But I have followers! People who actually read what I write! And engage! I love to read what they write! Priceless...

This is precisely what has kept me here. It certainly isn't about the money anymore. What blows me away is even the small amount I make on Hive is a lot more than you can earn anywhere else. I monetized my writing on Medium earlier this year and have yet to see a deposit because it has to be at least $5 before they issue a payment.