Emily,

I found Steemit by chance. I was looking through posts on Google+ and found a link to an article on Steemit. So I came, saw that it's a blogging site that pays for posts and comments and "likes". The money was certainly attractive, but I really like to write.

So I joined and ignored it for a few months. Then I decided that I was tired of working so hard for a few cents on Blogger. I have a respectable following on Google+ and Twitter. Facebook is just beyond me. I decided that I really needed to dedicate time and effort to Steemit and I am doing just that.

I have low expectations. I only have to look better than the scammers to make some money here. It's not a living yet, but I see some people I admire and they have built a sizable holding of Steem, Steem Power and some SBD. If Steem goes to even $20, they will be set for awhile.

One thing about my writing though. It's a habit. A very consistent habit. I write something every day, without fail, even if I don't post it for public consumption. Daily practice is what makes me good. Practice will beat talent every time. If you have a talent and you don't practice it, well, get crackin'.

I also have determination. Since I already like to write, I don't mind writing a draft and polishing it for a couple hours over a few days. Then when I post it, I have already had my fun because I like to write. If there is money at the end of my post, that's a bonus.

I don't worry about the reward pool rapists, the scammers, and what have you. I just do what I do, post it, promote it with bots and resteemers and whatever else I can find. Commenting on other posts is also highly effective for getting attention to your own posts (hint, hint).

As to expectations, well, I'm agnostic about everything. You can read more about that here in an article I wrote called, "Being positive is a skill". I talk about expectations in that article and I think you might relate.

I've learned to deal very effectively with negativity in myself and others. So I shared what I learned in that article. I use all that I learned as a way to buttress my determination to succeed here. Consistent effort over time will pay off eventually. A thousand paper cuts...

Oh. I just wrote another article in this comment. I just starting writing and one thought leads to another, and a few hundred words later, I have to stop.

I hope you enjoyed this post, your adventures on Steemit and that you keep going. Without regard to the outcome.