RE: Forget about making money on Steemit. For now.
Resteemed... and excellent article!
I came to Steemit completely by accident (through someone's Facebook share of an article ON Steemit that had nothing to DO with Steemit) and ended up getting involved because I could see its potential as a way to rekindle "social blogging" which was VERY popular 10-15 years ago. I like what I have found here-- especially the active community and that's why I am staying. Neither my arrival, nor my decision to stay have anything to do with money.
Which is not to say that I don't have my reservations about the rewards side of the equation... ANY site that offers rewards to its users opens the door for those who'll try almost anything to game the system for personal gain in the short term, with utter disregard for the fact that they just shot the goose that's laying golden eggs.
Thank you, @denmarkguy
Do all social network users seek rewards?
My theory is that all users of any social network seek rewards, overtly or covertly.
Covert rewards
Till Steemit, the social networks rewarded users covertly by taking their users on one big ego joyride. The rewards system is covert & opaque. As long as the social can enhance narcissistic behaviour, they can focus on "monetizing" users, incuding content providers, without compensating them in cash or kind. e.g. Facebook ramps it up by enhancing Facebook likes to Facebook reactions.
I've succumbed to coveting the enagagement that my youngest daughter gets on anything that she posts on Instagram, even in private mode.
On LinkedIn, the professional network, how many people have read my article there?
The social networks having caught on very early, have ridden the wave of users getting an ego kick out of the system. For users, the next step is to "game' it as you say. In another context, pertaining to peer approval Nassim Nicolas Taleb covers this is great detail. So the cat & mouse game ensues.
Overt rewards
Steemit, on the other hand transparently rewards content authors & creators. This is broadcast upfront.
Yes, you're right , @denmarkguy there wil be gamers.