I think that we need to build Steem outwards, and start to think of Steemit as our sign-up/log-in hub for the other applications around the Internet. Steemit is great, don't get me wrong, but we need more stuff like @picokernel built with http://squeek.io Essentially, it's a twitter on the Steem blockchain, an example of what I'm talking about.

These alternate apps are what's going to make Steem massive. This will enable Steem-based comments sections around the web.

Think of it this way. What Steemit really wants are the best content creators out there. Well, what are they doing? Most of them have jobs, or businesses, where they...create content. Why would they leave their current brand that they have likely spent years building up to join a separate platform for their unique content creation? Not going to happen. Sure they may pop in and say hey, but they'll continue building their brand by pushing their best content through their personal portals.

The thing is, we can integrate Steem into their portals. What if an ESPN article was available for upvote? What if the comments below utilized Steem's mechanics? This is THE gamechanger in my book, the rest doesn't really matter. We can make that happen and we can make it much better than their current monetization models, and even add it in alongside their ads and data collection. It's a complete win/win for the site and its users.

If all Steem ends up being is just Steemit, then I think we will have failed.