All that it takes to do real engagement on HIVE is to go find stuff you like, comment on it, and hopefully get the author interested enough in what you wrote that feel obliged to reply.
We're all time poor. Devoting the time to engaging on hive definitely means that you're forever closing the door to doing something else in your life, but it is a two way street. Do the other things, and you can't devote that time to developing and building relationships here on HIVE :)
Balance. I think on this case you always can find the balance. Being active in hive doesn't mean you have to forget about everything else. But whatever you do requires an effort. Yes, we can't make people read or comment or upvote your post, but I believe there are always will be at least one person who won't just scroll your post down but open it and look through it.
But tbh now I am curious how many people do really read other authors posts?! :) and how many people treat hive as a social media and not only the way of making money :)
I think it depends on where they are in the world. Here, I think it would be foolish to view HIVE as a way of making money as the cost of living is so high. In other countries, it could be viable with a low cost of living.
Hive is just a tool at the end of the day, it is up to the person as to how they use it.
Absolutely agree with you.
I know that in some countries an average monthly salary is around 20$. So, yes, people can survive for a whole month of they write a good post and get enough quality upvotes.
On another side, there are so many different apps related or connected to hive. For example, games like splinterlands. Somehow they are part of the Hive too. And actually some people make around 1,000-2,000$ per month. And personally, I know people who make even more. So, it always depends on.... anyway, I think Hive is a great opportunity, but what kind of opportunity it is, everyone decide by him/herself :)
!BBH
It all depends on the value that individual brings :)