I definitely get your points here.
In my view I want to retain the 'good' users who have a drive already behind them to become better at what they do AND how they can present it. Sure there are going to be certain topics that are so pigeon-holed that it's going to be hard to get a whole lot of attention without having a pre-existing following (which can be built.) However, every person has a myriad of topics they also care about. I don't expect people to be phenominal writers when starting here, especially after the decades of facebook, text lingo, etc. But they can be taught and trained.
Imo everyone has something of value to bring to the table. With help someone that is having a hard time here can find ways to personally connect through a post. Most people sell themselves short, with support and discussion, great stories have come from very unlikely users.
So to answer your question on who should be actively retained...
I want to retain the users to are working hard and making progress, regardless of how slow that may be. I want to keep those willing to put forth the effort simply to improve. I really can't ask for much else.
On the flip, I am happy to see go those users looking for a quick buck, trying solely to maximize $/hr, those that bitch and moan after their first post, while having no followers, while putting in no marketing, made them no money. I'm not out to help retain those who are driven by their sense of entitlement versus passion.
Ty for the great response!
everyone has something of value to bring to the table
ah, but there is a difference between market value and intrinsic value ;> joking aside, I do see your point.
and what do we mean by quality? for me, that means well researched and organized, not necessarily with perfect grammar and spelling (which also happen to be my own weak points).
the compliment to everyone has something of value to bring to the table is that everyone has different tastes that those bringing the value satisfy. What is boring to me is interesting to someone else, and vice versa.
so now I understand the value of of retaining those Steemers who aren't making a pain in the ass of themselves.