Oh yes, google is definitely my friend for A LOT of things.
Sadly, I don't have the extra funds to invest in anything and I'm sure I'll be peeping in on the wealth of information from a few people I'm following - yourself included!
As for the writing thing - well... I'm here. I'm writing and I enjoy watching the pennies. It's better than goose eggs, right? I'm guessing that Steemit, though monetized, really wants to focus on building community as well - which is why you'll never see me only reply "nice post" EVER. :)