I really like this idea. @smooth is a very innovative whale and wisely gives voting power to multiple users.
I've benefited as much from his comments as I have from his upvotes (both are always appreciated). You know if you have made a post that @smooth upvotes that you most likely have taken your blog in the correction many people wish steemit to continue towards.
I think whale votes are sometimes double edged swords.
For some it is a big motivation to receive a whale vote on a comment and pushes them to write continuously valuable posts and comments. But for others sometimes getting a whale upvote on their #introduceyourself post gives them the feeling that everything will be smooth sailing (pun intended @smooth). Not getting a whale to vote on a second article that a user has spent a lot of time on may make them bitter and start to badmouth steemit.
A lot depends on the outlook of the user and whether the see a way to make a quick buck or a valuable long-term investment.
I think generally @smooth is spot on with decisions he makes and would definitely be interested in seeing what comes of this.
@bendjmiller222 Some great points. Especially the 'double edged sword'. Many user have experienced that, and it's a problem (IMO) that some users got their first whale up-vote too easy and didn't have to earn it, which might cause the frustrated 'self entitlement' outbursts we have been seen.
However I have noticed the introduce yourself posts beginning to wane to popularity, which overall I think is a good thing..
I think the really creative one's should generate a lot of money because that is what I want steemit to be about, but you are right, not everyone deserves to have a large payout on the introduceyourself post, but there should be people monitoring the feed for new talent. I have a friend who is putting together a really creative one that I think will really change her life along with adding value here.
Send it to me when it is posted :)