Unfortunately there is very much a 'too good to be true' aspect to how others seem to view Steemit. I was skeptical myself before joining, though my big questions got answered, leading to me jumping on board. (A big one being 'where does the money come from?')

But it's ok..just stick with it...the better ones always seem to come around eventually. Our friend group just in the last few weeks had suddenly had huge numbers jump on board.

You just do you..your friends will notice. :)