Now is the time to define and refine.

To developers that are still making it work with the prices being low: do not get discouraged. Consider this as the hardest time to make it.

Projects that are still finding usage and making the numbers work will find success if and when prices stabilize.

Money is great. Making money for posting blogs is exciting. People identifying value in something you do is rewarding and validating as a person and content creator.

But there is something more at play here.

There has to be a perceived value to buying, holding, curating and being a large SP holder.

What has recently got me excited is the leverage some are using with their vote power.

@Oracle-d was the first I really noticed leveraging their vote power to get a desired result.

@theycallmedan and @acidyo took the torch and passed it on, giving incentive for users to perform an action to promote Steem to their communities.

We need more of this.

Not only can Steem be a valuable content showcase (I know it CAN), it can also be used for promotion.

I used to think advertising was possible here but I have since realized it will not be by standard means or how we know it.

The price of Steem is a lagging indicator of usage and leverage possible by owning SP.

The value of delegation, the value of promotion, and the value to give a spotlight to good content are all possible.

But what is in it for me?

We hold crypto for an underlying hope of future valuation.

That valuation depends on awareness and perceived value.

Therefore, our value depends on usage and value to content creators.

The only way forward is to step up our game and encourage usage and promotion.

We were spoiled by high prices... Now, it can be argued that the value for blog posts and content may be more reasonable. This is a perfect entry point for new users to set proper expectations. Do not promise new users a revenue stream that will support them: promote a reward system that is at least better than other social media.

Prices are low so lets set proper expectations and support those that are doing great things. Encourage, help, lead.

We will get through this. In the mean time, pay attention to those here for the rewards and who are here for the community.