Great points. Makes sense regarding censorship. And that is quite a refreshing take to be certain. In the work I do we're always having to be cautious on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook in particular due to increasingly strict guidelines. As a result it takes some of the authenticity out of what we do. And I do hate that. You have me thinking there.
As for messenger functionality. YES!!! Using Steemit.chat right now but man... it's just not the same as staying on this platform. I'd love to see something like that. And I think that's the point is to make Steemit easier to use and for it to contain features that have become standard practice. It will happen overtime, I'm confident about that. But, since it is being bootsrapped, as you pointed out, the process can be a little more drawn out. And perhaps that's actually a good thing so the kinks can be ironed out first.
As for the "get rich" aspect you've been here far far longer than I have so this is a good history lesson. A spur of new active users which drop off rather quickly. I'm guessing the latest movement may have come with the rise in the value of STEEM from mere cents to dollars within a couple months. Let's see where it goes, BUT the core reason why I'm so positive about Steemit and STEEM is there is an actual community here using a functional product that works.
As someone who is a fan of the entire crypto space, this is proof that blockchain technology and decenrtalized services make sense and can thrive. Just so fascinating on that front.
Anyway I won't go off on a tangent anymore here. Thank you so much for your thoughts on the matter. Really helped me to see another angle to what is bringing people into the community. :)
Oh without a doubt. That's the whole reason I'm still here. I believed in Steemit when I first came here, and I still believe in it now. You're absolutely right: it's a proof of concept that blockchains aren't just ledgers for numbers. They can be so much more, and the community that has taken root and continued to steadily grow is nothing short of fantastic. Take a look around at any of the creative spaces and you'll find dozens of niches each with their own established cast of characters. Be it @winstonwolfe in photography, @alexbeyman in science and scifi, or @jedau in literature, there's something for everyone here, and there is so much room to grow and so much help for people coming in.
I love it. I wish I had a way to really sell that sense of community, but I'm sure we'll all figure something out. In the meantime, we need a in-platform messenger lol
I can feel your passion through your writing. And I think that's a big part why I've actually decided to devote time Steemit. I usually care less about social media unless it has something to do with my businesses. But, here, it's entirely about being a part of a growth story and enjoying a very forward thinking community.
Thanks for pointing out these accounts. I'll be checking them out. Wish there was an easier form of discovery instead of just the "Trending" and "Hot". Specifically wish Search worked far better to find relevant content and profiles. But this is all part of the progress the platform will make.
And yes... let's get that messenger! :)