It is the future. That is what keeps me gravitated to steem.
I found this post through the Fire Tsunami Set post, and VOICE goes to show how steem revolutionized the internet and opened doors to so many endless possibilities.

The steem blockchain is and can be whatever you want it to be. A virtual genie lamp, and it is the excitement of being part of something new and revolutionary that keeps me bolted here.

Now, would it be possible without the communities?
No.
The communities and its bonds is what makes steem what it is today. I do not think I would be here for so long trying to develop myself and grow with everyone else if we didn't have the communities we have today.
It is hard to pinpoint that exact reason, but steem has become a lifestyle...and someday a lifeline.