It just takes a while, and it never makes sense. I see "big names" doing the same thing, although a "bad" post for them makes more than any post I ever wrote lol! It is a fickle market, "desired information" requires you to be a bit of a mind reader... Or just keep posting what interests YOU, that is what I did. 5 months, I just got my first "trending" post this week. When you look at those payouts, remember every steem dollar is worth about ten, it will make you feel better. When I started, 10 cents was ten cents... You are still an early bird on this platform - when the general public catches on you will be one of the "big dogs" so hang in there!