I think the concept is brilliant. Especially to internet marketers and people who want to earn online. If Steemit had an affiliate marketing program it would help this system grow and flourish more.
However, I think you should really look into the ADZ Project. And their social media platform ADZbuzz. They have an affiliate marketing program offering 10% referral commission on every referrals purchase, plus their concept and what they have to offer will blow Steemit out of the water.
I am not just saying that, but it is true. ADZ coin is around 1-2 cents now, but it will sky rocket like crazy. It is such an appealing concept to anyone who wants to earn a passive income online from its profit sharing system.
Anyways, I use Steemit to promote ADZbuzz https://goo.gl/OprIWU
But since there is no affiliate program here there is no real incentive for me to promote it, and since it is not easy to earn from it really people would quickly abandon it, especially if they solely came here to try to earn. I am earning a nice passive income on ADZbuzz for doing nothing, and it is hard to gain a cent here for writing an article.
However, I still use Steemit, because I see the earning as a bonus and I don't try to earn from it, I just use it like I would any other social media platform that is non-paying. And if I earn in the process then it is cool.
RE: Steemit.com and an affiliate program. Could it work? Pros and Cons of the system.