Today I got my 1000th follower. I am pleased, of course, but I am also fully aware of the responsibilities that such a number entails.

To have more than 1000 followers means even more that every post I make has to be an interesting, good post. There is no obligation to do this, but it is an obligation I personally feel.

I feel also, more than before, the obligation to help newbies to get a start on Steemit. I met a lot of newbies until now and there are some lessons I can learn them I think. (I am afraid, that I not only was a teacher once but will stay a teacher for the rest of my life).

It is only to help you to get better, I don't want to offend you in any way or make 'smart remarks' or whatever. But:

to get better you have to invest before you can grow.

There are some remarks I can make to help you.

Lesson no. 1:

There are many newbies from countries such as my own country (the Netherlands), where English is a foreign language. In the Netherlands, English is a mandatory course at school, but many Dutch people speak what we call 'Steenkolen Engels'. that is English without the use of good English grammar and a very limited vocabulary or even wrong word use.

Of course, I am also guilty. My English is not bad, but it is far from perfect. But every day I try to get better and learn by using a good translator and a dictionary where necessary and reading messages written by native speakers.

So, my first lesson for beginners is to learn to write 'real' English if English is not your first language. Why? Sometimes I receive comments that I do not understand at all or that are written so badly that it is difficult to understand.

I know that it is not easy for everyone to learn English well. But either you have to write in your own language (which is fine) or learn the English language better because otherwise, you will never get full attention to your writings, however great they may be.

Lesson no. 2:

Create posts that are really interesting to read. Every topic can be interesting, but you have to pay a lot of attention to a post. Do not create posts with a promising title and no real content.

It is a very simple rule, but not always followed to say it mildly. I looked at some posts and I thought: 'what is he talking about'? There is nothing really in it.

Do not expect to have any votes on that type of posts. You will never grow if you keep posting like that. Most of us spend hours writing a post or making a video. It is not only making the post but also doing research, finding the right photos or quotes etc.

Lesson no. 3:

If you write a comment, make a comment that:

1. actually says something about the post you are commenting on. " Very nic posts", is not good and not enough;

2. never ask for an upvote for yourself or vote on your own comment. Never say: "I follow you, you follow me". Such a demand only will make people angry and they will certainly not follow you;

3. write a comment in your own words, do not copy/paste a comment from somebody else. When you do that, you will or can be flagged and it is also certainly not what we call 'good behavior'.

I think this is enough to start with.

I respect newbies and I know it is difficult in the beginning. It will be so much easier if you know and follow the written and unwritten rules we have on Steemit.

Steemit FAQ

If you want to know more, look under the three small lines in the upper right corner of your page. If you click on those three lines you see the letters FAQ. When you click on those letters you see a lot of information, read the information and you will be so much wiser than before.

I thank my 1000 followers. I like to write, but it is also very nice if there are people on Steemit who actually take the time to read what I write and give a comment.

I wish all the newbies good luck in improving themselves and I wish them success on Steemit!

I wish you all a nice day,
Clio