"Everybody here came for money ..."

I didn't.
Sure, at some basic level I came for the money, but only because it is wrapped up with a social network that hopefully the NSA doesn't already have a huge stake in ...

Fortunately for me, I had no illusions about the velocity of money within the system. Using some basic fiscal logic, it seems obvious that not any Tom, Dick, or Jane who signs up and starts posting - even someone skilled - is going to make a living wage through Steemit, let alone any significant money. Being an early stage cryptocurrency, it can be little else than a long term investment.

Perhaps this is actually a valuable msg that can attract and retain a lot of quality thinkers. Promote the long term investment reality. There is so much value in steem investment other than "making money."

• Ease of access. There is no velvet rope. Sure, there is one if expectations are super high. Get realistic and get posting! Develop your social network.
• Perfection not required. Quality posting unburdened by extreme financial expectations will best facilitate growth, imho. The pressure of trying to knock it out of the park every day is a white knuckler that can suck the enjoyment and spark out of the endeavor in a hot second.
• Social Capital. Such a valuable asset. We live, after all, in a sea of humanity, regardless of how we enjoy perceiving it.
• Diversify. Perfect for a diversified investment asset.
• Security Protected from the corrupt Federal Bank, as well as common thieves.

So being careful about promoting Steem as
"Get paid to post online!"
in favor of something that gets the right juices flowing for quality growth and sustainability, like:

"build community and invest in a budding cryptocurrency all at the same time!