Thanks for the great thoughts and followup. I love this site, and though I have little experience elsewhere, it seems to me to still be a special place to hang around and create. And chat and interact with other very creative folks. I'm with you, stick it out for the long run. So many people I've known have cashed out, and/or left. Which does not give one much of a chance to add to the platform. I realize many people NEED the money, that is fine. But if not, why not stay in the 'game', at least beyond what you put in originally, and keep growing the site. And giving benefit. I never have understood keeping your vote power at 90% plus (though I am not all that clued into all the ins and outs of the site... maybe there IS a reason.). But if it's not your money, why not spread it around to content creators worth their weight.
There is much complaining right now, but Steemit has been a great alternative to...WHAT? Where else can one get a bit of return for writing and creating and being a bit of a nutter on here? It's been absolutely great. I finally have a platform to put out works to 'the public' that otherwise would just languish about like a beached carp-fish in my computer. So very rewarding indeed, in so many ways beyond the monetary. Having someone appreciate what you put time and creativity into, is worth a whole lot more than cash. It has been a great experience for me. And FUN. Plus motivation for further, expanding creativity, and let's face it, the social part of commenting is a small blast. I've met friends from all over the world on Steemit. And most are downright nice.
Thanks for the bit of a pep talk, I think people need to be reminded now and then how special Steemit is, and can still be in the future.
Sorry if I got a bit verbose here, but Steemit has become very important to me, and I would miss it dearly if it went away. Full Steem Ahead, and the heck with the torpedoes. Cheers.