If we aren't profitable (in fact, we're LOSING money just posting here), and by "we" I mean you and I specifically, then it simply isn't possible. We've put in FULL-TIME work, for 2 years, and shared incredible content (photos, videos, modeling, documentaries, research articles, thoughtful comments, etc). We handed over five grand in Bitcoin, to power up our accounts, and support the community. Now our holdings are worthless, just a few hundred dollars, we have an audience of maybe 100 people, tops, and every rule change here moves the goalposts further and further away. The pattern is clear - we aren't in the club, and not only won't profit here, we'll lose everything we brought with us.

Annnnnd, it's gone. :(

You're right, the first year was pretty fun. There were cracks appearing, but at points it did seem like we'd be able to do it. This past year or more has been really rough.

And it's definitely not just the price. Sure, that would change a lot, to have it back up to $7+ again. It's the fact they're purposely making content-creators obsolete. It's the NewSteem cult, vigilante whales and dolphins, forcing their morality on everyone else, and keeping themselves profitable. This place is literally sick.

If new members were joining up, sure, there'd be hope. When was the last 25 rep account you saw? Or even below 40? Nobody new is joining. It's really hard to sign up here. Not that anyone really wants to.

Very sad for [MAP]. I had that vision and it seemed so clear. Where did things go wrong? I still have hope for it to complete, but the path there isn't clear right now, and so many people are suffering in the meantime. What a shame we can't bring water back to a Steem family in crisis. :(

On the plus side, this will free up some time and resources. We can put some of that into more baby time, and if there's any left, into our other projects. Maybe even start something new. We're always producing, creating, working to improve ourselves and the things we do. Each time we've cut out things that underproduced (like Steem), we've flourished. This sucks, but it's like a good pruning. Healthy growth will appear in abundance soon.