I am okay with @paulag asking the question and I am okay with @ned refusing to answer. Transparency, especially for a blockchain company should be a natural fit and in alignment expectations of it participants and 3rd party developers. So asking, is not rude. On the other hand, Steemit Inc is a private company and not required to disclose it's finances. So it it not unusual for companies to keep such information secret.

That said, I would prefer some level of transparency. A happy medium that helps instill ongoing confidence in this time of turmoil, while still preserving the important veil of confidentiality for the business. If @Ned wants the community to continue to rally, support Steem, and drive independent initiatives to fuel marketing, bring in new users, and write quality content (all necessary for Steemit to survive and thrive) then he should find an acceptable middle-ground.

Teamwork, requires trust and collaboration. We should be working together.