A major shift is happening when it comes to the way people publish online. Expectations (and yes, hopes) are changing. The community here at Steemit is just one example of the move toward content systems that reward the creator.
Rewards are only one piece of the puzzle, though. Control over one's own data is going to be "table stakes" going forward.
Privacy and control has become such a big issue that global regulators have had to get involved. GDPR and other global privacy regulations are just a reaction to years of abuse and manipulation by Big Social.
The big social content platforms didn't set out to hurt anyone; they just set up a business model based on selling ads to people who were using their platform "for free."
That's not even really a new concept. Network television is also "free," based on the premise that the networks can sell ads targeted to people who watch certain programs. It's an honest exchange.
Where the whole thing went off the rails is the point where the users of the social networks, by sharing so much of their lives and behavior, became the actual product.
Your Aunt Mary is not Facebook's customer. The advertisers are the customer. The genuine content, and the community connections, are completely extraneous (regardless of the PR spin).
If you understand and accept that model, then cool.
If you'd rather have a voice, get rewarded for your own quality content, and be able to "nerd out" on your favorite subjects, then stay tuned.
Here's our Manifesto, what do you think?