we can help with a pre-indoctrination to Steemit. I don't have the answers, but as a collective, I know there are a ton of smart talented people around, just look to your left or right. I am enthusiastically optimistic about the future. That's my pennies worth and an upvote lmfaosrag Just don't stop dancing before the music stops...