Very well constructed post - thanks for putting it together.
I have never really had to spend any time considering bid bots etc.
To me the equation really is quite simple. Steemit is about human interaction. That's it.
So I don't see any need for bots.
If others use bots, that is their choice.
But as a baby dolphin I am less likely to vote on posts with bot votes.
Thanks @pennsif. Glad to see your comment here. I like your words, "Steemit is about human interaction."This seems very true to me and is one of the biggest reasons why I like Steem. I truly got tired of all the pages advertisements and boosted posts on FB and I would not want Steem to go in that direction. Still unsure where I stand on the bot completely, but tempted to leave the post unboosted, and if I ever consider using the bots, it would be on the 6th day of the post, right before the window for earning payout closes.
Agreed, I'm more concerned with earning the votes of people who actually appreciate reading what I write. Means more than earning a penny from an auto upvote
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I also agree, I came to Steemit to get a cultural education!