I just became aware of the recent issues with DMania. It's a shame because, as a mememaker, the addition of that platform is part of what finally drew me to Steemit. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I stayed away for quite awhile for a number of reasons but one of those was the type of content I produced. I make a lot of memes and podcasts and they didn't seem like a fit here. The additions of things like DMania and DSound changed all that. Or so I thought...
When I finally joined Steemit a few months ago and started using DMania to share my memes, I was both excited at the prospect of finally making a lil something something for my memes and a little confused to see all these retread memes (and down right horrible ones) cleaning up with the bots. I figured that my original content would (hopefully) be even better received. That wasn't the case, though. Sure, I was getting upvotes but the big payouts never arrived. It was then that I realized that you needed a certain reputation score to qualify. So, I put the memes to the side and focused on getting my reputation up first.
I was stoked when I awoke one morning to find that my reputation score had finally hit the magic number. At last, I can meme again! Well, not so much. Since I had been focusing on other content, the issues with DMania (the mining software that may or may not have been added intentionally) had slipped under my radar. I was now ready to release my memes into the wild, but the wild had disappeared. I was bummin'...
After a bit of light digging, I came to learn about the new project, 
The larger issue I have with the new platform is the use of the meme templates. While I understand the desire to have people only submit their own work, such a system severely limits those of us who have the ability and tools to make better memes. It's forcing ye ole meme generator on those who have the keys to Photoshop. In other words, despite the noble intentions, it still manages to dilute the meme economy.
As I hinted at above, I hold no ill will towards the creator(s) of memeit.lol. They are attempting to fill a very new hole in the market and for that they should be applauded. I am just hopeful that another avenue will open up for those of us who prefer to make our memes on our own, using our own tools. I am nowhere near tech savvy enough to accomplish such a task on my own, which is another reason that I wouldn't dare disparage others for making an attempt. They are doing what I am incapable of, and for that I give them mad props.
So, I will continue to monitor this situation going forward. For the time being, I think I will again start sharing my memes here on Steemit directly. Since I would rather not just engage in run-by memeings (that's what other, less sophisticated "social media" platforms are for), this will hopefully encourage me to write more, as well. I call that a win.
One last note. I mentioned my disdain for IP and, being that I am a content creator, that might confuse some of you. While I would prefer to be compensated for my work, I strongly believe that ideas can't be owned. That is why most of my content is covered by the BipCot No Government license https://bipcot.org. It is also why I "watermark" my memes. My content is there for the taking, but at least I know it was mine to begin with. And if others wish to compensate me in some way for providing such content, then they are free to do so. Or not. Either way, I won't force them to call it mine. ;)
