@timcliff what would be the reason for allowing edits after 7 days? I understand it can be nice to update a tutorial post or something, but doesn't it go against the blockchain principle of once posted that it stays the same (even though the pre-edit posts can be found back on a block explorer)
Not a lawyer, but I think it's also a good way to prevent copyright issues and potential lawsuits. Imagine getting a cease and desist order, somewhere down the line, from someone saying they own the copyright to a picture or video you posted and would like you to take it down. This way, users can resolve the issue with a simple edit. It also makes sure that Steemit, Inc. cannot be blamed if its users publish plagiarised content because no one can say that Steemit's system is preventing them from removing the plagiarised content after the first 7 days.
The only drawback is that the original post still remains on the blockchain (as it should) but most people don't look that deep so hopefully those copyright laws will catch up...one day?
True. That always seems to be the case, though. With the laws trying to catch up with technology and the individuals like us dealing with the inconvenience in the mean time.
For laws to exists there has to be a need for them first :)
That's true. It would be nice if it didn't take them too long to catch up. And it would be better if the laws catching up didn't include lawmakers overreacting to everything they don't understand, yet.
I think we have a better chance of finding unicorns.
That is a good point!
There are a lot of forms of content that benefit from updating beyond seven days. Tutorials that become out of date are one example.
The full history of posts is always available on the blockchain. Even when you edit a post within the 7 day window, the previous version is not removed. It just creates a new version.
Does it also resets the payout window?
No