This post lays out some good points, which I'll summarize and add my own thoughts:
They are needed for the blockchain to function as they are the ones who actually create the blocks
They need to be trustable sort of ppl that will not do this well and not tamper with blocks (though this would take significant effort)
They are the ones that make Hard Fork adoptions happen
They report accurately on the price of STEEM by maintaining a price feed
They have some technical know how or are at least willing to learn about it, it's a technical job
They generally contribute in other ways, such as developing software or tools, or reaching out to communities, etc. and basically champion the platform in some shape or form
For this there is a reward in STEEM per block made.
All of that said, that pretty much just applies to the top 19 witnesses. The rest of us are backup witnesses who get scheduled to so the 20th block in a round at random and based on our rank. Backup witnesses are important, and can become a top 19 witness if votes change.
If you think you fit that and want to do it then do!
This post lays out some good points, which I'll summarize and add my own thoughts:
For this there is a reward in STEEM per block made.
All of that said, that pretty much just applies to the top 19 witnesses. The rest of us are backup witnesses who get scheduled to so the 20th block in a round at random and based on our rank. Backup witnesses are important, and can become a top 19 witness if votes change.
If you think you fit that and want to do it then do!
Wow, I didn't know about being a witness! Thank you for taking the time to explain. This is something I would consider in the near future!