The whole reason facebook, reddit, twitter, etc. are successful is that they were able to create a free way for people to interact socially online. The consequence is we agree to sell our data for our ad viewing pleasure but no one had to buy in to be able to use the system.
The ultimate facebook will probably combine free site with brave anonymous ads or something where the users controls their privacy but the platform can still earn enough profits to run through the ad network.
At this point for spending $15 a user can only comment 1 per day while using 2 transfers and 5 upvotes. This will not attract the masses to Steemit.
"The consequence is we agree to sell our data for our ad viewing pleasure but no one had to buy in to be able to use the system."
TANSTAAFL
If you aren't paying for the product, you are the product.