The Uncertainty Of Rebranding

As everyone here knows, Steem has been undergoing changes as the chain seeks to regain the relevance it used to have in the larger cryptoshpere. The once dominating coin that had a market cap of over 1.7 billion has fallen hard to a valuation of 48 million. The fall more severe as one considers how much Steem has been created since the heady days of that 7-8.00 valuation.

Many have complained over this or that since I joined, always pointing out the lack of action taken by Steemit and the other large shareholders. Some of the criticism well earned, as even I have had moments of wondering why this was done or that not done.

The good news is those days are gone, with the rebranding over new solutions falling under the label NEWSTEEM. For sure it was long overdue, and new ideas are still being discussed such as ending rewards. Sadly, one thing has not changed. Many who enjoyed the mechanics of OLDSTEEM are beside themselves over some of the changes implemented. Continuing to bitch and moan over not only some of the OLDSTEEM practices they feel are unfair, but some of the changes such as reduced author payouts and the growth of flags.

Instead of applauding the attempt to regain the dominance Steem once held, some of these folks have made it their mission to see if they can do their part in making sure Steem either bends to their vision or fails through slander and demonstrations of tunnel vision.

One of the often bandied complaints here is over flags censoring free speech. The truth of the matter is at most ones post is greyed out, requiring interested parties into clicking one (or two if there are images) view button. Nothing is being deleted in these instances, and due to natural human curiosity one could argue it makes the posts more coveted as readers will be apt to being more curious what was held so offensive. One could also understand that if one proposes a certain idea that others wish to down vote without discussion, it also lends itself to the idea your position may hold merit that frightens the down voter.

It seems off to me that the idea of free speech is always one that many feel has to have an affirmation to it. Even moreso when their version of free speech often is the type that seeks to challenge opposing views, often in a defamatory way (such as trade cuck or libtard). Then act surprised that others of the labeled group may take umbrage and use their stake to weigh in on how they feel. That weighing in IS a form of free speech as well. That is how a stake based system works. Limited pool, the ability to reduce what is considered unjust/inflated rewards. And it must be understood, if you are combative to a group who holds a position contrary to your own, they probably do feel that your attacking commentary is being over rewarded.

One part in this free speech idea that I always find lacking by those claiming it does not exist here? The denial of property rights for the owners of the platform. Surprising given most I read complaining of denial of their free speech usually are proponents of property rights. Supporting business owners rights to not serve customers whose identity (such as the gay community).

It’s sad that so many lack the self-awareness to see this hypocrisy in themselves, and to understand what free speech is and isn’t. Given the many opposing views posted on Steemit and the other front ends, they grant quite a bit of freedom in expression which in some cases must be in conflict with whatever their own particular views on the matter are. More so than the other venues where folks are getting accounts banned.

INSANITY IS DOING THE SAME THING OVER AGAIN EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS.

Steem is making lots of changes, some clearly changing the status quo. Something many will find not to their liking to a small or large degree. But these changes are much needed, and I think we owe it to ourselves and the communities we enjoy being a part of to see how they unfold before using tunnel vision to cry about how our small part of this larger picture is affected.

I see the SMT sandbox is up now. I see them saying onboarding is streamlined now. I see them sending out an update letter with a “we miss you” theme to it, which suggests they do now care about that first million users. While there are no guarantees in any endeavor, of one thing we can be certain. If you’ve made your mind up that OLDSTEEM which was sinking is the only way to go as it benefited your pocket better, this place might not be for you now.

No one is making you log in. No one is making you hold Steem as an investment. Please feel free to leave if your desire for immediate profits, at the expense of the project cause you to fret. The FUD serves none of us, not even you. The admission things must change are here, with the promise of more changes to come. None of your hysteria will change this. This rebranding is long overdue, and the crying over spilt milk serves no purpose. The future is always fast approaching, and it is comforting to see steps being implemented to improve the possibilities. You just need to quit clinging to what is gone, quit clinging to what hasn’t been working and see a larger picture and where you may or MAY NOT fit into it.

It’s time to acknowledge Steemit and the whales grew tired of the insanity. Even if it destroyed your little profit structure. NEWSTEEM is the way forward. Personally, I'm more optimistic now than I have been in some time.