Something sad about all this... reflected by the fact that I have reached the point of simply feeling too tired to go on a rant.
My first question on finding Steemit wasn't about rewards, but about whether the premise was sustainable in the long (multi-year) term and it was pretty much brushed aside in a cloud of idealistic pink unicorn sparkles. So much for 20 years experience in being part of user-generated content venues...
I'm not entirely sure what Ned's skill set it, but the psychology of social marketing and human nature ain't it. Metaphorically speaking, you can build the finest shopping mall known to humankind, but UNLESS you understand the psychology and needs of end consumers that doesn't amount to a hill of beans.
I'm not giving up on this place, though. The core idea of bringing cryptos to a mass market through an easily understandable and familiar means (social content) is still brilliant.
Very true. I do however feel that they are listening to users but privileging developer users over the average end user. The latest statement confirms the focus on fundamentals of the system (we are a blockchain company, etc.) which is to say they are focused (or will now be focused) on the platform, not the "app" of social media.
Interestingly also Ned indicated that this kind of thing is normal, citing Twitter's not so far back decision to close of developer APIs. The case of Steemit is not the APIs, it's the opposite case, shutting of the flagship app (probably) of steemit.com and the very taken for granted RPC nodes, leaving it to third party developers to make the apps and run the nodes.
It's definitely wise to not give up at the first sign of trouble. Or the second. And keep going as long as makes sense. But really, no further. Drawing that line is a highly sought after skill.