Steemit could create a new age of intellectual discourse. Copycats in the end will benefit Steemit by giving the theory behind it credence! Take a look at this article about Steemit's possible place in history based on its effect on free speech:
https://steemit.com/steemit/@melek/open-discourse-and-how-steemit-is-qualitatively-different-from-every-intellectual-society-that-proceeded-it