First of all, let me just say, TMI. Okay. TMI. :)
Second of all, if this wasn't meant to put me off getting involved on Discord or wherever, mission NOT accomplished. :) (That might be too many double negatives.)
Actually, I have to admire you for walking everyone through that part of your life. Addictions (or whatever you we're calling it) of any kind or degree is hard to admit let alone discuss, so good on ya for that.
I feel, though, that the more that goes on off platform, the less we make Steemit Inc work. Or better said, the more we let them off the hook. The more people come up with their own workarounds, the less Steemit, the app, is useful.
If the meaningful relationships and commentary is taking place offsite, then Steemit becomes less about community and engagement and more about trying to make a buck, just like the cynics say.
There's simply no reason why Steemit couldn't have embedded live chat. There's no reason why there couldn't be statistical information. The only reason there's not is because it's not a priority, and there's no reason to make it one.
End. Of. Rant. :)
I agree with you here for the most part.
Integrating chat could be interesting. Including video and the ability to reward, very interested in that!