Who pays? The Steemit system "pays". With what? With crypto currencies called "Steem", "Steem Power" and "Steem Dollars". If no one in the world cares about those cryptocurrencies then, its like receiving emails from a stranger that have no monetary value. But wait! Steem is now accepted by other people to trade with their BITCOINS...and Bitcoin on the other hand is now accepted by many people in exchange fo their FIAT monies like USD and EURO and many other products and services too. While "we" exchange our time, intellect, effort and other incidental things too,- for STEEM. So it's not really MONEY OUT OF THIN AIR. Its a system of exchange.
You too, can learn more and earn more, if you trade cryptocurrencies. if you would like you can even join us in our project.
-east
Steem is here to stay
I just invested in steem, may steem power be with you all :)