- I do not claim this is a crypto recession as it has not been longer than a month but it could be.
- In times of suppressed prices [we hear stories of a Japanese whale selling on the open market] buying cryptocurrencies becomes risky for speculators.
- In times of low Steem prices the price to acquire Steem Power becomes cheaper.
- All who have accounts on Steem with established followings can choose to earn rather than buy.


The unique benefit of the Steem platform is it is one of the few places where people new and established to crypto can go to earn crypto. Earning is better than buying for people who are not cash rich. If you've got time, creativity, and brain power, you can choose to invest your effort into Steem to be rewarded. Steem Dollars and Steem Power go into the rewards with Steem Power being illiquid until powered down. Steem Dollars are liquid allowing you to theoretically pay your living expenses.

Steem also provides an avenue of passive income if you curate. This explains the popularity of the [autovoting] because depending on how much Steem Power you have it can offer a sense of stability in unstable crypto markets. If you're in crypto for the long term (years not months) then you will want passive income and income stability. Steem provides both of these capabilities.

As the price of Steem goes down, it makes sense to post more frequently. Frequently posting is unnecessary when prices are higher because the dollar value of the rewards are higher. As this begins to change the post frequency is encouraged. That being said the lesson learned is that it is good to post frequently but to do so in a smart way.  Finally, let's look forward to SMTs, as it has been in steady development all year and we are now 3 months in. SMTs will be a big big deal.