Steemit, Blurt, and Hive - oh my!

I've been active in the #Steemit community for 3 years now, so I am quite familiar with all the features, processes and pros and cons. Recently I've noticed how much engaged has dwindled in the community. Where once posts where a place of engagement, comments, questions and interaction - now posts seems to only collect automated messages from bots.

In an effort to see what else is out there, I started reading some articles (posted below) and scouring the internet for other options. I was told #Steemians ventured elsewhere to Hive and Blurt. I also read a blog comparing the three in terms of engagement and token value. Not that I - or anyone - needs yet ANOTHER social media platform, but I felt compelled to branch out and explore in search of seeking that once incredible engagement Steemit used to provide. I signed up for #Blurt today. My first perception is that it's an exact replica of Steemit but with new branding. Here is my review:

1. Finicky User Experience: The UX is O.K - it seems a little more finicky than Steemit. For example - I cannot scroll down to search or click "more" tags to find and sort the ones I want. It may just be a problem I'm having, but it certainly does not happen on Steemit.

2. Pay to play: Blurt charges you a $3 fee - payable via credit card, #paypal or #crypto to even create an account. Usually I would never pay to play for something that seemingly offers me the same features as something free (Steemit cost me nothing and I have have a wallet of over $700USD). But I bit the bullet and signed up anyway. Only to find out ...there are more fees ahead.

3. Pay to play continued: Blurt charges you blurt for just about everything it seems - posting, engaging with others by making comments, etc. I have no idea how much its costing , but I imagine if youre trying to build engagement you will most likely run out of the Blurt automatically given to you when you start your account. From first glance, it seems I will run out before I will accumulate more. This may be false, but right now I see it as a bottleneck and discouraging set up.

4. I created my first post and received server issue notifications continuously - even after switching internet/wifi connections and changing to a hotspot as well. Nothing seemed to work. I tried my hand at posting regardless and the image did not show up. Also, it costs to make edits to your post. This is a super failure because a user shouldn't be charged when the platform connection seems to be inferior (I posted from Steemit and had no problem uploading a photo from the same connection). Again, super poor user and customer experience (because I paid for this instead of buying a chai latte today;p).

Would love to hear others opinions on #Blurt vs #Hive vs #Steemit , and any other blockchain social platforms you're using (#bitclout anyone?).

Also find me on Blurt at @breannafaye

https://cryptosorted.info/blurt-blockchain-review-a-steem-hard-fork-and-social-blockchain-based-blogging-platform/