Go add your guess to last Wednesday's contest (it runs all week).

As for curating; my own experience is that I make more from commenting (around 70%) on the posts of others than I do from writing articles or running my games and contests (30%). Of course my contest earnings are cut because I give the SBD I earn away, so that reduces my income even more. As a redfish or minnow, I suggest you start building a following by commenting with remarks that add something to the conversation. If people like what you say, they will likely check out your blog for things you have authored. This builds your following.

After a while, you will see who rewards comments and who does not. Don't waste your time on those who don't reward the participants of their blog. Lots of minnows keep posting on whales waiting for the RARE upvote from them. Time is better spent getting lots of smaller rewards (they do add up rather quickly) from those who consistently reward their followers for participating.

The above is my own experience and others may find different methods. Buying votes (in my opinion) harms the platform and I won't do it. Many people don't care if this platform survives, they only want to make a quick buck and run, so they remove steem by selling it for cash they can spend at an exchange.