@techemist wrote this very interesting article covering many aspects of how STEEMIT disrupts, and could benefit from becoming a new model for social networking and publishing. In one of the sections he speaks of the potential for advertising on STEEMIT, and proposes some complex ways this may be implemented. I would like to offer comparatively simple thoughts on this subject.

Not Advocacy .. Just Thinking Outloud

"Nobody likes advertising!" quoted from the above article - nowhere else could this be more true than here, amongst STEEMers, most of us having rejected life as the means by which others are enriched, captured in centalized and authoritarian holding-pens, corralled for advertisers to prey upon. Consider however if the benefits of advertising flowed 'directly' to us, and to securing the future and growth of the platform, and not to enrich a tiny percentage of individuals.

If STEEMIT does not address this we will begin to see users doing their own thing, especially those who have established successful followings - the benefits will go to them, which is fine, but there will result a loss of something that I can only describe as identity or perhaps congruence .. brother/sisterhood?

Imagine (yes, purposefully trying to cause discomfort amongst our female contingent) ..

VS..

In a desirably anarchic world, everyone going in their own direction should be seen as inevitable and desirable, but there are some things that should remain shared, or at least we should remain open to shared benefit, rather than those who have benefited the most from the existence of the platform go off and make mad money, while the rest of us are left to linger in obscurity. :)

There is A Better Way !

I believe blatant advertising 'within' posts should be frowned upon, but we should consider allowing at least one context-sensitive banner within the STEEMIT interface. The revenue from this would flow directly to STEEMers with investment made in the future development, and promotion of the platform itself.

1/3rd of ad revenue

To STEEMers in STEEM Power as a proportion of currently held STEEM Power

1/3rd

To STEEMers in STEEM Dollars as a proportion of currently held STEEM Dollars

& 1/3rd

To STEEM to develop and promote the tech

This boosts us all, the technology and the value of STEEM by further encouraging us to lock up as much of it as possible, in STEEM Power and STEEM Dollars. Only in such a scenario do I see myself smiling at a banner ad. :)