I know, I know! I have been on Steemit for just 18 days, so what do I know about success? How do I define success?
The definition of success is going to be unique to each user; for some it is the ability to make a lot of money; for others it is the ability to gain lots of followers; for some it is having their voice heard; for some it is the ability to make a difference in the world, and for others yet, it may be the sheer pleasure of creating!
However you define success, I have come up with the following 3 tips:
- Be original! Don't copy and paste text from the web. This is true for everyone, but especially so if your first language is not English, and your comments are in less than perfect English and you post a brilliant blog using all kinds of technical terms that even those of us whose native language is English can't understand! Steemit does have a bot that searches and finds copied material, but those who interact with you will become suspicious when they read your brilliant blog. Be true to yourself. In the long-run it will pay off, and you will have a clear conscience!
What harm does it do?Anyone doing a Google search will find your content along with the original writer's blog or article, and may not know who the true source of the material is! Does that seem fair to you? I hope not! It also harms yourself, because when others find out you have plagiarized, they are going to be less likely to Follow you and to Upvote your posts. In the long-term you will lose.
You also may find yourself fighting a violation of copyright claim if the original writer finds out that you have copied his or her work! Are you really such a risk taker that you are willing to take that chance?
- Be original! Don't copy and paste images from the web! By far the best thing to do is use your own photographs to illustrate a point, but failing that, go to a reputable free image site to find what you are looking for. (When you find it, make sure the image is not a stock image or from someone's private collection, though! Those sites are not infallible, and it is up to you to trace the true source of an image.)
What harm does it do if you copy an image that you never would have paid for anyway, so you say you are not affecting the photographer's income by doing so? Really? Here's what most people who use images illegally do not understand when they make that argument! When a company finds a stock image that it wants to use, it may first do a search on the web to find out where that image is being used. If dozens of people are using it illegally all over the web, that company may not purchase the license for that perfect image after all! They may want something more original. The result? Lost income for the photographer – simply because it is a great shot that everyone must have for free!
And of course, you may find yourself in trouble with copyright law like the blogger who had to pay $7,500 for an image of a pepper!
Don't think it can happen to you? Read about it from Chrystie firsthand here and from Lori here
Even if you provide a link to the original image and give credit to the photographer too, you are in violation of current copyright laws if you are using a stock photograph, or any other copyrighted photograph, without authorization! Why even take the risk?
- Be original! Did I mention Be original? You have heard the story no doubt about the Turtle And The Hare. Although the hare was fast, he was arrogant and just knew he was going to win, so he took time out and rested, but he fell asleep and was overtaken by the turtle who just plodded on to victory.
It may be very tempting to be like the hare by cutting corners and using the content of others in order to gain immediate success and lots of followers. But what happens when Steemit's bot finds out that you are plagiarizing content, or you are reported for plagiarizing images? The income for your wonderful post is now reduced to zero, and you watch as the plodding turtles overtake you.
The image was photographed with my old Canon EOS 5D and the EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens.
It was photographed in the studio with studio strobes.
Camera settings: 11/80 sec; f/11; ISO 100
Image © Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks to @tarazkp for triggering something in my brain that helped produce this post! I remembered this stock photo I had produced, and the blog post followed!
Thanks for taking the time to read this! I appreciate it.
To find my photography and designs on Steemit, please search on #dianemacphoto.