Remember that votes equate to "I want to see more of this."
I also withhold my vote for "bad" behavior.
I often thing of my votes as a method of positive reinforcement...to motivate people to post more of what I voted on. I simply can't allow myself to give my votes to those that continually of tag spam. This is an area that cuts right through cultural or language differences to be pretty straight forward to see.
So what exactly is Tag Spam?
Tag Spam is when users purposely choose higher traffic or higher paying tags for their posts...even though it doesn't actually apply to the category. For example..
- Your last 30 photography posts shouldn't have the introduceyourself tag
- Simply because you are a Steemit user...isn't reason enough to use the Steem or Steemit tag in every post
You see...people notice that there are certain tags that more of us watch and vote on here. It's not that hard to figure out. However, the down side of too much of this spamming is that those category feeds suddenly become useless. We use the introduceyourself feed specifically to find the new users to Steemit...if tag spam was left unchecked, we'd have to sift through countless random posts to just find one actual introduction.
I get the you're new and wanting to earn yourself some money, but if your tag spamming, it's really going to work against you because:
- You CAN get flagged for tag spam, reducing your post payout
- You will likely Lose Votes by those noticing you doing this
Do Something to Combat Tag Spam!
Now @Steemcleaners puts forth a lot of work combating people that tag spam. However, with as many users as we have (with more joining each day) there is only so much that can be monitored. I look at blogs of a lot of newer, smaller users so I wanted to do something as a way to educate them about tag spamming and ideally reduce this behavior.
My preferred steps to combat tag spam:
- DON'T be mean about this. Remember people come from social media where this is rarely thought of (by them).
- Explicitly tell the person that they're tag spamming (i.e. why are you using the Steemit tag for the photo you posted?)
- Let them know I was going to vote for your post(s) but they all included tag spam, which made me move on to vote elsewhere. (Sometimes saying to contact me when they've fixed the problems.)
We are all out there on the 'front lines' of looking through posts, talking with people, and voting. I do ask that you keep on the lookout for people Tag Spamming and see if you can nicely get them to stop. In the end...if we don't keep this in check, we'll have a rather challenging time to find posts we're actually looking for.
Rather than having to use the 'stick'...just let them know you 'withdrew your carrot'!
Please Follow, Upvote and Resteem if you found this Helpful.
Click HERE for a list of All my Guides!
Image Sources:
Tag Spam
Thanks for the pointers: resteemed.
Myself, I've tried to be careful with the tags from the time I got here. Even if there were no active effort like @steemcleaners , I'd still be expecting some kind of clampdown. :)
Here's a rule of thumb I settled on: the first tag should be the most popular tag that's relevant to the post. Look through the Tag List on the left-hand-side of the Trending page and find the tag or tags that are most relevant. To emphasize, don't look at the posts on the Trending page: keep your eyes on the left side of the screen at the tag list and select from there.
If you don't find any tag that applies, go to the larger tag list page and select from there. Pick the one with largest amount of posts and is relevant to your post content.
Example: if I were to write about James Burnham's theory of the managerial revolution I'd look for my first tag on the left side of the Trending page. As the page is now, there isn't any tag that fits. Seeing so, I open up the tag list page and select #politics: a good-sized category that's also relevant to the post.
Another example: let's say I've become a prepper and I write a post about the food I've stored and why. I look in both the left page and the tag list page and find nothing for #diy or #prepping . But I do see the category #homesteading. After a look at its posts, I see that simply blogging about the food I stored isn't that good a fit - but a post on growing,or processing, my own food would be. So, I throw the stored-food post into #prepping and make a note that I should write another prepper post about (say) buying food in bulk and then canning it.
The last example shows an advantage in choosing the best relevant categories after checking to see whether or not your post fits into the high-payers. Looking at the ones which do fit gives you ideas about what your next post should be about!
Great additional points!
It's easy for new people (especially those that haven't done content creation before) to know how tags really help them grow by getting themselves in front of their desired audience.
Many people forget that it's better to talk to a specific audience. There is very little information that everybody will be interested in.
Upped to hopefully get this topping the comment list. :)
good stuff @sykochica . I didn't even realize there was a such a thing. I never thought of using tags that don't apply but I guess that is a tactic someone may use if they think they will get more votes. I like your solution and I will be on the lookout . Maybe it's time I search for new content by searching tags anyway lol.
Thanks for the info here. Is it better to use common tags or is there value in using some more obscure tags?
No problem! :)
I usually recommend to people to find 2 (maybe 3) 'higher traffic tags' that actually apply to the post, with the remainder being anything you think applies and might be something people would check the feed for.
You can see a big list of the bigger and more frequently used tags (with the post and $ earned count) here:
https://steemit.com/tags
However, as you get more a following, people start looking for you specifically more often, making the need for the tags reduce a bit (though still helpful.)
..and if you didn't make very much on your intro post (say less than 5 or 10 bucks)...you can always do another one...especially if it's been a little bit and you can include some of your first impressions of steemit, what you've learned and mention that the intro tag wasn't right the first time.
I really don't see people have a problem doing things like this..which is easily seen to be different than those just trying to 'exploit' the tag.
Thank you @sykochica I will do that. :)
Also I really blew it on the #introduceyourself tag... I didn't write it correctly on my first post, and no way to re-post... oh well.
I had a Polish guy have a go at me regards my money tree post, I did it for 2 friends, one Polish, that wants to learn better English, so I tagged it in Polish, as I was using Polish money for the photos, I live in Poland, and 1 of my target audience is Polish. This Polish guy came along saying he could flag me for tag spamming, as the whole post had to be in Polish language? since when? and if so why is this not stated somewhere as a rule, so us newer people do not use these tags? Peace.
That case sounds a little extreme to me personally...especially that #polish isn't exactly a tag someone would be using to get that high traffic (compared to the introduceyourself, steemit, etc ones).
It's hard for me to give any 'exact' rules since it's really up to each of us as how we interpret them. But you using the polish tag, especially given the explanation...does make sense to me. Especially with it having at least something to do with poland (even if not written in polish.)
The bigger issue is when the tag doesn't apply to the post in any way. @Steemcleaners (or maybe the @spaminator account now) has been a big part of combating this and they lay out what they look for in a pretty clear cut way.
That is a bit extreme. Common words shouldn't be appropriated by any person or group on steemit IMO.
A post about different types of polish would be relevant as well. If communities or groups want a tag to curate they need to create one.
Agreed, and thank you.
I do use the steemit tag quite a bit, as we are on steemit, is that not appropriate then?
If the post is specifically about steemit, then it would be appropriate. Like in the case of this post...isn't about my voting on steemit and trying to provide a better explanation of the actual 'rules' that can be enforced on here.
However, I would say that just because we are on steemit, wouldn't qualify it to be appropriate for using the steemit tag. A rather cheesy example would be...I took a picture of a flower, or my cat...really doesn't apply to steemit in anyway.
If we didn't follow this line of logic, then the steemit tag would essentially be worthless, in that it would basically include every post ever put on here. However, there's no problem using the 'blog' tag on every post in my opinion.
If you have a moment, read my last post, it is in the tag steemit, you need to get to the end to see why, I think it is appropriate? maybe you can offer some opinion.
Your post there would definitely fall into a bit of a grey area where I could see arguments going both ways. However personally, when I read it...it didn't really seem out of place in the Steemit tag. This isn't something I would have batted an eye at, not seeing it as a problem.
There are always going to be some more 'fringe' cases like this where it can be debatable either way. However, you will easily see the clear distinction between something like your post...and the person with 30 posts, just including a random picture of nature saying 'my pretty picture'.
Those who are purposely trying to 'exploit' the steemit tag stick out like a sore thumb. I'd be surprised if you had anyone even mention your post being an issue...especially if you don't post things like that terrible often. :)
{This is just my opinion in this case and not necessarily a community wide consensus.}
Ok, thank you for the advice, and for your time, much respect to you. peace.
Brilliant, we all have to be vigilant to protect this space. I’ll definitely do my share. I know sometimes I find some people literally copy and paste the same comment evvvvvverywhere. Now that I am aware I can take steps to discourage that.
The only unfortunate thing is I feel bad sometimes because their motivation could be genuine (like trying to work out of poverty), but like that doesn’t change that Steemit is here with a purpose and we can’t allow that to be diluted.
This is absolutely true! Which is a major part of why I'm not angry at them...don't yell...and don't flag them. (Though I have done it for those that just continue spamming, but it's rare.) I can't really feel bad about it in the end in that, we simply have to have them change their approach...or at the very least not contribute to it continuing. The end goal is simply to educate and in the end, help the person doing it.
Like Jerry McGuire said:
"Help ME help YOU!"
I want to upvote them...I want to help...but they also have to help me (and in extension our whole community.)
:)
So after like 38 days I finally know the reason, why you asked me not to use introducemyself again in my post. I never used that tag again, but I never did understand you asked me to stop :)
Yea...when someone is really new it's tough to explain the actual why at that stage. It's not necessarily a problem for people to do a 're-intro' post say 6 months or a year later..without really having it seen as a problem. ( I did a 1 year re-intro since most my new followers never saw my original...let them know me a bit better, where I started, what I learned, etc.)
But yea...the #introduceyourself #steem and #steemit tags are some of the most misused that could have easily gotten out of control if they weren't 'monitored' in some fashion.
Great post! I am a newbie to Steem so I am still getting my feet under me. It's good to know the rules and proper etiquette. I have been quite impressed with the dedication of Steem veterans to patrol and keep everyone in line. That is a good way to foster development within a community. Thanks!
Thank you...and I'm happy to be able to help! :D
If by chance it's helpful..I have my dozens and dozens of 'guides' organized on a google doc now at: http://bit.ly/2mAyPxL
Feel free to ask questions should any come to mind. :)
Nice post....
Thank for sharing friend...
Please upvote my post...
Ohh, the irony, a tag spammer replying to this post :D!
Hahaha...not exactly tag spam...but definitely comment spam...which I also won't let myself vote for. :)
I have an idea for a browser extension which hides any self-upvoted comments. Seems like it would go a long way to deal with nuisances such as these, as I definitely see a pattern here...
Lol... 😁
😂 don't beg for upvote rule number one
@sykochika. That's so thoughtful of you. I do agree with you that not all users are knowledgeable about the concept of tagging especially if their primary Social media platform is Facebook. They would be frustrated using the tags and getting flagged by its abuse . the Carrot before the Stick approach I believe should cure some of this. That's if @steemcleaners adopts it.
We'll...steemcleaners themselves are generally more of the 'stick' approach, but that's also because they tend to focus on the people 'exploiting' it to much larger degree. But with that said...users do generally get informed about the issue before actually receiving flags or the eventual 'blacklist'.
upvote and resteeming, I've seen tag spamming quite a bit. hope this spreads awareness. have a good day @skyochica ^~^/")
The annoyance has become much here
You are providing great information as you are above me here
thank you very much
Same thing happened to me
That's why I was flag then
That's why am seriously warning all my friends that I brought to steemit they should be careful with the tag the use
Even though tag u use sometimes decides your upvote but please it should be a tag related to your post to avoid flagging and reducing of reputation
I must upvote this and resteemed as usual let them see this and learn
Also will copy the link and share it
ohh thanks for this post great post wil follow what ever you said.. <3
This should be a thing. :P
It is true, abuse dilutes the tag. I remember I was posting my best content on imgur, but I was 'abusing' hashtags (I didn't know that was the case). They told me in no uncertain terms to go back to f****g Facebook. Lesson learned. There are many lessons to be learned in the Steemit Community/Platform, thank you for today's :) And, thank you for the kinder, gentler delivery.
Thank you!
I have to admit sometimes I do struggle to find the right tags for my posts, being new and still trying to get some reach I always try to use all 5 tags.
Also I do look at the most upvoted/highest payout/most visited tag list and try to pick the highest ones (well... the highest once related or closely related to my post)
I think in a post or 2 I might have added a tag that might not be considered closely related enough... But I am not sure, fellow steemians will have to be the judge of that.
That being said, I do agree with you, I do quite often stroll trough #introduceyourself to welcome 1 or 2 new steemians as it felt very welcoming when I started.
(That feeling did diminish a bit afterwards when it became clear that the majority of those replies are (or look like) auto-bot replies... but none the less, at that moment it felt welcoming)
People who cant be taught can be silenced. I don't mind explaining things to people that don't understand things yet. We all have things to learn. But people who obviously just don't care, I mute. I dont want to accidently encourage them later, when they show such spammy ways.
I love the mute button!
Good to know. Doesn't really benefits to do this also because you want to reach your intended audience.
yes i will carefully my tags :).
It sure is a issue while some are learning and avoiding it !Hope they learn in time before they get flagged/otherwise!
& yes voting is sure is a support of appreciation towards the person the person you are upvoting to !So anyone has the right to give their token of appreciation wisely !
DAMN THE SPAM! It creeps up everywhere. It went from being in sandwiches to in emails. And now it is on Steemit. You make some great points and I so agree with you. Tag spam is stupid and wrong. Please folks leave the spam in the grocery store isle 7. I never did like shit. I opt for peanut butter instead. Thanks for sharing.
I love how the community already is actively fighting this exact thing. It happened to me when I wanted to write a better introduction of myself some weeks ago. It did get trough the roof with regard to a successful post, but there also was a great user how coined my wrong (which I was not aware of at that time) to not use the introduceyouself tagg more than once.
Thanks again for a great post @sykochica
t.
I never really thought about how people can abuse tags like that. Kinda BS how people would use that introduce you tag repeatedly. I guess I noticed it but never really thought anything of it till now.
Thanks, @sykochica. I'm still working on getting my posting groove going on Steemit, but here's what I've done for most of my posts so far:
First, I look for anything that matches my post in the trending tags on the left of the main page. I choose the most relevant category there and post in it.
Then, I search for terms relevant to my post on the trending topics page. I try anything I can think of, and choose a few favourites which have the most exposure.
This seems to have been at least mildly successful so far. I have had at least one or a couple new visitors from each new post, and I feel that my viewership has been earned organically rather than relying on "clickbait" tags.
Are there any ways you think my method could be improved?
Those who joined in new think to just spam from the start as they don't know much about this platform i too had experiences so whenever i found a new person commenting on my blog i try to help them with advice and help them so they could use this platform with full potential and not just spam the hell out ...
i not don't use so many tags until it's not relevant but sometime worry to use even a single tag
It's getting hard to tell whether some tagspam are really spam. Some might just be confused what their post should be classified in, but there are undoubtedly others who hope to game the system and ultimately fail.
This is pretty insightful. Although am not a culprit but this serves as a huge warning for anyone who may want to be greedy. More Steem users should get to know about this! Resteemed.
thanks for sharing i recently started so this was a much needed post and things to take care of
oh that's why got that warning once now i know and will not repeat this mistake i was not aware about it at first
Honestly the flags wrecking payout is really no deterrent to people being actually abusive. I think there ought to be more checks and balances somehow, but I understand that's very difficult to do. Take some abusive troll, what do they care that they're not gonna get a payout for their vile shitposts? They love the fact that people get riled up enough to react at all. I mean there's people on Reddit who make it a challenge to get maximum negative karma.
But indeed tag spamming is annoying, and often not even the fault of the users themselves. It's just a flaw of the tag system in general, which is why I don't like Instagram so much either. Over there you'll have the same problem of looking through different tags only to find the same attention whores posting their selfies and milkshakes and whatnot, even though you're in a tag about something completely different.
nice article