Revisiting the #introduceyourself tag
Earlier today, I was curious whether the #introduceyourself tag is still being used and it appears that a lot of new users are aware of it. It's been a long time since I checked on the tag that's why I'm amazed to read some of the intro(s) posted in it. By reading intro posts, it made me recall how things are in 2017-2018. Back then it's customary and encouraged to make an intro about oneself as the 1st post.
In my point of view, I believe it was popular back then, or maybe because I'm one of the newbies during that moment. For me, it was a big deal. It took me a week of procrastination. And then another week for me to compose and fine-tune my post until the day that I posted it, lol. It really took me that much time before I decided to finally get on the bandwagon.
After posting my intro, everything feels natural and I became comfortable using the platform.
Actually, my intro post didn't make it to the trending. In fact, a few only noticed and took the time to read or comment.
It's understandable because it was the time when the platform is accepting so many new users and everyone has something interesting to offer. I felt like my post was a needle on a haystack. There are too many new users who are joining at the same period. And the onboarding method was the worst back then. The waiting period would take about 1-3 weeks while some even reported being waiting for a month or more.
Right now, there are more options that are relatively easy. Now, the waiting period is much faster than before.
I think that we will soon reach the moment when more and more of the masses will learn about this platform and will participate as well.
That's when the community will come in handy. Although it's not everyone's responsibility to welcome new users, however, I feel that it should be our pleasure to do so. We all came to this platform as newbies. Some are invited by the earlier users which would mean that the newbie will be supported through guidance and upvotes. While many will join without knowing anyone or anything about this platform.
What I think is that the new users that join this platform; not knowing anything about the mechanics, will be the ones who will feel demotivated or discouraged about the lack of engagement in this platform. The lack of engagement? Not true. Actually, there's a good chance of being noticed on this platform.
If you know how to navigate the features like "Community" then you may find that this platform is buzzing with engagement. It may not be as much as the mainstream social media platforms but I can guarantee that the engagement in this platform is real and have high quality.
As a last note, if you are looking for a platform that rewards users, then you came to the right place. If you are looking for a community in which you will feel that you belong then you are also in the right place. However, these good things don't come easy. It requires some form of hard work and consistency. Similar to any other social media platform, it takes time and a good amount of effort to achieve a good connection to a network of real people.
There's no shortcut to that.
Keep it up!
I also do remember back in 2018 when I joined as newbie and published my first post. It was such a great moment for me though didn’t get much but was nice to meet the few people who cane through.
You are correct to say it wasn’t like it was back then. I recently created an account for two of my friends which they have posted their intro, but there wasn’t much in terms of engagement.
I know the time will come sooner than later where the introduceyourself tag will be more relevant like it was back then.
Nice write up.
There was a different vibe back then, as an old-timer in this platform, I feel that it was more exciting before than now; considering that we have very few tools / features / apps.
Now, what makes the current experience exciting are the tools, new features, new use-case, and applications that we have.
It is worth taking the time to connect. When I first started two years ago, I didn't both much with engagement. It is very rewarding though, to have a handful of people that engage my posts (or vice versa) on a regular basis.
True. Take out the rewards and what you have will be the network or the community; something immeasurable. IMO, more valuable than money.