I'm so glad Steemit has made it easy for principled content creators like Larken to make money. There's a lot of pent up good karma to be heaped on you, Larken.
However, I firmly believe that "being broke" or "being a bad businessman" are choices. Monetizing your platform is about serving your audience, not about compromising principles.
Besides, some believe that succeeding in the free market is a principle unto its own (See Atlas Shrugged).
Top 3 Protips for content creators: Build your email list. Build your email list. Build your email list.
Love your work, Larken! You deserve all your Steemit success and then some. I look forward to your Mirror project.
Incidentally, I totally agree. The fact that I'm still poor at this point is due more to a fault in my psyche than a virtue. I'm working on it. Steemit is helping.
I'll be happy to help you set up some of the tactical stuff if you want. Email me at contact@activistpost .com.