Interesting @kingst You raise an important issue. I am not sure that motivation is what most would call working for someone else. Yes, the motivation is that you get paid to do some tasks.

Many people leave an employer because they want or need something better (more money, status, better conditions etc.) More satisfying work features in the equation I am sure.

If you transpose that into the Steemit environment, I believe that it's possible a self selected group will form of those who like to socially interact in this way.

How did Facebook and Twitter grow users. Especially if there was no cash involved. It was the social element and that everyone else was doing it. Before Facebook was Myspace and it lost out to the simpler interface and functionality (at the time).

So to answer your question. Yes - some people are here because they enjoy the process. some people like the ability to learn things. Some want to make money.

For me, I joined because of your last point. Establishing a foothold in the cryptocurrency market .

I was also fed up with getting pennies for my photos in the photo microstock arena.