It's quite interesting how the Steem blockchain has made such a huge impact since its birth, without any real additional backing. I mean, no global advertising campaigns, hardly any fancy presentations at key events headed up by some managerial team of strategists, with an aim to reach the mass market. None of those things apply. Only simple word of mouth. People who've been affected by this platform in a positive way, spreading the message to one another. Though in fact, it goes much further than that, what with the numerous Steemit promotional works being conducted around the world and all voluntarily, I might add.
I attended one not too long ago. The London Cryptocurrency Show, where the great "promo-uk" team banded together to be a significant part of that event and all off the sweat of their own backs. And what a monumental success it was. Talk about taking over the entire event! You had to be there to see the impact us Steemians caused over there... And again, all organically coming together due to our collective belief in the Steem blockchain in addition to an urge to meet other like-minded individuals who happen to share the same path as we do. So, given the above, what gives Steemit that "sticky" element. To an effect where the users themselves have fast become an integral driving force in pushing the technology and it's countless benefits forward, with such enthusiasm and vigour.
This, for me, is one of the prime reasons for this platforms success. Steemit is a fun platform to use, period. Humans are programmed to interact with one another. It's ingrained within our DNA and thus makes us social creatures by nature. We’re curious to discover about the lives of others and in many cases, even in a slightly voyeuristic context. Hence, when we come across posts from fellow human beings on Steemit and are able to share a glimpse into their world through their personal writings, it provides for a thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating experience.
Steemit's core model plays perfectly on these emotional traits. Look at the various communities that have sprung up over time as well as the strong friendships that have been forged. It all culminates into something truly innovative which hasn't ever been done before. The power of the human connection towards one another can never be underestimated. And the example presented via Steemit is, quite simply, a defining one.
I remember "Steemfest I" like it was yesterday. A string of surreal moments when you'd meet someone who you were familiar with on the platform by username alone, but could now see face-to-face in person. It was something I will never forget and look back on fondly. However, each and every one of us (possibly including Ned) may well have never imagined to what extent this blockchain would grow to. The following list is impressive and will expand further over time. Steepshot, Dtube, Dlive, Dsound, even Dporn. We are catering for almost every creative taste a potential content creator wishes to employ. It's one outstanding feat that mere words cannot aptly express, in terms of achievement and a sheer vision of the future.
So, because of all the diverse options available and utilizing the Steem blockchain right now, it is safe to assume people will flock to this "inventive utopia", if for nothing else but curiosity alone, and find their calling on whichever platform they so desire to use. There is something for everyone and therefore, I feel we, at this stage, are still early adopters to the game. Just give in another year or two. The end goal of this thriving blockchain, is not even close to being realized yet.
Which brings me to my final point. The financial incentive. This is, of course, the main foundation stone upon which the entire success of the Steem blockchain is based on. As one might argue that money could be considered the single most grounded "denominator" we all have in common with each other. In regards to trying to gather as much of it as possible in the least amount of time possible. Add to that the fact that, since it's inception, the Steem blockchain has distributed out over $50 million so far, and we have ourselves pure magic in a digital bottle.
Putting aside all the dubious opinionated politics on the platform, one thing is for sure. Steemit has transformed countless lives and provided an opportunity to earn money in an environment nonexistent before. I'm grateful for that. Very grateful. As I mentioned, even those who are yet to start earning money, have the tools in front of them, to potentially do so. That right there should be enough to pull in new users at a furious rate over time. At a bare minimum, the very "chance" to be able to earn, can be seen as it's "USP". And the results are not hard to find. Just look at the exponential growth of Dtube and Dlive, who in a short period of time have managed to attract hundreds, if not thousands, of new users, all vying to get in there and stamp their mark on the "next big thing" in this decentralised revolution . It's an amazing sight to behold and one I look forward to watching grow as time draws on.
So, as you can see, I've highlighted just a few points as to why I think this blockchain does indeed have that "sticking" power to it. My advice is to see the bigger picture and act accordingly. Look at the other incredible innovations that are also on the horizon, such as SMT's, and understand the heights of where we may all be heading towards. Save for some superbug that destroys the blockchain itself, I believe that future may already be an eventuality. I'm on-board and strapped in, ready for this next exciting phase to manifest.
I hope you are too, my Steemian frends...
@ezzy)