I couldn't agree more. I write from the heart and sometimes my content helps others. I write because I sincerely enjoy it most of the time. If I ever feel pressured I know that my writing won't be nearly as good as when it comes from a place of wanting to share a message or knowledge I've acquired.
I appreciate how you pointed out that the reward is part of the journey, because it truly is! This is a great platform to get to know others who share the same interests and are freedom minded individuals.
I, too write what I feel like not what someone else thinks I should write, if others appreciate it all well and good and if they don't then that's fine, too.
I think it's best to have fun with it and if you make top pay out then that's an added bonus. I'm here for the long haul and some days I just don't feel up to posting any content but rather reading and commenting my true thoughts and opinions.
Writing will flow when you have something you truly want to express and if you try to force the writing process, it will show through your words. I have received more rewards from my comments than my posts over the past several weeks since I became more active on the site and it's been suggested for newcomers to comment more so that they will become acquainted with others on the platform. As my reputation has grown I have started posting my own content more often, yet I still make commenting and learning my main focal point.
I'm a little big on the tech side so I can tell you that if you want to earn big payout, you have to play the voting bot game. Originally intends to help newbies get exposure, it becomes an epidemic of shit posting. If you've been writing quality contents and you're not making it, try to play the game a little bit until you have decent public fame.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/yabapmatt/bottracker/bottracker.html
The way it works is pretty simple. Those bots have really high voting power, so whenever they give up a fraction of their vote, your post earns profitable payout. However, you have to send the bot some STEEM/SBD. Essentially, you're buying upvotes.
There are plenty of guides on Steemit, you should look into it if you're going to stick around. It's good to be persistent in what you do but it's better to also be aware of the current culture of Steemit.
Thanks for the helpful suggestions, @sumdumphok. I have recently been looking into the voting bots, specifically the link you shared in your comment above. I will definitely give it a try soon. I am trying to build up a little more SBD before doing so and brainstorming a new post to add in the next few days.
Check your ROI, for whatever bots you're going to use. Don't send money to bot if they show negative ROI. Click on the Detail button to view ROI for a particular bot.
Thanks a lot!! =) I will definitely follow your advice. I appreciate you going out of your way to help and to be encouraging towards others!
The problem with the bots is that you lose more money than you get, with the prices of Steem and SBD being this high. I almost never get a vote that is worth more than I paid. Not even by playing the 'last minute' game.
(I'm pretty known with the bots - if you check out the upvotes on my posts, it's 75% bots. )
The pressure indeed has a big impact on quality.
I turned out to be a very bad curator - very low rewards, and I have the idea people don’t upvote comments that much anymore (some even told me they save their VP for posts), so no big arnongs there yet either.
But I know I need to be patient and allow my account to grow - I’m still a newbie here, so I guess I will learn in time :-)
I've had low rewards too, and I chalk it up to being an unknown for the most part.
You might be right on the idea that many people aren't voting anymore but saving their votes.
Yes, by all means give it time- I know I am. Remember, anything worth doing is worth the time, and effort.
Don't lose hope! =)