Vote sellers and vote buyers are free of course to do whatever they want. I don't agree, but this is an uncensored network, mixed with money, we all see expected human behaviours. I think people come from other networks where they were used to buy votes, followers, visibility etc... fakebooks and such... and they still don't understand the original nature of Steem and try to work in the same way. A bit sad in my view, but understandable. The only way it couldn't happen is if it is not possible to happen. But Steemit Inc, doesn't seem to care, which I find strange. Meanwhile I'm looking for the next interesting network.
An idea I had is for example, I can imagine a browser add-on that users can install to automatically hide posts from your timeline, if they are purchased posts. But it is not a great idea to really fix the problem. transparencybot idea is good!
I was super encouraged when I started, but I've been a bit recently discouraged with many things, but I still like the original idea and I still see good people here. I still like Steem. I like the transparencybot. Not all bots are bad :)
Yeah easily accomplished through browser add-on, but also easily accomplished on the front end level. It is beyond me why Steemit inc. hasn't adjusted the trending algorithm for steemit.com. Or why all of the other 3rd party front ends have followed so closely in line with how steemit.com presents the blockchain information.
I agree. I think it is maybe they are so busy with communities, and SMTs and they believe all will be solved then. So it is not appealing to try to fix something when working on the next thing. They could easily move the bidbot posts from Trending to the Promoted category if they wanted.
But still, it wouldn't fix the issue of reward pool purchasing. That's more complicated.