Adding advertisements to a currently dysfuntional design is a very bad idea. First, let's get the algorithms to detect social energy, which is defined as comments and amount of upvotes plus human comments. Social engagement needs to be rewarded, and this will solve a huge problem. Once people are rewarded for their attention, this place will flourish.
I do not think adding adverts to posts is the answer. Have the brands create engaging content and have their creative marketing departments push the envelope on content marketing.
IF you put ads next to our blog posts, I think that would be a mistake. I for one hate ads and will do everything in my power to avoid them. Many people are like me and we have moved beyond such concepts.
Work on fixing Steemit and creating its health. Then work on how to integrate advertisers. Doing this in the reverse order is a bad move.