I won't post links but there is a post here, on steemit.com, that encourage people to upvote it for the chance of winning an "iPhone". Author says that it's "win-win" for both - him and those who upvote. But I strongly believe that this is will be "epic fail" for this young, but fast growing community.
Just imagine a day when you open steemit main page and you'll see nothing but posts like that. Is that what we want for steemit?
It would be cool if you could give a reason for the upvote like on slashdot:. Funny,insightful ...
That right there is exactly why Steemit was created. It gives the power to the people. The same people that made a make up tutorial blow up could be the same people that would make that blow up but the people will ultimately decide on it. Will it work for that poster, umm maybe but personally I doubt it but just think if I doubt at least a good majority will too so its the risk he will take. Can't knock him for trying.
We actually can. There is a rule in TOS:
Encouraging people to upvote for some reward which will be granted to the random picked user - isn't it gambling? :)