There is a difference between incentives being introduced by individuals to encourage participation and the gamification system-wide. Right now there is some system-wide to a degree; followers, posts and reputation. It's lowkey and members can either take notice or not.
the minnow badge is something I can take part in or ignore. Nothing wrong with that. As for the verification badge.. that stems from the attitude on the system that one needs to prove they are real. The badge is preferable to the silliness of a picture of myself holding a Steem logo.
Thanks for your perspective, @shadowspub. I'm not much for a selfie of me holding a Steem logo, either, lol. Some folks are pretty creative with it, though. It is interesting to see all the different ways folks try to encourage participation.
yes it is very interesting... i think Steemit is going to go up up up in participation
That's the spirit! Your rambles help people find posts worth staying for, too.
thank you ... I'm just working on one now. Hope to have out later today