Ehmmm.... I think people get a little wrapped up in what they "make" and "don't make." And what they "lost."
I used to have this argument with people and BTC last year. "OMG, BTC went from $13K to $11K, I lost ______!"
No you didn't.
You bought BTC at $800. All you currently have is an unrealized gain. And some BTC in which your basis is $800 per token.
Most people on Steemit — unless you actually invested and put "skin in the game" — have a zero basis in their holdings. They paid nothing for them. Zero. Zip. Nada.
As for investing? I'm with you. Investing means you buy and asset and hang onto it in the long run, with an eye towards making a gain. Here in the US, capital gains taxes apply to an asset held for more than a year. Everything else (short term trading) is subject to a much higher tax rate as "current income." All that short term trading? Really not investing, in my opinion, more like gambling or speculating.
Now you speaking my language... I've bought Steem, maybe in total close to 3k of Steem.. close. Compared to other investors its nothing. But im here for the long term. Hence why the red markets don't rob me from the smiles.