Another question is who do we want to retain. If a minnow comes in without investment and starts screaming immediately that they are not earning after their first 5 posts, is that someone we want to retain? Speaking only for myself, I am fine if that person moves along to the next get rich project they find.

This made me laugh. Many people fail at business endeavors. Fail from ignorance or lack of effort. I am not that long here (since Feb) and I have invested not only a little in my own SP, but also in renting some so I can invest in others. Has some of my investment in others been a waste? Yep. probably well over half. But those who aren't self centered and get the long term benefits of a community here are well worth the investment. Every week those I enjoy interacting with grows, and together we grow one anothers account.

You can't come here thinking whales are waiting at the door to reward everyone (especially given most content is not what one would normally pay for). You will not be found, you have to find those who will appreciate your brand. Through those first few, the rest become easier as you will find them in the comment sections of those first few.

I mentioned in another post, where else can you invest a little money and time and make money off of it from engaging with others on topics both of you enjoy. Especially if the other person knows more. That right there is getting paid to learn. This system rocks as far as I am concerned, and if the SMT's ever do hit it, every little sliver will no longer be so little.