Okay. I'm new to Steemit, and frankly we all are.
I've been trying to come up with financial analogy for Steem, Steem Power, and Steem Dollars.
I know I'm adding to the circular problem of posting about Steem. I don't care.
I've been thinking about a way to explain financially what Steem is.
We need good analogy to explain how this works to others when trying to convince them to joining us here.
There are have been some great comparisons in other places. (I'm thinking of @donkeypong's Power Plant analogy.)
I'm thinking of an analogy that people of my generation (In my 40s) and older may understand.
I think part of the issue Steem is going to have is trying to get people to understand the difference between Steem, Steem Power, and Steem Dollars. Hopefully this analogy will help.
In the olden times this was how we old people sorted our money. You see for you young whipper-snappers we used to have things such as Certificates of Deposits otherwise known as CDs (not the kind that plays music. I know you don't even use those anymore), savings accounts that gave you interest, (ha! ha! ha! I'm laughing because that doesn't happen anymore.) and a checking account with a debit card attached. (This is the account you look at and shake your head, because there is nothing in it.)
Here goes.
Steem Power: This is a Certificate of Deposit.
Banks don't want you to move your money. So they do two things to make you keep your money with them; first they pay you more in interest, but the second thing is you pay a penalty if you withdraw the money early.
In Steemland: Steem Power ALWAYS has a penalty, in that it is NOT LIQUID, you only get it weekly over 104 weeks. And apparently the weekly pay may vary depending on the different market prices for Steem. (If someone who know more than me can correct me on this, please do so.) But SteemPower is a CD on Steroids. Remember as of this writing 1 Steem = about three US dollars. And the interest rate is AMAZING!
Steem Dollars: This is a savings account.
In the olden days, you would get a passbook and put your lawn mowing money and allowance into a saving account. The account would then pay you 5%. You could take that cash out without penalty. (Then Congress changes the rules and that rate plummeted. That's another post.)
But here in Steemland, you get 10%. 10 Freaking percent on your cash. That is unheard of in the world of US dollars.
Steem: This is your checking account and debit card.
This is where you spend what you earned. Plus due to inflation the money in this account loses buying power over time. So spend it, or save it.
In Steemland: You switch this out to Bitcoin, USD, or whatever. And probably soon, can be spent on goods and services here on Steemit.
So if this analogy works, use it.
If there is something wrong about it. Let me know.