>I don't buy the argument forking is theft. I don't buy the argument it's piracy. I buy the argument that I get to choose what code to run that will benefit the most stakeholders, which to me is whatever keeps the population of Steemians growing. It's up to you the steem hodlers on the platform to choose me if they agree.

I see it as theft, and have always thought it ridiculous when people have demanded steemit to be accountable to them.  I would not trust anyone who would think forking out steemit’s stake is considered fairplay.  Regardless as to if I like them or not, their stake is their stake.  It seems immoral that people think they can mess with another’s share regardless as to how they got it.  I assume you were a businessman and know the risk you were taking when you bought into steem.  So I don’t have sympathy for anyone who is complaining now, especially the larger stakeholders.  It’s certainly not ned at the forefront of my mind when I think poorly of steem.  It’s the whole culture and ecosystem.  So for a long time now, I am tired of the whining from the big accounts blaming steemit for everything.  You yourself seem reasonable, but there are a few dickish big holders that make the platform come across disgraceful. 

How would you feel if someone decided that SM is bad for the blockchain and moved to minimise your influence?  It’s a gang up mentality.  I think those who might have triggered the powerdown behavior only have themselves to blame if they don’t like the reaction.  I vote you go build your own blockchain instead, and hope no one decides you’re doing a shit job and then want to fork you out of existence.  You’re all making steem look bad.  

I’ve always seen steem as a privately own startup that sold us an idea of decentralisation.   If the prices tank, then that simply is showing the true state of affairs. So if he sells out, you can buy up and become the new king?  I thought that’s the process....people get fed up, leave, those who truly believe can fly in and save the day, proving they really believe.  I don’t see how negating a large stakeholder is meant to inspire confidence, or make you and those who agree with you anymore trustworthy.  I don’t know you, I don’t know ned, but my time on steem, I just see a lot of self interested people, leeches and ass kissers. Should we add thieves to the list too?