The apparent* hack on @katecloud's account proves three things:

• we all must be extra vigilant regarding the security of our accounts. Not only the owner key, but also the active and the posting key. @katecloud has lost a lot of potential income from this hack. I include myself as one of those that needs to review my own password practices.
• security should remain the number priority for the Steemit team. Not sure that this hack could have been prevented from their end. Nevertheless, it's proving to be the major thorn in the side of Steemit at this stage in it's development. While I'd love to see additional features (e.g. like a follow page). Security breaches undermines the platform.
• STEEM/ Steemit are seen as a major threat. Which is a good thing. Feathers have definitely been ruffled. I'm sure the hacker could have attempted to make off with @katecloud's bounty, yet choose to make 'a statement', albeit a temporary one, instead. Point made - we know - STEEM/ Steemit are going places. It's managed to do in a month what other cryptocurrencies haven't been able to do in almost a decade. That is engage the masses.

*[I'm assuming it's a hack, there is nothing to suggest that it was a shill account at this point]

My message to the hackers and naysayers is this:

The people are voting with their actions. More and more are signing up to Steemit and being introduced to cryptocurrencies everyday. Steemit is showing the way. Either be inspired to do better or become irrelevant.

STEEM/ Steemit aren't perfect. I'd be one of the first to say it. However these guys are onto something. They are delivering. They are proving themselves to be genuine. The platform is getting better day-by-day.

Competition is good. I hope you rise to the challenge in a positive way. In a way that will bring cryptocurrencies up together Remember "a rising tide lifts all boats", conversely If STEEM/ Steemit fails, it could set cryptocurrencies back years in the mind of the public. No-one wins by destroying a potential flagship platform. It will not make people flock to your project, in fact it will do the reverse.

Up your game. If you think STEEM/ Steemit is flawed, bring your alternative. I'm sure @dan and @ned et al will relish the fight.

Until then...

Happy Steeming!