With great sadness I sit at my laptop to write this post, as I come to the realisation that the contest will not go any further. Veganuary is something close to my heart, as through taking part in it last year, not only did I solidify my own resolve to go vegan permanently, I also became more involved in Steemit.
I had never thought of becoming a blogger, I joined Steemit as a bit of a laugh, thinking at first I would post funny photos or jokes, hence the moniker @lolzwithlisa! Soon however, I became really engrossed with the content produced by the bloggers on Steemit, mostly the vegan community.
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I was myself at that time a vegetarian, dabbling with going fully vegan but not quite there. The amazingly supportive and positive vegan community really encouraged me in those early days, and before I knew it I was posting vegan recipes myself! I decided to create a contest to coincide with Veganuary, to document my journey to veganism, but also to try to connect with others who wanted to do the same or vegans who wanted to share encouragement and support.
I was blown away by the amount of Steemers who engaged with the contest, and by the awesome posts they entered. It connected me with other vegans on Steemit I wasn't already aware of yet and inspired me to continue my journey as I was bowled over by what amazing vegan food people were making!
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So now, a year on and still going strong, I wanted to repeat the contest and try to get some new Steemians involved and encourage more people to try going meat and dairy free for a month.
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But Steemit seems different now... I can't place what it is specifically that has changed, but I have noticed more and more that the bloggers that I used to follow closely, who had quite a large following and amazing content, are dropping off of the platform in large numbers...
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Still, as Veganuary gains more and more momentum every year on the outside world, I wanted to continue to use Steemit as a means of promoting it too. Sadly, the contest seems to have in only week one already run out of steem (pardon the pun!).
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Having only received 1 entry, it doesn't seem as though it will be sustainable throughout the month of January. So, with a heavy heart I have decided to withdraw the contest. I will however continue to post vegan related posts as always but the contest will not continue.
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Big shout out to my girl @plantstoplanks for always supporting the contest and being an inspirational vegan badass!!
Her awesome entry can be found here 😀 I'll shoot you a little prize soon!
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If you are doing the Veganuary challenge, go to their official website for recipes, tips and all the information you could ever need to go vegan!
Ach @lozwithlisa, I'm sorry to hear your disappointment, but don't feel too blue about this. I used to be on Steemit all the time, almost every day for 2 years, but hardly ever now. Sadly a lot of us had to go 'back out there' to work since we can't rely on blogging as any kind of income anymore. Like you, I had to bring an end to the contest I used to host 'Steemit Culinary Challenge'which had big payouts and a lot of participants, and subsequent 'Make It Healthy Project' which also started great but a few months later Steemit changed and not for the better! It got to the point around last Feb/Mar where everyone was creating like crazy, and no-one was curating. I understand completely how disappointing, even upsetting, it is for these things dear to our hearts not to be embraced on this platform. I too became fully vegan because of this community, which was once booming and exciting, and so I try to focus on all these wonderful things and the friendships (I adore @plantstoplanks, she's got a big heart that one) and not the sad aspects. Plus of course we never know what to expect in the future, so maybe your veganuary contest will be HUGE next year! Happy New Year to you from Ireland, slainte :-)
I adore you, as well! It has been tough this past year on here, but as we have always said it is the friendships that make it all worthwhile!! If only my votes were as big as my enthusiasm for everyone.
You never know, though, maybe some day Steem will explode again! Happy New Year to you my friend! 💓
And a very happy new year to you Katie! I wish you many good things for 2019! xx
Sorry I couldn't participate last week ;/
We're just thinking of making a lentil stew with rice on the side, hehe.
Regards :)
Ah, it's a pity. Looks like I missed it, not paying attention.
I am so sorry Sweetie, I was just about to make an announcement for Fruits and Veggies Monday. I really think that would help :(
hey girl don't get discouraged! It's the low steem price, and unfortunately people blog a lot less than when steem was high. There's still a core group that is active though so don't give up!
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