&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are new to Steem you might not be aware of <a href="https://steemit.com/steemit-guides/@pfunk/a-full-steemit-user-s-guide-to-steem-witnesses">Witnesses</a>, but if you stick around long enough, acquiring the knowledge on what they do, and how important their job is to the health of the block chain is essential.  I was one of those lucky Steemians who find the Open Mic family early on, their continued support and  contagious positive attitude helped me not only revive the creative side that was dormant, but also fall in love with the possibilities that Steem has to offer for original music.

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<h1>How many musicians participate of the Open Mic today?</h1>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The longest, and arguably most succesful contest on the blockchain has broken a few records. Only a week ago for the first time we had over <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@verbal-d/what-steemit-open-mic-has-153-entries-this-week-my-jaw-just-dropped-as-a-judge-original-blog">153 Participants</a>, and that is no small feat my friends. For over a year now Steemit's Open Mic has rewarded musicians who participate of it with enough Steem to make the most altruistic person, feel overwhelmed.

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<h1>How can  you help, you ask?</h1>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's actually quite simple, all you need to do is go to the <a href="https://steemit.com/~witnesses">Steemit Witness Page</a> and cast your vote for @pfunk, its super fast, painless and absolutely no cost to you, not even in your current voting power. I'm sure its quite easy to understand why it's important for the Open Mic to not lose @pfunk 's support, but at the same time it's also important that we as Steemians understand the importance of voting for witnesses, since they are the ones who front many of the projects that have improved this platform.

<h1>If you are part of the  OpenMic Family</h1>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I'm sure it wont take much convincing to click on the <a href="https://steemit.com/~witnesses">Witness Page</a> and cast your vote for @pfunk, but if you are not, let me tell you why you should care.

* The open mic is probably the best user retention mechanism for musical Steemians, and retaining users is key for our long term success
* The open mic is a shinning example of camaraderie, support and respect for this platform.
* The open mic is currently working on different projects for 2018, including giving away studio recording packages for songwriters.
* The open mic has the consistency of a sun clock and has never failed a single week since it's inception.
* The open mic is ran by some of the most loved and respected Steemians of the community.
* The open mic has probably brought the most original content of any other competition on Steem.


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have read this far, thank you for stopping by, thank you for caring about Steem, and on behalf of the open mic family, thank you for supporting us.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you would like to learn about Steemit's Top Witnesses, and all that they do for this platform, check out Steemit's very own Librarian (as I call him) @lexiconical, he compiled <a href="https://steemit.com/witness-category/@lexiconical/meet-the-top-50-witnesses-in-order-recap-links-bookmark-me"> the most complete list</a>  on them, I owe most of what I've learned about Steemit's inner workings through his blog. 

Much love

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