Hey Dave, I can say from experience that being a newbie on the platform can be discouraging. I was lucky to have a good friend on the platform and he introduced me to some of his friends and that's how I managed to get a bit of boost.
Meanwhile, I noticed there is an entire system of bots and so on. I get a part of it is practicality, but at this point, I feel that the direction this is going is moving away from the initial idea of community and real curation.
So, I think initiatives like yours are more than welcome and I hope it will grow.
I'll take my chance on the next comment contest, and I am looking forward to see more from you.
All the best :)
It is very nice to meet you @aiuli :) ... I always love to meet someone new that takes the time to write me a genuine comment so I can learn about them and make that connection. I appreciate your comments and I am looking forward to seeing more from you too.
About the bots, there is both good and bad things happening with them. My goal will be to teach people how they work over time and learn to use the "good" aspects that can happen and steer clear of the "bad" things that people do. In the end, I think the good will triumph over the bad, so I wouldn't worry too much. This system is designed to be a "virtuous loop" and it will eventually find its balance just as water always seeks its own level.
Nice to meet you and I love your bright and nice photo in your profile. It cheers me up just to look at it!
Stay in touch and make sure you enter that contest, I want to see your answer ;)