I second the suggestion!

I've been spending the last several days getting my feet under me with both Steem and Bitshares - I chose Bitshares in part because of what I see as great potential, but mostly because of the easy interface with Steem.

Yet, sadly, their STEEM gateway is currently not operational (as of 12/29). My hope was it'd be back up by now, but it isn't.

I happened across another post with a link to BlockTrades - and the settlement of BTS --> STEEM was quick and easy! Great Work Hive account@blocktrades!