My, What a Social Place We Have Here - Countdown to Communities
So a few nights ago I was at our local fair. Some close friends and I took all the kids to ride the rides while us parents yawned and acted like the old farts we are.. as it was past dark. While we were waiting for the rides we were chatting of all the recent things happening and of course Steem came up. It's not shocking, I talk to them about it often and had been waiting for communities to onboard them.. as well, I think it will completely change the user experience for the better.
Well since they asked I told them to just give it a go. Go check out some of the people I'm following, some of the interactions etc and gave them an account to just explore with. That way they could just see what it was all about and get an idea of why it took up so much of my time.
Little did I know that this would be one of those times on Steem that I was embarrassed to invite people over. Yep, there have been a few. Those times where I said - Shoot, I don't want to onboard my friends to this mess. I can't be the only one who has had these moments. Can I?
Well who knew that this would be one of those times...
They spent two days here, and well maybe if I hadn't given them my account name at all their experience would have been different, but I did.. and it is what it is.
In those two day they witnessed an artist I follow being accused of plagiarism, where I commented. They watched that artist be harassed repeatedly in the comments even though it was clear that the majority of the community taking notice did not agree with the accusations or the way they were being dealt with. I said - It happens sometimes. The shared reward pool makes fighting abuse important, but some people take it too far. They witnessed rampant downvoting for nothing more than difference of opinion, as well as many other things that we are probably used to seeing.
They also witnessed someone I had onboarded be harassed and attacked until they left. They witnessed those attacks continue on me, with no way of stopping them. Even if they broke TOS repeatedly and there was a request sent in for constant harassment from this specific person who has done so over multiple accounts for months. Even with all of that, there is no stopping it. I guess that's the double edge sword of the ecosystem we are creating. Trying to explain this to them was impossible.. they were so shocked and appalled that they didn't understand why anyone would choose to hangout in a place like this.
I tried to explain - Well you see months ago there was this woman using her kids photos to attract men, and I said something.. and well they freaked out and then found more crazy people to hangout with and they sort of do crazy stuff. I seem to be on their radar due to that and then.. well there is this guy and they hate him.. and they think I am him.. or him in drag.. or sleeping with him.. or I guess they think I am sleeping with everyone.. I'm really not sure what they think, but it's just a few crazies. The rest of the place is really great!!
Blank Stares and silence.
They thought I was crazy and wanted no part of it.. they lasted two days.
I have to admit that while this specific person, as well as a few others, have harassed me repeatedly over the last 6 months or so (including threats in DM) this one took the cake.. as I got to see it through an outsiders eyes. And I realized that this is not a place I want to bring my friends right now and that makes me pretty sad as I have been actively trying to promote Steem to outsiders.
That sort of thing is hard to explain I guess, and that's understandable considering in every social aspect of our lives we get to choose who we interact with.
But not on Steem.
We are all in this giant room together and have no true way to limit who we interact with. Sure we can mute people, and that helps.. but that doesn't protect you from some vulgar troll replying to everyone who has commented on your posts with some of the worst things possible. It doesn't stop the harassment of the artist, or anything else for the matter... we are all just here in the same room trying to do our best to find what we like and ignore what we don't. But when things get dirty, there is no escaping it. And I don't think that is something that the masses really want to sign up for, just my personal opinion.
Countdown To Communities
I have been excited about communities for awhile. I remember hearing about them and not really getting it. Then I read something and it clicked - this is what steem was vastly missing. The ability to not only find what interests us easily but a way for us to interact with who and what we wanted.
The ability to have a community that is moderated and therefore it's members are easily protected from harassment. A community that embraces those from all walks of lives that have the same interests. The sub-reddits or facebook "groups" we all desperately want so bad.
Currently most "communities" happen on discord and while much of that may still have to continue until we have integrated forums or chats, that ability that we have to protect our own within our server as well as interact with those we want to will now be available on Steem. That's huge, and something that I think will totally transform the way we experience Steem.
We can of course be apart of as many communities as we want, and these communities will have the option to self moderate to make the user experience what they want it to be.
While no one likes the word "moderation" I think everyone can agree that for a social platform, a bit is needed. The great part of communities is that it's not one group deciding.. anyone can make a community and therefore there hopefully will be all sorts of level of moderation to choose from.
Hell even the trolls can make their own community where they can discuss all their conspiracies as that is the topic they seem to enjoy.. and we don't have to look at them! too far?
Yes while I am excited about how communities will help me find what I like, I am also really excited for the option to no longer see what I don't like, and not have to be forced to interact with people I have no desire to. Maybe that makes me antisocial or perhaps it the essence of social as we know it, as this is how things work in the real world.
I feel communities will also be very attractive for businesses and well know groups as well. Honestly I think they will change Steem as we know it, and maybe that is a post I need to make for another day (when it's not 2am) as I truly think they will be a game changer.
For tonight I am just focusing on the social (or anti social) aspects of this place that could be greatly improved in just a few short months, and I find that pretty exciting.
So while my on boarding attempt failed miserably.. and my friends think I am crazy for spending time in such a hostile place, I truly believe communities are going to change all of this for the better and, I am seriously counting down the days.
Do you think any of this will help with user retention, onboarding, or user experience over all? What aspects are you looking forward to?
Much Love and Steem On,
Justine
All opinions are my own, and I apologize in advance for any vulgar replies you get if you comment on this post. I don't have the tools to stop the harassing trolls but I am damn sure not going to let them stop me from engaging as I don't like bullies.
To be honest Justine, I don't know anything about the communities thing, how it will work etc. However if it permits people to be more selective, and avoid those things they don't value then it sounds legit. I'll have to do some snooping and see what I can find on it unless some champion of the blockchain comes along with a link...Hint hint.
Anyway, hopefully you have a great weekend...You got some huggin' to do. Get on it. 😉
P.s. There you go teasing me with the county fair you didn't invite me to again. 🤔 🤣
Oh goodness there have been lots of posts over the years but I think this is the most recent - https://steemit.com/communities/@steemitblog/part-2-of-our-plan-to-onboard-the-masses
And then more details about the options here -
https://github.com/steemit/hivemind/blob/master/docs/communities.md
Best way to explain them would be like Reddit sub groups. There can be ones for whatever topic is wanted or different groups of people etc. Accounts can easily be muted or content hidden through hive mind. So it’s still on the chain of course, just not in that community.
They possibilities are really endless imo and I see already established communities like cross fit as being good use cases. The communities feature would give them the option to be the only ones who can post within their community but members can comment etc. they can remove members who break their rules etc.. then mix that with SMTs and businesses have a way to have a community they own as well as a their own economy.
But you know.. I’m just looking forward to not having to interact with some people at this point 😂😜🍪🤗
I knew I could rely on you to fill me in. Sounds like a winner! Make sure you out me in the list of will interact with!😉
Is that a cookie in your comment? Damn you, now I want cookies. 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪
Posted using Partiko Android
Haha! Always cookies! And yes of course, honestly most people I’ve met here are pretty amazing and I don’t want to lose that interaction for the world.
Thanks for links.
Posted using Partiko Android
To listen to the audio version of this article click on the play image.
Brought to you by @tts. If you find it useful please consider upvoting this reply.
Oh mercy me, I've said countless times I'd never subject my friends or family to general population, I mean steem 😉
I'm not feeling like adding much to this at the moment but will say in its current form being a steemian requires either really thick skin or an ability to always do as mom directed. Which is if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all..
The internet in general is snarky. Here it's a surreal level of steroidal meth tweaking sassy pants steem that is spurred on by the almighty dollar that has no comparison..Mixing money with feelings is a recipe for WTF did you just say to me, or them, or us, or imaginary people that don't exist within the ecosystem.
At this point I feel anyone that's been actively engaged for more than 6 months is an OG haha and snitches get stitches.. Deuces!! have a good weekend on or off the steem ghetto.. 🖖
Apparently you are smarter than me 🤷♀️😂 Just try it will be my famous last words. Lol.
I agree the internet and the world is damn snarky but I do find it interesting that we can really choose who we interact with on Steem quite yet, which is pretty different than most social media sites.
I think the rewards pool is the reason for much of it as well as just a ton of emotions as you said.
This skin is a necessity as well as focusing on the cool peeps you’ve met along the way 😉
OG!! ❤️
Lol I'm slumming it out for almost 2 years now! I feel like I'm not an OG but an OW - old whore because of all the sideways fucking you get just being here but hey still better than the garbage I had to endure on other platforms.
To be fair to steem no one has yet racially doxed me which I can't say the same for Facebook, YouTube or Reddit lol so at least I have that going for me which is nice
😂😂😂 OW does seem more fitting.
Well, that is nice indeed.. I rather enjoy the thrill of tactically typing through triggered trolls thought traps.. Alliteration bro
Posted using Partiko Android
I am interested to see how the tribes and communities compare. How they differ and how they integrate.
I think getting trolls is a sign of success. People often troll for attention, the trolls believe you are getting attention and want it to rub off on them. It might be negative attention but some attention is better than no attention.
Yes this is something I’m really interested in as well, it will be interesting to compare them as see how they overlap etc. There are a few options I’ve seen in the GitHub of it that I don’t see as options tribes currently but I love the idea of many options depending on what people want to see.
If theres one thing I've learned about working on websites is that everyone is doing it wrong and you just have to be less wrong than the next guy. The more wrongs you right and you end up with a product less people hate, because will we hate all products by default, you have to win us over, that's how the internet works.
Communities and SMT's might not be the saviour lol there's no silver bullet here but it will indeed be a good spot of fun
Cry 'community!,' and let slip the dogs of Decentralisation
Good points and I agree. To me communities may not make us moon, but it will damn sure help user experience and who knows.. maybe we all won’t be so embarrassed to bring people here.
Yeah, I think there is also kinda a beauty behind it though. Without communities and without moderation we get kinda a peak out of our bubble and see how terrible and toxic mankind can be =P
Nods
Posted using Partiko Android
Very true. Everyday I am reminded why I live so far from civilization 🙂
But yeah, I think when you do communities well, you can still on one hand have your save retreat into your community, but can on the same time see the bigger picture on the steemit main page or whatever.
I agree. I don’t think it should be “closed off” and from the descriptions I don’t believe it will be, but more give options for individuals and therefore have a more personalized user experience.
yeah whitelisted communties would make me so much more social. for sure.
Totally agree!
As for user onboarding, I believe communities will positively impact that as we can see already by some Scot tribes making efforts
As for user experience, it will still need getting used to, i dont think there can ever be a solution to make blogging on the blockchain as seamless as blogging on facebook, there are terms that are not used in the conventional blogging sites, theres some math to be done and all that, i know communities will make it more interesting.
As for retention, if the first two points can perform above par, then there will be a better retention rate. Thats what I think,
sorry about your friends, I feel the same about telling mine, but unfortunately the only set to believe me are gone lol.
The thing is I cant help being mute about steem, theres nothing else that really excites me as much, so even when I try to shut my mouth, he first chance i get to talk, 80% chance its about steem lol.
Yeah that’s true, the blogging side of Steem is different than any other site and I don’t think it will ever be quite the same. Social account may help, but there are so many details that have a learning curve for users.
I do think having niche communities will help with onboarding, marketing and retention which I agree the tribes have helped us see.
We are all so emotionally invested in Steem, not crazy it’s all we can talk about 😜
hostile, trolls? i must be hanging around the wrong crowd
Where do you hide? I want to come hangout.. and yeah if you want a troll you can have mine... absolutely no charge 😜
First they have to spread their legs open for all of steemit on camera like you and finger their vagina.. while virtue signaling everyone else like they are oh so holy and above everyone.. and then I will gladly point out there hypocrisy. Which is not "trolling" but just showing you that you are a hypocrite. And a vile one at that.
https://imgur.com/a/tVzgfMv
Funny I just said the same thing recently with my buddy who looked around at some of the nonsense going on and asked..."why?"
I hope that when communities are finally introduced, we can start shaping this place a bit more and tailoring it to our own specific needs and wants.
Also...you didn't go on any rides...lame.
sigh I know.. it’s always bothered me that we (me included) are focusing and brainstorming of how to get people here while also sort of being terribly embarrassed by many aspects. I think we are seeing things that will change that I really look forward to it.
I don’t like rides 👀 I just eat the fair food...
Pretty sure that communities will be exactly like Reddit subreddits.
Looking forward to it.
A bit different, but it’s a good way to explain them. There will be many different options in the communities design which I think is pretty great. Essentially giving individuals the tools to needed to build the community they want to see. I’m really looking forward to it too 🙂
I have made some great friends on Steemit. So far that has balanced out the crazy factor to a degree, but explaining steemit to outsiders is always this winding path where they look at you more and more confused and concerned the more you explain! 🤣🤣
As a side note, I tested Narrative for a minute and the accusations and anger over at that place FAR exceed what happens on Steemit... I know. CRAZY! So maybe it is just monetized social media that brings out the worst in people?
As for communities, it all sounds appealing. However, I do worry about the lack of moderation that comes from everyone hiding in their own corners. Right now if someone is way out of line (like sharing inappropriate photos of children or violence) the WHOLE Steem community can come out and vote that down, report it, etc. If we all hide in our corners, perhaps inappropriate content would have more of a chance to flourish. Especially if a community is created that consists of people who support that content. Not sure... just a thought.
Sorry people keep coming at you. That sucks.
I think you are spot on in your assessment that communities will bring an end to the single room free for all we have been enduring for so long. Thanks for writing about your experience... it's super informative. Take heart, communities are coming! =)
Nice article and I have had the same feelings sometimes about trying to onboard my friends.
Steem is more than a blogging site, I have always said this and why I think people get confused about this.. "I thought this was about blogging...". With the tribes created via Steem engine, tribe owners can play around with the levers of policy, economics and enforcement etc at will. From my understanding with communities. Once you set all the protocols, they are set in stone. Unless you get witness consensus to incorporate changes at a HF.
On certain SCOT tribes one can get totally muted from the tribe. Even to the point if they vote with their stake. It is blocked. Extreme I know, but each tribe is it's own community in which they decide their own rules. They even respond collectively in certain issues.
Best part of tribes/communities will be the exponential growth in projects running on top of Steem. Steem will become the utility.
Tell some your friends, invest a couple of hundred bucks on a punt, it could go south but it returns like 15% or so a year interest in Steem with curating. What does your bank give?
Tell some friends you can tokenize pretty much anything and if you have a business that could be fun.
Tell some friends there a few games in which you own the digital gaming assets. Ones you can trade, swap with anyone, anywhere, anytime on Steem.
Every week there seem to be another aspect of the chain that comes to life. Each attracting a different set of users.
Your friends and more will be back eventually.
You bring up some valid points in the first part of your post.
I do not see walled off communities within Steemit as being the solution!
Many Communities will want to grow and allow people to interact with them so they can grow and receive support.
No we need to remove the offending power structure as it stands right now. Or this place is passing away. I predict troubled time ahead for the price of Steem.
Fine to come into community.. just be prepared to be booted if you dont play by their rules. Fair bananas.
Posted using Partiko Android
Maybe show them one of my posts next time.
In all honesty, I would!
Do it up!
..yes, these are the issues think and talk about..i also had situations where I didn’t want to talk about steem to friends and in moment they were interested and wanted to know everything about steem..by the way it never worked to go out to meet someone at all costs..neither to bet your last to win urgently..or having the best party..you should always go with this intention, but not beeing under pressure..another day I made an experiment: I tried to make people around me curious..especially when you see them often..every time you meet, play the one, who has and want to check the wallet and vok on steem..sometimes it worked, haha..
..communities could be a great thing..the challenge would be how to find the fitting community in the cosmos of steem..the other thing is that maybe there could grow a kind of elitist groups what in my opinion is not the spirit of steem..may i m wrong..
and another thing to encourage people to join is, and here I m sure, to make introductions offline, like meetings i.e...and to have shops and restaurants where steem are accepted..i will accept it soon in my shop..or a online market place could work..in a few words: making steem a known and practical way to pay..and the logo should appear most possible in the offline world..that’s what I m thinking about steem getting bigger...may the one or other thing could work..soo, great day all..steem on!..up..follow you..
This is the least fun time to talk to anybody about STEEM, so ironically it may actually be the best time to talk about it! I just haven’t been in the mood lately!
Posted using Partiko iOS
I have not had ANYTHING like your experience here, mainly as Ive kept head down and steembum up. It totally sucks that this is happening and sucked it happened in first place. It sucks your friends have only seen the downside. I love my @naturalmedicine bubble. I do threaten to slap people with nettles, but since thats not tokenised, it has little effect. When I come out of my bubble im mortified. A lot more than mute is needed. Moderation for sure.
Posted using Partiko Android
This hurts because it is true. But hopefully things are moving in the right direction now and communities will help (removing the on-boarding complexity nightmare is the other one). I think travelfeed are going in the right direction there ; you would not really know its even steem looking at https://travelfeed.io/ and they have light accounts.