I totally empathize.

It is difficult to explain the monetization of social media platforms; much less the cryptocurrency that fuels the whole Steem ecosystem in the background.

In my experience, to attract new Steemians, I simply pose these quick questions:

What do you prefer, giving your time and energy for free to Fakebook, RED-it or Instaflam; where THEY monetize your efforts?

Or would you enjoy getting rewarded - no matter how small the amount, initially - for doing exactly the same thing you're doing now for free?

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to reply.

Namaste (my prefered definition of "Namaste": I recognize the divine in you, my friend),

JaiChai

P.S.

Think "meritocracy" and "complete economy" and you begin to understand the benefit-ratio reward system of the Steemit platform. And BTW, I haven't been a Steemian very long either. I am just a guy who is Fakebook averse and spent a lot of time in the cryptocurrency and disruptive technology space.