Hey there @timsky :c)

Welcome to Steemit. Yes its possible that half the people who responded to your first post were automated bots.

I'll level with you. Very often your posts, your comments and your votes will 'not' earn much or even anything...

'but' all of these three things 'can' earn you a little money (and as you earn more followers you will find it less hard to maintain this).

Just don't think that its going to happen magically.

Since you're new here, here is a post that you will likely find helpful. :c)

Its give and take . We give value in what we write and do and we are rewarded (hopefully) with an upvote or three. You'll be fine if you figure out the worth that you bring. :c)