Good advice, @markrmorrisjr - trying to put it all into practice, 2 months in, minus upvote bots (which make me uncomfortable).
I’m up to around 350 followers & my poetry has won many prizes, here, which helps - as well as having being Curied & promoted on ocd.
Still figuring it all out & tagging my wife, @dianarpo, who just joined, so she can benefit from your fine tips :)
Wishing you continued success, Yahia
That's awesome, Yahia! I'm not totally opposed to upvote bots, used sparingly. But, in the rare case I use them, it's when a post is stuck. I use a resteem bot, which seems to help more and that, to me, is part of the system. I'm a capitalist at heart and those that use the bots/upvote themselves are merely putting their capital to work for them. It's just my concern they are bleeding the system and preventing the growth of new users. @markrmorrisjr
Good points, Mark. While I'm not a capitalist at heart, I do believe in my work as an artist, and upvote my posts from time to time, so I agree (in principle) that one should support their work if they expect others to do so. I've still much to learn, but as with the real world, I see here those who are altruistic, community-minded and others who are greedy and merely self-interested. Cheers, Yahia
Please understand, there is a huge difference between being a profit monger and being a capitalist. A true capitalist understands that public, voluntary investment in their community and fellow man, is essential to a strong economy, which is required to have sustainable successs in business. I say I'm a capitalist,but understand this, I've spent 25 years supporting my family in the arts, as a theatrical director with my own studio, and a writer. @markrmorrisjr
Oh, how wonderful, forgive me, for being obtuse and presumptuous. One more question, since you are generous with your time. Why is it you do not upvote those who comment on your blog - from what I've seen, it seems common practice, here?
I do, just not everyone. I have more than one account and I get a LOT of comments. I reply to all of them, which I think is more valuable, anyway. To me, the word "capitalism" has become synonymous with greed, but in reality, the capitalist system gave the individual the power to own property and govern their own fate. It is the only way we are able to rise above our "Station" in life and I think it's time men and women of conscience reclaim it for what it could be.
Okay, good to know.. Perusing your comment section I did notice you have a lot of responses and that you take time to answer, but I also was struck by how few upvotes there were. Different folks, different strokes, I guess.
I won't take up much more of your time, and we'll have to politely differ on capitalism and greed since, I'm afraid, I view two as synonymous, as well.
I believe in 'stations' in life, and that we rise to fulfill them when we lead a life of service without too much concern for personal gain. A mixture of socialism and faith.
Wishing you all the best, Mark _/|_
I think serving those that you cannot hope to gain from is a sign of true character. I believe in socialist ideals, but, as I read christian scripture, I note, no one is coerced into sharing. It's voluntary. If sharing happens under threat of imprisonment or death, it's not compassion, it's extortion. So, govt charity is a no-go for me.