FOR TSE: I point to the serious lack of strong leadership, the lack of aggressive marketing and publicity of Steem, the continuing problems on the platform -- the ones we all complain about, the huge disparity in wealth between the majority (of virtually impoverished accounts) and the teeny-tiny minority (of whales -- most of whom pre-mined their stake) and the absence of a strong middle class (of dolphins) -- all resulting in a serious lack of morale on the platform and very tepid enthusiasm about it on the outside. (The HF20 crash for a solid week probably didn't do our reputation much good either.)

Steemit has fabulous potential -- it's a truly terrific idea. But seriously, why should anyone be excited about it in its present state? The 8% retention rate tells a terrible story, and no one seems to be doing one single thing to address that.