With the advent of crypto currency and crypto-mining, we have seen a sea change in the way compute cycles and computing resources are viewed.
Bitcoin could at first be mined by CPU, then only GPU, now only ASIC -- and the ASIC keep getting more efficient.
ASIC 'hardened' algorithms allow for widespread CPU/GPU mining, and now what used to be seen as equipment for gaming or doing homework is now a revenue generating commodity -- as are the compute cycles.
Steemit itself is another platform where information transfer has become VALUABLE. Steemit is where the compute cycles of your chemical analog brain can be converted to digital assets.
I think this does herald the acceleration toward the Singularity.
Thoughts?