NEW IDEA FOR STEEMIT: Let's Open Our Own Bars!
I don't know about you but I feel like getting drunk after reading about the latest scam, the Steem market going down and the account known as @msgivings being written by the latest and greatest AI writing program. Robots making more money than talented human writers.......
All of this leads me to the realization, and with the fun conversation I had with @nanzo-scoop on chat today, that Steemit needs a VIRTUAL BAR. (Or perhaps I'd open a chocolate factory of pure imagination instead of a bar).
I feel that Steemit is a highly cerebral place, with intricate rules and ever-changing micro-threaded minutae. I love intellectually challenging topics and I am grateful that we can be learning so much new information from experts. I like the crypto topics and the highly technical stuff, but after a day on Steemit, I find myself wanting to decompress somewhere else. Why not create a decompression area within Steemit, that functions like a bar?
I want nothing more than to get access to a room where other Steemians are getting drunk, and gush my troubles to a bartender. And I'll just say, this VIRTUAL BAR will be modeled after the ones in Japan, where it's customary to buy your bartender a drink while you're drinking, too. Bartenders offer advice, listen to your f$&@ed up life stories and offer temporary solutions to complex situations. Good bartenders are skilled in communication and the listening arts. The hook with the bartender would be that there would be an actual human in there who would listen to your problems and offer advice. You wouldn't need to pay the bartender unless the bartender did a great job and you benefitted. But there would be no rules about paying the bartender. Some customers would tip nothing but others would tip handsomely. The poor would be served just like the rich. The rich would cover the costs of the poor for the most part. There would be no hard and fast rules about this though. Everything would work on a voluntary basis. If you were a bad bartender, you'd quickly realize it, and probably wouldn't continue doing it. Good bartenders would be valued and would quickly gain a reputation, and they'd have a badge which would indicate this standing.
So, how would a VIRTUAL BAR work in Steemit?
First of all, individuals could open up their own private bar. Nanzo-scoop said his bar would welcome anyone, while my bar would only be open to people with positive reputations. People would take turns being the bartender. And the bartender, if they were good, would get tips from the customers. Only people interested in being a bartender would be one. And a bartender could leave at any time. There would be times that no bartender was working. People coming to this bar would want a stress-free environment, so that would mean that upvoting content and comments wouldn't carry any monetary value.
The main activities at the bar would be meeting others, forming bonds, getting help from the bartender, buying virtual drinks for each other and getting drunk (happiness would be alcohol in this scenario).
Happiness levels would be created by all kinds of things, all of them would be social in nature. Also, happiness could be achieved by tipping the bartender for doing an outstanding job of offering advice and making happiness drinks. These drinks could have a value, too.
People would be free to post silly memes without the threat of flagging. And then there would be rooms with signs overhead that would say, "BLOCKCHAIN-FREE BITCHING ROOM" where people would go to vent stuff they normally would not say in public Steemit world. Nothing would be recorded in that room. They could complain and bitch about whatever was on their mind without the fear of someone flagging them or damaging their reputation. Basically though, anyone entering the Bitching room would not enter unless they too, had something to bitch about. Usually, the people drinking to excess would be the ones entering this room. (I see this room has having lots of issues, though, so maybe it's not a great idea).
Then there could be all kinds of various sub-rooms.
There would be a sober-up room, a place where people are calm. Then I am sure that sub-rooms in the bar would form all by themselves.
The idea for a bar came to me this morning as I visualized Steemit as a multi-level bar, with different floors. Each floor contained a different kind of music. Each floor has a distinct flavor, a distinct look and a distinct personality. Of course there would be a floor for Anarchists, a floor for The Originals, and you get the idea. I thought it would be a beautiful place full of diverse interests and unusual characters. Being an adventurous person myself, I would delight in being able to visit the different worlds that comprise different aspects of being human.
Now, how would the bar idea work in reality, in a virtual space?
Separate areas of Steemit would need to be designed. How would the visitors to my bar get their drink tickets? It would be really amazing if many different people created their own bars, then the bar wars would be on. What kind of bartenders would emerge? How many cool creations would be made? I suspect a lot.
Oh, while I'm discussing new ideas for Steemit, my suggestion for the founders moving forward is to have an Official Steemit bulletin area. That way, people know it's a post coming directly from the founders. It's also a good way to create more visibility moving forward.
What do you think of the bar idea? What could happen if different people on Steemit opened their own bar? Wouldn't it be fun to let off some Steem while sipping a Stoli?
Let me know what you think.
By the way, I am not actually advocating that people get drunk and go into the Steemit bar although I suspect many might. Some people could open coffee or tea shops instead of bars. I guess it would be nice to have a variety of places in which we can talk and discuss things inside of Steemit. Places that show a distinct personality, a kind of environment that is friendly or whatever. A relaxed, and fun environment. That's what I can envision.
Interesting I'm still trying to visualize what you mean by virtual bar...... we have a great bartender in the community @macksby who can fix up some unique cocktails... cheers.
Thanks @steemrollin :)) I haven't forgotten about your cocktail, either. Im just giving my liver a little break... When I start-up again, you are at the top of the list. And, of course @stellabelle is right there with you. I love the idea of a "virtual bar" and @stellabelle is right on point -- bartenders, the good ones (Ahem...) are first class listeners. I posted on the 2 year anniversary of Robin Williams death about 3-4 weeks ago and how I got a chance to 'shoot the shit' with such a brilliant comedian, but more than that a beautiful soul, who just needed someone to talk to who wouldn't judge him. So, Im in... If anyone wants to chat about this idea feel free to IM in chat and lets see where this goes...
Please take your time... and yeah you should do @stellabelle's first.
Yeah I'm sure you learn a lot about people just listening to people at a bar. Must have been fascinating to listen to Robin Williams... He probably wasn't always putting up a show so it would be interesting to know how he normally was. Anyways yeah think you'd be great fit to help tend a virtual bar!
wow, that is cool. I love the idea of a bartender because we all in STeemit trying to make money off our blogs. It's like we are all screaming for attention. Doing the complete opposite and having a designated place where people can go to just have someone listen to them for a while. What a concept! Then, the best part is that it can turn into a real job, with the best bartenders actually getting tipped for their ability! Well, and the fact that we don't have to destroy our livers either, because we would be drinking virtural alcohol, not the real stuff (at least in my case since I used to be an alcoholic!)
It's amazing what someone will tell their bartender @stellabelle. With Robin Williams, I witnessed a man that felt completely alone and desperately wanted a drink, even though he he it would be his downfall. So, instead of booze, we just chatted, all the while he sipped on a soda. And when I create the STELLABELLE cocktail I will make sure to make it a mocktail (no booze) so you can enjoy your namesake.
You want to be the first bartender? Let's chat and see how we could make this real....
I'd love to be the first bartender. And in bar speak, maybe the Head Bartender... I'll try and catch you in the chat room, in a bit. #excited
we need a developer to translate our insane dreams into reality. Do you have anyone in mind?
what do you want to drink? I guess I am a virtual bartender today!
Oh I see how this works.. I'll have an Anchor Steem. Thank you.
Thank you much! A morning pick-me-up... =P
Well, I don't think it has been done, but I'm sure in Second Life it was done. Just an area where people can just sort of decompress a bit
Sounds like a plan!!!
I'll have a "HarveyWall Banger" and a "Slow Comfortable Screw"!!!!
CHEERS
We could have drnk names like:
Bailey's and Steem, Harvey Steembangers, Steemgaritas, Steemapolitons
Steemstolis, Steem On The Rocks, Steem and Coke
ha ha!!!! I haven't been drunk in years, but I feel like getting drunk maybe in a virtual way....
"STEEMING DRUNK" again!!!
this is freaking me out!
What about the door staff??
Your names not down and you're not getting in!!
your second one is creepier than this! but you're my second MVP, so I have to upvote you.
What's a MVP?
OH hell! Even though I didn't get drunk yesterday, this is exactly what I was feeling like!
well, we've maxed out our comment thread, now what?
I'm Drinking
Lemonade On The Rocks!!
I want this cup sooooooo bad. Call it Octopussy & Rum.
the never-ending glass
Enjoyed all the great Beer Gifs so had to add my own ;) Cheers!
It's a truly absurd post! Steemit needs absurdity, mystery and ridiculousness at this stage of "the game".
I could use a nice, cold one. What do you have on tap? Is this the bar that never sleeps, serving all time zones?
I think it's global. It would never close!
It's never last call somewhere lol
🍻 to that!
This is a fantastic idea. However I think you've potentially laid down the framework or sparked the idea of a services economy within Steemit.
The bar is a great idea for blowing off Steem .. but what if we were to leverage that seperately to include ... proofreading services, how to improve posts and mentoring..
A small 1% fee would be burned for the good of Steemit as a whole.
Could be onto something :p
Set up a proofreading place! I am tired of reading and curating! It's time to get me a good bartender and just get drunk.
You could build out your idea, sure......I think I am just getting bored of the entire blogging thing.....I have this issue, that's why I've built like 5 businesses, and after 3 months, I lost interest! I'm a starter, not a finisher.
yes, but what do you want to drink? I'm giving free virtual drinks today.
Haha! I'll have a Belgian beer! :P
Sub-Steemits that have to be searched out, or in some way specifically and intentionally entered would be great. I'll drink with you :)
Thank you for your response to my post the other day. It was timely and helpful and I made an entire post to answer you :)
oh, what is the link? i have a terrible memory...everything just blurs together! mind-melting days.......that is why I need to go get a drink and then respond to my virtual bar post in an inebriated fashion!
Here you go, didn't want to spam your post. Your input very much appreciated though....
https://steemit.com/steemit/@clevecross/if-it-were-mine-to-change-my-answer-to-stellabella-and-why
yes, I read that. It's quite impressive.
It's not drinking alone if you Steemit.
ha ha!!!! Then someone can open up a Medicine shoppe selling Steemit hangover concoctions.....And maybe vendors selling food to the drunk patrons.. this is maybe insanity...
what do you want to drink right now?
Guinness! and shot of whiskey. Got a tooth ache! lol
I see this thread is already steemin'.... (and people are already drinking?)
'Gotta say, I Absolute LOVE this idea! =)
I would like to see a separate space with imagery from a bar to set the mood and perhaps even music (on/off provided, steemit radio?) Multiple chats open in the same window, a disco bulb, direct links to purchase food and perhaps even drinks with Steem/BTC, virtual or IRL. There could be a side section for drinkers to talk drinks, potheads to talk kush.
Hmmm... I guess this is turning more and more into a chatroom. Is there any way that we could make it feel more intimate and more like if we were all sitting in the same room?
I'm guessing a chat would be hard to keep up with during some hours. Could end up scrolling real fast.
Anyway, thanks for bringing this up and let's hope some developers join the conversation as well! =)
yeah, it's just a brainstorming idea, coming out of a need to decompress and have fun. I am not sure about the bar idea, but it would definitely be a reason for people to stay, I think
by the way, what do you want to drink? Today, I am serving free virtual drinks.
Oh I'm not mr fancy pants, I'd settle for a beer. Or a just some rum and coke (the liquid kind)
Ahh.... Nice. Sooo... do you run a tab?
Okok... Let me give you everything that's ...uh... in my pocket and we'll just call it square, right?
;)
There you go
I guess tabs would be made and then your wallet would be deducted. It would be a way for Steemit to stay alive, like an internal market.....Instead of cashing out our SBD, we could use them to buy drinks and have fun at our favorite bars! And there would of course be many bars to choose from....The bartherapist would be a real job with real paying customers.
Could certainly be one way. I guess I'm not quite there so far myself, moneywise. But sure. (could be a real cheap shack I guess)
@stellabelle
OMG, in my latest blog I just finished saying this place wasn't a cocktail bar.
Sorry didn't know you had this up while I was writing it.
No allusions to you were intended in the entire article. But this is hilarious!
Upvoting it!
I know right!!!! It just occurred to me today that the fun part of being here is being slowly but surely eroded and I am not sure why! Money can't bring everyone happiness, because happiness sometimes occurs as the result of something ludicrous and completely subconscious! Sometimes something weird happens by accident in life, and it has no rules whatsoever.....
I think that's how the best things work out.
No rules, just right!
well, maybe certain rooms without rules...........it would probably devolve into a dark webish place though........
@stellabelle
I hope you don't mind me leaving this here, but several of us have started this #nameinlights challenge.
I decided to make my first one about @beanz who is also a long time follower of yours.
Being an open bar right now, I just kind of hoped that would be cool with you.
https://steemit.com/nameinlights/@williambanks/beanz-this-is-your-nameinlights
Have a great day!
Of course! I ended up reading that today, and it's great! Yeah, she's a great human! thanks for writing that about her. I am now following her.
i cant see my earlier reply to you....
Uhh what earlier reply.. This one?
Here, this one's for you...

ha ha! I used to be an alcoholic! I think that is why i posted this. We could simulate a bar without destroying our livers! I think I used to drink to control my moods, solve problems, and find people to sleep with! But it actually never solved much of anything, only made my life worse. We could create a virtual bar where we get our problems solved without getting shitfaced.
You're preaching to the choir with that one. ;)

All I can think of is this occurring even with virtual alcohol!

Maybe there can just be a bar for the anti-social who want to participate in this sort of thing, one with soft padded walls!
Dude this gif made me laugh so hard. hahaha f'ing classic.
that is hilarious