@bmj, thanks for the comment, and also for bringing the whole ethical/philosophical issue to the table.

Looking at the original White Paper and looking at old interviews with @dan & @ned there's little doubt there's a strong element of idealism underlying Steemit. Sure, people are here "to earn rewards" but there's also a strong element of being part of something potentially game changing. Now we are dealing with an influx of people who are far enough "removed" from the original Steemit vision that they are basically just "here for the money."

"yes, because the system allows it." To me, that is where the problem lies.

It's a strange "get out of jail free" card. It's like going to work at a place where you can have free sodas from the cafeteria, which is nice... but then some people take it upon themselves to make off with a case of soda everyday because "there's free soda" and no fixed rule that says you can't take a case of free soda.

So we end up at where many ideologies fall apart-- the assumption that people are moral, ethical and work towards a common good. Sadly... wrong. Many-- if not most-- people work only towards their own personal gain.

I'll go check out your other piece.