I haven't even tried it on Linux yet. I tried it on Android. It crashed many times there.
It kinda is a competitor in a way. We also have video sites. Well...we're down to at least one. It has a web interface though. :P When it comes to writing though, it's something that can be used alongside Steem possibly, for content that remains valid for longer than just 7 days. We have some ways to sell things here, but they're still in their infancy.
So you could write a book here, edit it, and sell it on LBRY as well as the Steem stores. Which I'm now considering with my own book.
But, you guys need front-ends. People need to be able to easily link people to their content there, to sell it, or just allow access to their vids.
RE: What is LBRY and WHY haven't I heard of it?