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It's just like reddit but it needed an incentive to take off, and Steem (money) is achieving just that: promoting the platform, promoting good content.
The answer to your question: No, a lot of people wouldn't be here at this stage as if it weren't for the money they wouldn't have heard about it for at least 0.5-1 year from now when it would gain momentum. but YES is also an answer as in the long run people would start using Steemit just for what it is, a great platform for great content!

it is not yet a great platform,maybe because it is still in beta.but for sure,not yet a great platform.i hope it will be some day though