Got here via your blog post. Thank you! :-)
One thing I disagree on:
"Steem really needs to find ways to encourage and reward better content, like Deb’s posts on nutrition. The sooner it moves away from self-referential content and scammy stuff like conspiracy theories, the better for its long-term prospects."
Steem doesn't move towards or away from specific content. It's all up to the users.
Thanks for your comment :) I agree with you in that every person should be free to post whatever they like (as long as it's not illegal etc). I guess I was more suggesting that Steem, the company behind this, should think about how to surface the better content. There will always be people who try to game the system - it happened in blogging too. So it's about trying to find ways to stop that type of scam content.
I agree. Scam stuff shouldn't happen.
On the other hand (for the non-scam content): Who decides what's better content?
Well in this case, Steem (the company) owns Steemit. Even though writers and readers can earn money from the platform, ultimately it's not ours. So Steem decides what content they want on the site. As you say, they may decide not to meddle at all. Personally I think they ought to try and guide the level of content; e.g. find ways to reward the honest grafters, and other ways to dissuade the dodgy stuff. #my2cents