Thank you for your perspective. Like you, I paid for my position and will likely do so again. To me, the beauty of this platform is how much it mimics our modern capitalistic society. That means it isn't necessarily fair and it is most definitely not always philanthropic. All it is meant to do is provide opportunity, and with all its flaws, it does that. Each one has an opportunity to post something so marvelous it goes nuclear and pays out tremendously, much like a "nobody" (minnow) with an amazing talent might be "discovered". At the same time, reality dictates that is unlikely, so you might have to suck a dick or two, or bribe someone, or learn how to promote your work. (Please pardon my vulgarity, I couldn't resist, lol.) The point is, this is capitalism. NO ONE should be telling anyone how to spend their time or money. I think I have good ideas and I'd love to be a positive influence upon the world, but I don't do other social media at all and I'm not interested in increasing my popularity. I am okay reaching those who wish to listen/read and growing my following organically. My motivation is evenly split between growing this platform and growing my profits, because in a capitalistic society, your best chance at positively impacting others is by being successful yourself first. I am here because I don't want to be the product for some evil multinational corp. If I am to be the product, I want to be paid for it. Regardless, I believe It is always good to review opposing viewpoints, and take from them what you can. Steem on brother!