Well, not really I don't think. They've definitely got the "first mover advantage," but I guess you're right in a way since the chain's code is MIT open-sourced.
As for the platform itself, yeah for sure someone could come and try to do this better, but that wouldn't really be threatening to any of us since the base token would still be Steem unless they forked and launched a different chain.
But yeah, the whole idea I feel like is to unleash open source tech into the world for the greater good, putting the the ability to improve the codebase in the hands of anyone with the will to take a stab at it. Pretty awesome!
I agree. I do think it's pretty awesome with this whole concept, and especially for the fact that our platform's founder is the cause of all the 'world-class' innovations, that's already a great title to hold.
My only concern (Pondering in my head everyday lately) is that my time here could possibly be going to waste. I am threatened by the thought of something outdoing Steemit, and everything here 'falling to shit'.
If that happens, all our followers, SP, reputation, etc. goes for nothing. I have heard (from little birdies) that the problem with Steemit is that it is limited from mass-adoption because of the cost per user. Apparently that is why there is the initial approval phase, as it costs something like 50 cents to host each user to the blockchain. If that is true, then how does the longevity of the platform look like?
Regardless of all the technical stuff, I have put my faith in this community. I know for an undoubtful fact that this is one of the best communities out there. It holds a unique presence, and for that, I don't care about any obstacle we may face, because I have faith in the dev team that they can overcome anything.
Just a piece of my mind :) How you doing by the way?
Ahh, I don't think that we have anything to worry about, personally! Steemit Inc. has quite a lot of funding tot sustain itself and a lot of incentive to do so. If you haven't read this, do it! https://steemit.com/steemit/@steemitblog/proposing-hardfork-0-20-0-velocity
I'm doing good, though. Just getting back in the groove of things, been sick the past bit and just got back from the Nexus Conference in Aspen, CO. Getting some cool stuff together that we'll potentially be announcing soon for @agoric.systems :-). How about yourself?
Thank you for the confidence boost. It's really nice to hear that. It can be tough having these thoughts in the back of my head, and being able to do my best here. So do you think we can reach 1 million.. 10 million.. 100 million.. 1 billion users?
Reason I am asking is I have been very alert with the social media platforms around the internet for the past year. I got a little depressed a few times knowing that I had missed so many gold-rushes. I always wish I could started YouTube and taken it very seriously back in 2009, because those people all have millions of subscribers.
My thing is, I need to know if Steemit can reach those numbers. I need that to tell that voice in my head to shut up :D But I also don't want to lie to myself.
Does what I am saying make sense to you? :) Sorry for the rant haha
I am doing absolutely fantastic thanks. If I get a good reply from this, I will feel even better.
Oh, and.. PS. I took your opinion into consideration. I had faith in my post-parts, so I stuck things through, but I also understand your point of it looking like it was lazy. So I give each part now it's own attention, and I make them a lot more in-depth.
With SMTs implemented Steem can reach over 1 billion of people in a few years.
5-10 years from now, maybe even less.
Thanks for your response. My question for you then is, how do you know this?
How will SMTs allow a billion users? How will the use of a media token supplement the running (or hosting) cost of a user? The thing is, if it costs even 50 cents to approve a user, that would equate to $500 million to host 1 billion users.. My curiosity is taking me over :D
Let me know your thoughts, and why you think so.
The "cost" of user creation is actually nearly nothing, fees currently charged for it are a spam reduction mechanism. Ease of account creation is being addressed in the next hard fork.
As for how SMTs will reach a billion users, consider this. Currently only users of steemit.com and a few other sites have access to steem blockchain, while with SMTs anyone can create a custom token, do an ICO and integrate into their business. Users of that token may never need to go to steemit.com at all.
Basically SMTs allow people to take Steem blockchain with them to whatever they are doing instead of having to come to steemit.com to use it.
Steem blockchain will now come to them and become integrated into websites and businesses they already interact with.
There is hardly a chance for a billion steemit.com users, (who needs another facebook?), there is a good chance for a billion+ steem blockchain users because they will use it with sites, programs, games, businesses, .. whatever, in the form of SMTs.