Now here is what you fail to realize.

Back then, a dollar was a dollar. Let's use round numbers. If my post was worth $1 then, sure, maybe I could get 10 STEEM out of that.

We had no way of knowing the value would rise.

^{A dollar was a dollar and we carried on.}

If it wasn't for our dedication and hard work proving this platform is viable, proving it works, proving it's worth something... You would not be here right now. It was not easier to earn a damn thing back then. It was harder because we did not know where this place was headed. That data does not accurately reflect our experience. Get it? Got it? Good!

Moving On

Naive new members are misled to believe this post on trending is here because it is popular

This is exactly my point, that is the story of the entire trending page and how it's always the same people with the same voting circles regardless of the content they produce.

Let me add: Your voting service(as well as the others) contribute to this madness as well. Like it or not, we both know it's true. I can even see a couple of instances of people being misled under your post here today. We both know you purchased votes to get here. Please pay attention to that. You've put yourself in a situation today where you've become part of the problem you wish to solve. Please realize this is not an attack on your character. I am not questioning your integrity. I'm simply speaking on the facts.

One good thing about those who are abusing the bots is how they put themselves so high on the trending page for all to see. It's not everyday a thief walks into a store, announces their name, and politely points out to everyone how they're about to leave the store with as much as they can carry. Those jokers make me laugh every single time.

The downside to that... To be able to flag away something like $800 worth of rewards requires resources this platform simply does not have most days. Again, I'm just using round numbers to keep things simple.

Thanks, I actually appreciated the discussion. It was the point of the post, to create a discussion, it's a lot better than the typical "nice post, upvote follow, vote me" discussion that goes on.

I can't stand those comments either but that's what most people get on the trending page. Confused minnows looking to brown nose what they think is success. Wasting their votes on this misleading success when they should be out voting for each other to help build up more sizable accounts.

I sent something nice to one of your recent posts.

I appreciate that.

See you around.