So, my name is Jerry E Smith, JTFried was a nickname I got while in the military (long but interesting story, I may share that later 😜)
I have been a LONG time user of the FaceCrap social network, I have watched it change over the years, always more stupidity, and now pointless censorship. If it were not for many friends and family, who without FB I would not have contact with, I would be long gone from there.
I joined the Blockchain in 2017, but first I was on a now defunct, NON Blockchain platform called Tsū which was great, much better than FB, and you were PAID for posting original content, but there was a "bank limit" of at least $100 before you could withdraw or get a pay out.
(the above image is not original, but was created by someone on Tsu for our use)
For 18 months, I plied my way, posting and sharing and commenting and getting upvotes so that I was within $15 of being able to cash out, when overnight, without warning, the platform folded and disappeared, along with my "funny money"
I felt seriously betrayed. That platform came back, may still be up and running for all I know, but only as a MOBILE platform.
I may CHECK IN to things on my phone, but I don't DO anything from my phone.
In 2017, someone from Tsu turned me on to another, NEW platform where you got paid for posting, Steemit.
Now there was a learning curve. But I learned fairly well how to use "Markdown Style" coding, to Center text, and also to make my text Bold, Italic or Both, all of which was and still is the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to blogging if you ask me.
Early in 2020, Steemit, but business, was bought by a S Korean Billionaire, who although promising to keep things as they were (he lied) proceeded to make big changes. Many of us voted for our Witnesses as opposed to his Sock Puppets, and "Hardforked" away from the Steemit blockchain, creating the HIVE blockchain.
Since joining the blockchain in 2017, I have cashed out 3 times, getting a total of around $1200 USD.
But there are serious limitations still, I guess in every platform this is true.
BACKGROUND
I am a 66 yr old semi retired Musician, I've played piano since age 11, guitar since age 15.
In December 2020, I bought a house, an 80 yr old farmhouse.
My lot contains 1.6 acres, more than half of which at the back is pure out woods
I have 3 bedrooms, two baths, there are four outbuildings,
one of which was built by a previous owner as a place for his band to practice (more like party and jam) their motto was:
"We may not be good, but we're LOUD" 🤣
This was one of the prime reasons I chose this property. It gives me a place to work on music. BUT, due to covid, my music business has practically dried up.
I have busted my butt since then, making repairs, cleaning up years of neglect in the yard, invested a TON of money in all this, but this is MY HOME now, so I'm making it really mine.
I hope you've enjoyed my stroll through history, while I:
SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVES
I am
Jerry E Smith
