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Don't many cryptocurrencies only have value based upon speculation, or simply as an alternative to fiat currencies, which is speculation? Additionally, most social media platforms started without a way for companies to offer their products and services and become very valuable. Why did they have value? I'm not arguing here, but trying to understand your perspective of tying together a marketplace with Steem, and why it is necessary for Steem to have value.

I didn't say it had no real value. I said it had no real value other than speculation. What you just described is the speculation value. I think having the currency have value beyond speculation is what will drive the market cap up. I don't think speculation alone will do much to increase the market cap above what it is now.

Also, other social media platforms didn't have a way to sell products and services early on, but they also didn't get people to join with a carrot of making money. Steemit is vulnerable to losing a lot of people due to the method of attracting members. If too many members don't make money and leave, then Steemit loses viability.

Thanks for the explanation!