This is a great article and I enjoyed reading it. I recently wrote my own article in reference to helping out new and even experienced steemians. Not that I'm claiming to be an expert or anything, but I think I can bring a few things to the table.
I remember how it was when I first started and it was exactly as you described. I thought by writing an article about some tips, advice and my own opinions on writing articles it may help some new people to not get discouraged so easily. Sadly though, I'm seeing new accounts getting their reputation boosted by bots left and right. I know this can be a touchy subject for many and I'm even thinking about writing an article about it. I'm a little hesitant because it may put a big red bullseye on my back for some that don't share the same views as I do. Thanks again for contributing a great article on the blockchain!
I have never used a bot for anything. However for the most part their motive is to help themselves to the reward pool. As far as the “pay-for-vote” bots are concerned, you pay them $10 but only get rewarded $3. People just don’t understand that SBD are worth much more than $1, and what you get back is only 75% of the reward number you see. Generally a very poor deal.
I would love to see a blog on bots. I don’t know if you dare to write it. I would, but it’s neither my passion, nor my expertise. Unless you get into a whale war, bots aren’t interested in downvoting people as that eats into their time and money.