2017 was a great year for the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Many of our dreams of mainstream adoption were achieved: Bitcoin Futures are being traded, big media channels are talking about cryptocurrencies and almost everyone we know is either buying or considering buying some coins.
Now, next year is going to be challenging for many reasons, on the first hand we have to proof that Bitcoin is not a bubble, don't get me wrong, the price could very well be a bubble but what it is definitely not a bubble is the underlying technology behind Bitcoin: The Blockchain.
There will be more application built on top of Blockchain Technology, we will see many more coins and opportunities but most importantly we shall see more adoption.
As for Bitcoin, they really need to find a way to scale. This could be by either deploying the lighting network or increasing the block size (which seems unlikely). I personally wouldn't be surprised if another cryptocurrency takes Bitcoin's spot as the number 1 coin on the market cap list, 20 USD transaction fees is simply not good enough.
The scalability advantages of the Steem Blockchain will come to light in 2018 when they released the Steem Media Tokens (SMTs), anyone will be able to release their own token with a 3 second block confirmation and zero fee.
Of course the Social Media site steemit.com will continue to grow and onboard newcomers, it remains the most simple and easy to use app on the blockchain today.
I am happy to have shared this last year with you and I am looking forward to a 2018 where I will dedicate my full attention to Blockchain Tech and Steem.
Have a great crypto new years Steemians,
Lots of love,
The Villarica Volcano in Pucon, where I am spending my New Years Eve.
@chitty