I predict that in the future there will be many alternative apps running on the network which allow for these types which all have a different feel. I am (VERY slowly) trying to work on a micro-blogging twitter-style app that will also run on Steem. Essentially, it works by storing every 'tweet' as a comment on a root post that is posted by the app's Steemit account. This allows users to tweet every 20 seconds (since they are stored as comments on the network), it doesn't affect the blogging rewards (it does not count towards your 4 posts/per in the new rewards system), and it allows you to post your main content on Steemit (which your bots will still pick up) while posting other small messages continuously whenever (which bots probably won't pick up, because they're stored as comments).
I posted a little about this strategy here: https://steemit.com/steem/@trogdor/designing-steem-apps-for-efficiency-and-profit, but it didn't really get any attention. I think this is how future apps can quickly be implemented without using side chains.
I love it! Just upvoted, for what it's worth. I think many around here respond to delivered apps, not just ideas about apps. I hope you put that together as it sounds really interesting.
Hey, check out @bacchist's comment below where he links out to this. Seems some people are making this happen.
lol thanks, also #sadface. lol I am ALWAYS late to the party :p