Hi Hive account@dantheman,

There are some things we could consider. For myself, I would like to see a platform like this be a Facebook killer ultimately. However, I know that is not steemit's initial aim.

Regardless, we need to focus on usability.

There are some simple tweaks that are worth considering. First is the point made by Hive account@beanz - registration is not braindead. It really needs to be. The community will determine the value of content, it is not something we can or should control. If the platform favors quality posts, then quality posts will be rewarded. I know the password thing is for security - but the average user is just not gonna adapt that. I totally get it though... there are just some things we can't protect users from.

Other things I have noticed myself are how voting is done. The vote button itself is separate from the vote tally indicator. With a minimalist design approach, the layout becomes absolutely key - these two elements should be seamlessly integrated. And, since monetary values are such powerful eye candy, you can afford to move it to a lower priority location - people will find it.

I suggest the following changes for the sake of usability:

1. Reorganize the "action panel" below comments and articles, align it left. Keep this "action panel" identical in layout for both comments and articles: "Vote button | $vote_count with drop down | Reply (with $reply_count integrated) | Share "

2. Reorganize the Article "information panel" to include "$elapsed_time ago by $author (with drop down and current rating) in $primary_category | $current_value with drop down." This can be printed twice, top left under article title (as it is now) and floated bottom, right next to the action panel.

3. Slightly tweak the Comment "information panel" to "[$author_avatar] $author_name (with drop down) $elapsed_time ago | $current_value" The position now is great. And then, just add the action panel as described in 1.

The money part is cool - no doubt. But let us not become money grubbers on the platform. ;) Ultimately, it's about sharing valuable information.

The need here is to maximize the ease and obviousness of social features, and the same for generating content. After that layout is perfected, and people aren't "learning how to use steemit", you will see a natural organic increase in user retention. Right now, usability is not drop dead obvious, so people have to "learn how" to use it, instead of it being immediately obvious from first glance.

These are just the first changes I advise would benefit usability. Still need to improve registration, content creation, etc.

I could wireframe these suggestions out if you would like, perhaps for some steem. LOL! But seriously, I ran a web marketing agency until I retired early, and I miss it (but not the hours...). Besides... I would love to kill "the" Facebook. ;)

All the best!