Haha, it is true but not discouraging I hope. A whale is >500k SP.

From the very early days and onwards, the content creator that made the most STEEM organically made just shy of 200k STEEM. (and sold it all).

So, in fact, no-one has succeeded so far becoming a whale by just writing.

I don't think anyone ever will. Doesn't mean it can't be a fulfilling journey regardless!