Steemit: Survival tool for Africa? (Original Analysis & Thoughts)

in #steemit7 years ago

$1.2 per day - Many Africans earn less than this! Steemit to Rescue!!


(Image credit: Image 1, Image 2 and my analysis graph blended in a collage by me)



An article by @stellabelle prompted me to take a look at earning levels of Africans. Though I am fairly familiar with the socio-economic conditions in many African countries, what I learned, shocked me.

As per a report by World Bank, this is what the average earning situation looks like in Africa:




There are areas in Africa (and also some other parts of the world) with 10-50% of citizens making less than $1.2 per day! This is less than what we spend on a single fast food type meal! It is true that cost of living is not very high in most of these areas but the earning potential seems to be truly appalling. Perhaps it is a vicious cycle that involves lack of most infrastructure that can drive growth and such lack of growth, in turn, driving lack of investment for infrastructure. There is only one saving grace, in the form of internet connectivity.

Fortunately, the connectivity of internet appears to be satisfactory in critical areas of Africa (relevant for this analysis) as seen from an image in this article shown below:



Other areas, which do have connectivity problems may slowly get connected (perhaps through initiatives taken by able Steemians) as time passes.

Therefore, to raise the average earning capability and living standard in such areas, we can hypothesize an internet based solution like Steemit where any African can blog regularly to earn extra. This hypothesis has already been proposed by Senior Steemians. As I have observed, efforts are on to promote Steemit following in many countries in Africa. I too, am a proud member in the AfricaUnited community being supported by @donkeypong, @gavvet, @dragonslayer109, @jrcornel and others.

However, I also note that there are a lot of nay-sayers and doubting Thomas' out there, who question the ability of Steemians to earn consistently on Steemit platform.

Therefore, I believe that following questions need to be answered, with reference to CURRENT conditions, before the hypothesis can be considered as a practical solution.

  • How much is the earning potential for Steemians as of today?
  • How much time would it take for a Steemian to reach a certain level of earning per day?

None of us has a crystal ball to answer these questions for the future. However, we do have substantial data on the blockchain, which we can analyse to try and predict some trends.


With these thoughts and inspiration gained from the following articles, I decided to use SteemSQL database created by @arcange​:

I was a total novice to SQL but aided by the excellent articles mentioned above and a bit of internet based learning, I was able to query the SteemSQL database appropriately, to find following interesting results.



I analyzed pending post payout data for ALL the posts in 5 days (from August 3, 2017 to August 8, 2017) to find out the average payouts expected per post at various reputation levels. Initially, I extracted data to an Excel table as shown below.



I used the logic in this article by @digitalnotvir to calculate the simpler approximate reputation score so that it is easier for newcomers to understand.

Then I produced a pivot chart shown below to show Reputation level vs. average payout per post shown below:




As we can see from the chart - the payout increases exponentially as reputation rises on Steemit. I even plotted exponential trend lines (which can be seen in faint brown curving lines on the chart) and found them to be fitting surprisingly well. The whole chart surprisingly looks like a 'Tree of life' that gives more rewards as we climb higher. Don't you think so?

So what does this chart tell us?

  • Earning reputation on Steemit is a must. As we all know, engagement through producing quality posts (earning upvotes) and interaction with other authors through comments earn us reputation. The chart proves the fact that majority of Steemians are able to see their effort pay off (literally!!) as they engage more and more - Proving that this wonderful platform is indeed functioning as envisaged by the founding members @ned & @dan and others.

  • A dedicated Steemian can hope to start making $ 0.1-5 per post and progress up to $60-80 per post. Therefore, compared to the current earning potential of $1.2 per day, just one good post and engagement per day can help to earn up to 60 times more after a while !!

  • The chart only shows average earnings per post across more than 16000 posts per day by thousands of Steemians. There are high reputation Steemians who earn less than the average per post sometimes and there are lower reputation Steemians who earn even $1000 sometimes on a single post. Exceptional quality of content, just some plain luck in catching some whale love or pure sympathy sometimes, from Senior Steemians make exceptions possible. The exceptions always prove the rule.

    Note: The chart shows payouts per post normalized to a Steem price of USD 1.3234/Steem. As the price of Steem increases in future, the average earnings will go up more.




For an African who is struggling to survive, any solution that is presented should have a fair time line quoted along with it. For someone who has to worry about having food on the table tomorrow, a plan that has a promise of their uplift in 5-10 years may not be worth attempting. Therefore, I attempted to analyze data on SteemSQL for all Steemians (more than 2 million of them at the moment) to find out the following data on average time taken by Steemians to reach certain reputation levels:



As can be seen, it takes a certain average time to reach a level 40 (about 4 months on an average) and then the time starts increasing. This is not surprising since the reputation calculations are based on a Log10 scale. However, we can see that a lot of Steemians have achieved 70+ levels in a year. We need to bear in mind that Steemit is a beta level platform barely over a year old and has undergone many hard forks as well as some algorithm changes for reputation calculation. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this is how things are. However, judging by my own progress, I do believe that Steemit platform is working as intended and such timelines as displayed in the analytical chart above may hold good for majority of Steemians.

So, in conclusion - Per my analysis, (1) Steemit does perform as envisaged, (2) Steemit can help Africans (and citizens of other developing nations) earn up to $60-80 per day with honest efforts of one good quality post and dedicated engagement with other Steemians every day and (3) As things stand now, Steemians can expect to reach that level of average payout per post in about 12-14 months provided they put in dedicated effort

I would love to hear views and get guidance from all Steemians about my analysis and views.




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Excellent use of steemit data to make a compelling proposition.

Having spent a number of years in South Africa I can tell you that the internet is stable and widespread as indicated on the map above.

Given the opportunity, anyone from anywhere will work their socks off, if they see the opportunity to make some money.

There are millions of people all over the world including in the so called 'developed countries' who could be helped by engagement with steemit.

Good post upvoted 100% and resteemed as per your request.

Everyone should see your analysis.
There are millions starving and this data is equally valid to Europe and the America's.

First world poverty is just as common but not widely understood or reported on.
But it exists non the less.

@bitfairy - you made a very valid point about connectivity. As I said in my article, it is not perfect and as you rightly point put, many areas do not even have electricity. However, use of cell phones is providing internet connectivity at remote locations at an amazing pace. I have been to some remote areas where I could not even find basic amenities for miles but had perfect cell phone coverage !! Let us hope the connectivity increases with time. I am even hoping that Steemian initiatives will help provide connecivity too some day.
Thanks for your response. Will take a look at your work too when I finish my travel.

Penetration of cell phones was very fast in many African countries and they had the advantage of high speed wireless so didn't have to bother building hardwired infrastructure. Technologically they had second mover advantage. Saved them an absolute fortune.
There are many micro businesses doing good work with just a cell phone started up with just a micro loan. Steemit will take off in these countries as soon as people find out about it. As you say.

"I have been to some remote areas where I could not even find basic amenities for miles but had perfect cell phone coverage !!"

It's a bit like Coke in the 60's. You could go to the most remote place in Africa and find a coca cola fridge?

@molometer - Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and for your detailed response. We all need to be aware of the issues faced by fellow humans and try solutions. None of the solutions can be perfect but if tried sincerely, they will certainly make a difference. Am responding from my phone right now - will take a look at your work too la

Internet may be stable and widespread in some African countries, the rest still have to struggle with little or no power to use the internet. You have a point in Africa not been the only continent that needs help though. I love how data is used here to buttress the points. Awesome article.

This is absolutely incredible. Your analysis is spot on! I live in Lagos Nigeria and I will tell you what, steemit offers a great opportunity to not only earn but express one's self. I've only been here a couple of weeks and have experienced reasonable Sucess albeit with the support of the group through which I got introduced. I have decided to dedicate any spare time I can muster to this platform and hope to reach those lofty projections in your post soon enough. Thanks for sharing. Followed,upvoted and resteemed!

Hi @datageek! You have just received a 5.0 SBD tip from @lukestokes!

@tipU - send tips by writing tip! in the comment and get share in service profit :)
By upvoting this comment you support the service - thanks!

I love hearing from those who are on the ground, validating the data. Thanks for chiming in.

tip! 5

Thanks for the generous tip. I plan to keep going and getting better.

@datageek - Thank you so much for confirming the validity of my analysis by sharing your personal experience. I will take a look at your work too. Steem On!!

Hey ,, i need your help,
Why you not look my post,,
Pleaseeee
Look that
https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@niruko/hey-steemit-look-my-data-in-steemit-2017812t191820959z
Its my intro,, my friend say,, you has always vote everyone because you are superhero
@xaero

Hi @niruko

I will take a look at your post but may I provide some advice - It is always best to take a look at the blog and provide your thoughts and comments on the blog rather than just requesting me to look at your blog. Also - you may want to avoid cutting and pasting the @xaero part when you are putting the comment on someone else's blogs :)

Many of you see live-blogging from Steem Park in Brooklyn, New York also that @voronoi and @hansikhouse are developed and announced via @hitheryon. Is this a billboard type ad or is it the beginning of a true community in the heart of NYC? Communities can trigger sparks, sparks and a lot of hard work to cause hot pockets, and these hot pockets around the globe will bring the growth of the virus into the Steem ecosystem as more people share it with others

DISCLAIMER : This content is for informational, educational and research purposes only.
Please get the advice of a competent financial advisor before investing your money in any financial instrument.

I am sorry but I could not understand the relevance of your response to my post. Can you please explain? Thanks.

What a fantastic post! I am fascinated by Steemit's potential to change the lives of so many! Have you joined @teamsouthafrica? They also have a chat channel on Discord. I saw your post promoted by @therneau there :)

Thank you for your support @onetree. I am on the Steemit chat channel where @dragonslayer109 added me but am not aware of a discord channel. Would an invite be needed for joining that?

I have no idea...I will ask them to add you. I am pretty clueless when it comes to the chat stuff hahahaha

Thank you so much. I am very clueless on chat stuff and in General even about social media except Steemit.

Yes there is useful stastical data analysis you have provided me. There is need to reread the facts provided. The information provided is invaluable to me. Thanks for the researched work. You are solving an African poverty problem.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and for your kind words. I am only pointing out a potential solution. It is up to all of us on Steemit community to spread the message and make a difference.

For those computer literate and expects help us on how TO SERVE USEFUL POSTS.

Wow, excellent post. Very well done. I knew the reputation I've worked so hard to build was valuable, but I hadn't seen it in data like that.

What I find really interesting is thinking about how, if the price of STEEM continues to rise, the charts could look the same in the future but with more people and more value on each rung. Or, if the price of STEEM doesn't rise, it may just flatten out a bit. The question also remains as to whether or not it will be harder and harder to get noticed by SP holders in the future compared to how it was in the past. Will those who earn nice rewards continue to get the majority of the votes or will new accounts find their own niches and get the attention of Steem Power holders?

At the same time, those who are already well off have time to write, research, engage, build relationships, hang out in chat, etc. Those who are fighting for survival may not have reliable internet connections, power, or computers to use.

That said, tools like Steemit are certainly pushing us in the right direction, and I love how you've made this post data driven. If you ever have any questions about the SQL side of things, hit me up in steemit chat, and I'll help if I can. I love SQL. :)

Resteeming.

Thanks for sharing this, Luke, and for posting it @vm2904 . I probably never would have seen it otherwise. I have a good childhood friend who is working for Doctors Without Borders in the Democratic Republic of Congo right now (among a bunch of other jobs he has done in Africa in the past) and I have been trying to persuade him into getting onto Steemit as I think (as many others do) it can benefit the poorest of poor in the world. This post definitely helps show the stats in clear and plain sight. Emailing this to him this moment, thanks again for the great info!

@lukestokes - You bring up a very valid point that has been plaguing me. I, as a person with some time on hand and perhaps not in a 'daily survival' mode, can find time to produce posts and engage but how will those who do not have food to eat find time? Difficult to answer but suppose, given a choice, a member of such a family can stay back and spend time to blog and earn instead of carrying loads on his/her head all day, perhaps the family can end up earning more than those meager $1-2 per day?
About the point you bring up about it getting harder to get noticed - well i am sure it is not easy now but since I have personally been able to make a little progress (however small it is), I still believe that persistence pays off
In any case, since Steemit takes no other investment other than time and wit, I believe that this is a chance we must offer to the underprivileged by spreading the message to them.
I hate to be a bother but may I request your help in spreading this post far and wide (if you deem fit of course) to provide a practical, data based look to people who are willing to try Steemit.
I truly appreciate your offer of help for SQL. My training in my previous Avatar as an executive sometimes takes over and makes me data driven. In those moments of weakness, I go seeking data like crazy and SQL would certainly help :) I spent 4 days doing this analysis - not even bothering to post anything else and in spite of very spotty internet connections as I traveled. I will try to keep my cries for help about SQL limited but I do appreciate having a great support like you. Thanks again

I've already resteemed it, and I'll tweet it out and share it on Facebook as well. Really great work here. I've seen your approach to getting noticed and though it started a bit aggressive in the beginning, I think you do add real value to your comments and you are not afraid to ask. That's a good understand of reciprocity which has served you well, IMO.

tip! 5

A bit aggressive is an understatement. LOL. Was really zealous in the beginning. I am wiser now I think. I had never been on any social media so it has been a bit of a learning curve for me. I honestly appreciate the patience shown by you and other Steemians. I salute you all for that!

I have no bunghole!

Hi @vm2904! You have just received a 5.0 SBD tip from @lukestokes!

@tipU - send tips by writing tip! in the comment and get share in service profit :)
By upvoting this comment you support the service - thanks!

Thank you very much for your kind support.

I'm already noticing Africans and other third worlders on paid-to-post websites like Bitcointalk's signature campaigns, Postloop (for fiat), and btcinstantwin (a lot of Nigerian users).

Steemit has high earning potential, but people who are desperate for income to buy necessities may shy away from it as it does not have instant results. Perhaps an African-only curation guild to encourage new posters would help keep them on the platform.

Captcha filling jobs or cryptocurrency faucets could also provide supplemental income for those that have a language barrier or lack of proper education.

I agree with you, it's best to keep earning expectations in check when beginning on steemit , the rewards will come with hardwork and dedication. There are already curation trails helping authors. I know of @onequality which supports Nigerian posters,I have benefited a lot from this.

@fiserman - Thank you very much for your response. You make very good points. It is true that Steemit does not provide instant gratification. However, as far ad I know, other monetised blog systems too, do not pay much to newcomers unless they are already established bloggers.
I am happy to report that some Senior Steemians have already started an Initiative called AfricaUnited on Steemit to support African Steemians. I am regularly interacting with members ṭo provide support to the extent I can.

I am traveling now but will take a look at your work too. Thanks again.

very good research !!!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and for your kind encouragement