Well I didn't expect to see the phrase content marketing on Steemit!
Welcome sight though to be sure :)
Fact is, the old gatekeepers are not only a dying breed, they are downright offensive to modern consumers. Just think of the experience of buying a car via a dealership ... we physically and mentally dread it.
Content marketing is the future, but that is not to say advertising is no longer a thing, just dumb advertising :)