I haven't even tried it on Linux yet. I tried it on Android. It crashed many times there.
It kinda is a competitor in a way. We also have video sites. Well...we're down to at least one. It has a web interface though. :P When it comes to writing though, it's something that can be used alongside Steem possibly, for content that remains valid for longer than just 7 days. We have some ways to sell things here, but they're still in their infancy.
So you could write a book here, edit it, and sell it on LBRY as well as the Steem stores. Which I'm now considering with my own book.
But, you guys need front-ends. People need to be able to easily link people to their content there, to sell it, or just allow access to their vids.
LBRY for Android is very early beta yet - many features from the app are still being added. Additionally, we are working on LBRY on the web, and you can see a preview of it here: https://beta.lbry.tv. It's great for watching videos in that you don't have to download them like you do with the app, but the user account functions aren't there yet. I see LBRY as being complimentary to Steem powered projects like Steemit. I believe if there was a way to convert cryptocurrency seamlessly in the background without the user having to be involved, that could open up a lot of possibilities for more blockchain projects to work together instead of having to compete.