When I started, most of the whales that exist were already here and I started from zero just like everyone else. I don't have any following in comparison to many, but it's started growing again and soon I'll be back on track because I'm consistent. As the price of steem rises, the $2 post will be worth $4, then $10 and so on. So, while the top posts may end up at $10k each like last summer, there will be hundreds of multiple hundred dollar posts each and every day. It's not that hard to compete in that environment and come out a winner.