Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to give thanks for the memory of Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.

We must remember their purpose in life, and what they tried to accomplish, and what the results of their respective sites have been to this point. They were the first phase of what is known commonly as social media 1.0. Yet, like anything in life, they all come to a point where they have grown old. Their age shows due to their shortcomings, their lack of response to the needs of their users, and became intolerant of desiring to change, even if that change is what the users want. They believe that exercising control over their users is of paramount importance. Therefore, they establish rules that to many seem harsh, overbearing, and sometimes unnecessary. Yet, like cattle, or better said, sheep, they believe that they are the shepherd, when in fact, to some, they are wolves. They seem uncaring towards those very “sheep” that are the core of their existence. Instead, they must answer to their owners, the shareholders, thereby shirking the responsibility that they initially took upon themselves before they had to answer to any owners. They were the owners initially, who sold out for profit and unscrupulous gain.

My fellow steemits, do not shed a tear for them. Yes, they are nearing their deathbed. It is only a matter of time until they continue to lose more and more of their strength, until they become a fleeting memory of your mind. Surely a last gasp, though not wanting to hear it, will eventually be heard. Hold close to you the times in which, when they were young and carefree, and alive. Let those be the memories you retain, and the lessons learned by their example.

Do not mourn for them, because another has risen, your very own steemit. A community built upon the foundation of freedom, and unity. Respecting each other’s rights to express their opinions, to be heard, and at the same time, having the freedom to express disapproval without repercussions. We agree to disagree yet remain respectful of other’s opinions. We can self-monitor ourselves, and we acknowledge our accountability and responsibility for our actions. We provide the content, and are compensated directly from fellow steemits, no middle man need apply.