I really like how you "coined" that. (pun intended lol.)

> We are not all asleep, but are all at different levels of 'drowsiness'

never thought of it quite like this but this is so spot on. Thank you @ironshield

And, this line of question and answer really jumps out at  me:

> Q.  But what is Wealth?

> A. Being "content" with what you have.

Got it. Well said.  I found it kind of amusing to look at the word "content" and how it can be phonetically pronounced differently with much variance in the meaning.  This little exploration - ironically enough, expanded my insight on the value of the Steem Blockchain and our role as "Content" Creators.

Profound stuff as always @ironshield

Thank You

I can relate to the discomforts of getting started - understanding what to do.  Reminds me of when I first got into bitcoin - it was like : "these wallets are so complicated...isn't there a more simple way to get bitcoin?".  Then same thing with ethereum - "isn't there a more easy to use wallet...isn't there one I can have both my bitcoin and my ethereum in. " Then the same thing with alt coins.  "Isn't there an easier way for me to get the coins I want then having to go on these exchanges and play buy or sell orders in the order book. "

What I've learned is this:

> Anything new is a process and each day is new. With this in mind - it's 24/7 learning and it's a simple matter of taking the time to read and being honest with myself when something isn't clear.  In doing this I create clarity by asking questions...investigating further anytime something isn't clear...in this way I am always working and playing on fine tuning the living of my best life.

Steem on Brother - appreciate you sharing here

> is paying people to converse a 'real' conversation?

It can be.  it depends on the people conversing. It always depends upon the participants. Money can be an organized incentive to create a dialog on a particular topic.   Encouraging public participation with incentives is a stepping stone to exploring the possibilities. Think: Creative Collaboration.  It's a way to create traction and stimulate movement.  Anything we participate in is a form of "work"...by "paying" for participation/work/conversation - There's a point of regard for all who are willing to participate.

> And how is pay-for play a step towards transcending money

There's multiple points here. 

1. Community Building.  Example - Incentivized participation.  A community is only ever as strong as it's participants. In order to have time to participate - funds are needed...by structuring/incentivizing participation - people are able to participate where they would like to participate.  If you are not interested in "having a real conversation - sharing for real" than the incentive based support structure isn't for you.  The idea here is that many communities are forming with this model where all participations within the group are of an added benefit to the entirety of the ecosystem.

2. Pay for Play:  Understood correctly there is a real balance here as the statement equally means: "Play for Pay".  Example:  Making a play to participate in discussion on my post here was a real effort/work you put forth. I appreciate such giving's and thus I will reciprocate with a giving which we can call a "pay".

3. Awareness of Money : By exploring in the creation and participation of alternative ways in which we can distribute money - there's an overall awareness and collective education that takes place. This happens over time as the point is constantly pulsed.  Through participation and repetition over time - we learn.  Through a process of time and space with playing/working with the various ways in which we  structure our movements/participations/money it becomes possible for human expansion.  I regard transcending money as a point of human expansion.  I see it as an education process.  The best education is balanced play work.

Thanks for your questions - this is exactly what I'm after - and what I mean by real conversation.  If anything is unclear or you would like me to elaborate - please ask.

One last point of regard here. About, "Real Conversation" - I realize it's a learning curve.  I realize it's been a real process for me to open up and go deep within having/sharing really meaningful conversations.  So I understand that it's possible for 'real conversations' to be a challenging thing of sorts.  I am willing to walk with people and support the opening up of "real conversation".  It's possible that what we define as "real conversation" is a varied response.  In regarding the possibility of what is "real conversation" to be a varied response - I accept that everyone is at a different point in the process of transcending money and thus what is a "real conversation" will be at different levels of depth here.  

If you observe the comments on this post - you can see varied levels of depth in what it means to have a 'real conversation'.

100% agree with you @leoumesh

* it's cool to connect with you here!