THE MAIN PROBLEM
So I've been explaining how Steemit works to a couple of friends and basically they don't exactly get it.
Like most people, the first question they asked me was "Where does the money come and who generates it?".
At first, I explained them how Bitcoin mining works and then proceeded to analyze the reasons why Steemit's way of generating it's currency is superior to that.
Then things started becoming confusing.
For unknown(?) reasons people (especially people who aren't familiar with technology) have trouble understanding things like what a blockchain is or what mining is.
Steemit's biggest problem is how people perceive it.
I realised it when I noticed that some friends of mine (two of which study IT) couldn't understand how the system works even after I explained it to them, however they had a genuine interest and they read the whitepaper (which you can read here).
Things didn't become clear for them even after reading the whitepaper.
Attracting new users to Steemit can be a challenge and if those users aren't familiar with computers and technology I cannot imagine them using the website and having positive results.
If I was to be asked what the main problem of Steemit is, I'd say promotion and explanation.
The solution will sound simple.
Discovering the easiest way to explain to users how Steem Dollars are generated without going into the hassle of comparing Steemit's system to others like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
WHY STEEMIT CAN'T BE A SCAM
I love blogging and I don't see a reason not to continue doing it in such a friendly environment such as Steemit.
Unfortunately, a lot of people join Steemit because they heard that there is 'money' on the line.
This attitude is wrong and in the end they don't earn anything and they hate on the system.
Luckily, Steemit has a place for people who don't want to blog but still invest on the idea and making money in the long run, its called mining Steem.
Think of it like getting a job.
Those who are interested in expanding their passion and in the long run make some money can do so by getting a degree and then a good steady job.
Those who just want to make some money can find a job like working on a warehouse lifting crates or being a lumberjack etc.
Now imagine the second group trying to work just to make some money on the job that the first group is supposed to be working. Wouldn't work eh?
Can you imagine somebody who just wants to make quick money trying to make a living creating and selling bad paintings or creating music without ever trying to study?
Of course they won't make money!
Usage of Steemit's hashtag on Twitter
If you're someone that loves blogging then you should put a lot of time doing it on Steemit.
The community is great, friendly and incredibly supporting!
I've found watching heaps of different videos about all of the above really helpful. Because everybody explains things differently so if you're searching for the answers you're bound to find someone that tells it in a way you understand.
But yes, it's such a crazy concept that it can take a while to get your head around
Ultimately IT and cryptocurrency people won't matter. They'll have way too much time being skeptics while normal people will join, blog and get paid.
I'm referring to the question of 'where does the money come from?' which is asked by everyone and so far none of them seem to be digging the concept of how Steem is generated.
When you start to explain it like the company has a checkbook, obviously that approach will fail to explain the source.
In essence Steem just provides users with worthless virtual tokens, not money. The tokens only acquire value through the markets, because some investors are paying good money to buy them. Thus the users of the platform can cash out these worthless virtual tokens with bitcoins (which is another worthless virtual token that acquires value through investors) and then to cash.
So you have this type of answer:
-Where does the money comes from?
-There is no money. You are paid in tokens. These tokens you can then sell at the market for bitcoins and/or currency.
Or
-Where does the money come from?
-Investors (indirectly)
I've been having the same problems trying to explain Steemit to my friends and family, a few who are truly interested. You hit the nail right on the head with their first question...every time. I have already shared a few other faq articles with them, and I am absolutely going to share yours with them as well. Getting the word out there!
I have a hard time believing speculators and investors will continue to buy Steem as it inflates. Content creators don't need it, they get it here. Who actually buys it other than them? I think if the platform becomes a little bigger it should definitely look into ads and some sort of monetizing option and companies/business should pay/buy in Steem.
Dear User known as @holidaygreece
Steemit has a BOT problem! Your Vote Counts... Maybe
https://steemit.com/steemit/@weenis/bots-steemit-s-first-community-based-decision-on-bots-your-vote-counts-to-be-or-not-to-be-details-inside
Dear User known as @holidaygreece
Steemit has a BOT problem! Your Vote Counts... Maybe
https://steemit.com/steemit/@weenis/bots-steemit-s-first-community-based-decision-on-bots-your-vote-counts-to-be-or-not-to-be-details-inside
That was a great post, well done!!
Thanks a bunch!
Not an intent to hijack post but had similar thoughts on easing people into steemit yesterday and curious about your thoughts. https://steemit.com/steemit/@clevecross/regarding-the-first-steemit-marketing-inititiative
I enjoyed your article and agree with you, it's pretty revolutionary, just needs to be simplified. Some things are ahead of their time and need to be dumbed down to get acceptance
You worded it very correctly.
It is certainly ahead of it's time and we need to find (or create) a bridge that connects Steemit with your casual Facebook or Reddit user.
Concerning your article: I think you understand the idea behind Steemit and how it can be a big gamechanger.
By the way, it would be better if you kept your uncle's work on a separate post so that it gets the attention it deserves, he has great talent!
I thought the same. What I don't want though is to profit from his work, I thought it might be a teaser that showed talent lost.... without my reaping rewards from it
I've noticed that too, there is lots of confusion over how Steemit works when you try to explain it to someone new. Your post is very informative so thank you for breaking it down simply and sharing with us!
Thank you!
excellent. long live to steemit! ;)
Right you are or so it would seem
We certainly need more using steem
The goal of the money should not be the goal
Show the people more, show them your soul
Post what you love, post what you know
And hopefully so too will your money grow
If it does not happen tomorrow or today
At least what you do you would do anyway
Well done, but if I may critique your piece for just a moment. I recommend avoiding redundancies like the repetition of the world goal on line 3. Otherwise, kudos!
It's all really very simple. You take a zillion computers in a blockchain, run them until they heat up the atmosphere with the energy they generate from solvlng abstruse mathematical problems and voilà, instant money!!!