I strongly agree with your point of view @slowalker. Without the readers there is no motivation for people to write.

Writing is a way to express one's self and also to share ideas. At times those singular idea could ripple a strong positive change effect.

Imagine if no one took the time to write the compilations of books that made up the bible. The experience and thoughts of the past will not be able to make a major shift in consciousness today.

Yes, we need to find a way to reward readers as the next step in the evolution of steemit.