[I assume it is possible to ask a question and have a conversation in the comments section instead of posting comments.... like you would in a forum]
The following applies to a scenario without any inflation: Bitshares (BTS tokens) have value because there is demand for them to pay transaction and market fees on the Bitshares exchange. Also BTS have value because they are well suited to be used as security to back BitAssets/Smartcoins.
My question is: What gives Steem it's fundamental value - "fundamental" here means you need to discount the effect of inflation and speculation (market cap increase).
Steem has value because people are willing to buy it. Here are some reasons why people buy steem:
Taking away market share, from other social media sites.
That doesn't answer the question of where the demand for Steem comes from. The other social media sites get their income from an advertisement service that is paid for by external parties (e.g. a coca cola spot you have to watch before watching the actual video on youtube). Steem doesn't have this kind of income.
Well the more screen time people spend on here. The more advertisers will be willing to pay to reach them.
possibly investors?
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dickbutt
https://steemit.com/dickbutt/@skeptic/dickbutt-has-taken-over-steemit