#newsteem is a celebration of some positive changes we have seen in the Steem community since hardfork 21. Although I would have preferred that this 'new' initiative would have been a grassroots movement from within the community, Steemit Inc's push (with the approval of our witnesses) does seem to be having a positive impact on content curation and the funding of future development projects.
There were concerns expressed that these changes leave power in the hands of the most powerful. I believe that to be a true and fair statement. However, these members of our community have shown their willingness to risk, so I believe it fair that they should stand to gain as well.
These rule changes that promote holding Steem Power (with the promise of larger curation rewards) seem to be serving their purpose. Bidbots are less effective and 'bad' actors are playing nice, but as most things go, rules tend to be broken and our human nature tends towards our own self-interests.
I really wish that individual and communal commitment to quality content and authentic engagement could have been our only rules. It would be nice if we could self-governed by these principles, and these alone.
- Quality Content - the information (posts, images, videos, etc) that add value to our lives
- Authentic Engagement - the people (through comments and conversations) that add value to our lives
I don't care how many hard forks and rule changes we must endure (voluntarily or involuntarily), as long as these two pillars must remain a primary part of the Steem experience.
Is Steem Changing?
I find it interesting how important Steem Inc felt it was to change the curation rewards in light of new changes I expect in the future.
I believe that the Steem Blockchain will continue to foster tribes and communities that share quality content and promote authentic engagement. The Steem Blockchain will continue to be a place to develop new projects and technologies. I think the best is yet to come. But how long will Steemit.com be the flagship product for end-users? How long will Steemit Inc directly serve end-users?
I see a shift coming where Steem Inc will primarily serve the needs of businesses on the Steem blockchain. 
It is hard to image not earning Steem for writing posts, but I agree that this is the future. Today you view yourself as a Steem content creator and consumer. Soon, you will view yourself as Steem investor with the added identity of #palnet content creator, #neoxian content consumer, and/or creator/consumer for all current and future tribes.
The Steem Power and Resources credits (we have gained by content creation) will be required for businesses to interact on the Steemblockchain. Those of use holding today will have the opportunity to rent our this increasingly rare and valuable resources. Content creation and engagement will still be king and queen, just not on Steemit.com. Tribes and communities will take the lead!
We Can't Lose Sight Of Engagement
#newsteem is a great hashtag and buzzword (at least among those of us that are still around), but without engagement all of this is futile. Content is great, but it lacks value when the human connection is missing.
When I think of all of the great Steemians who are not currently apart of the community, I have mixed emotions of nostalgia and sadness. There were some incredible people who created quality content, authentically engaged the community, and sacrificially developed meaningful projects that are no longer present.
In some cases, off-chain life took over. People have had babies, changed careers, or in the most extreme of cases some have passed from this earth. Some of the absent have had to devote all of their 'extra' time to friends and family who were in need. The digital world had to give so that life in the physical world could flourish.
Others were not certain that #newsteem (HF 21) would deliver on its promises. It is hard when the rules change. I know of several content creators who left the Steem community because they needed compensation now. When rewards distribution percentage changed they, had to make tough decisions. They could not (or choose not to) wait for the promise of a better but unguaranteed future.
And yet others feel that #oldsteem still has its greedy fingers entangled in the community. Some people have been hurt by 'unjust' acts. Others unknowingly entered holy wars and become collateral damage. Minnows still fear the orcas and whales. There are still power plays going on around us. I hope that #newsteem is real and has a long-term positive benefit. What I won't be able to stand is if we put lipstick on a pig and call it #newsteem. Some of our friends left because they did not want to kiss the pig!
Final Thoughts
I am here, and I am invested in this community. Earlier today, I bought 2000 Steem and immediately added 1500 more Steem Power to my collection. I will be the first to admit that our community is not perfect and that sometimes the change is hard. But I am hopeful of great things to come.
If you don't like change, I recommend you jump off the boat, because I predict more change is coming - some that you might like and some that you won't. Honestly, I think some of the changes will blow our minds, and if we are patient, increase our financial freedom and personal influence.
My predictions? Steem will remain. Steemit Inc will continue to develop the blockchain and code, but (imho) Steemit.com will retire as a successful social experiment that proves that blockchain technologies and social media can and should exist together. Tribes and communities will continue to emerge, and future end-users may never, ever hear the word Steem spoken. End-users will know they are using a great product but will have little to no idea about the nuts and bolts that make things works.
I can't guarantee any of the predictions I have made in this post will come true (and this is not financial advice), but I believe everything that I have said it possible.
What do you think? I want to hear from you.
@SumatraNate