Believe me, I've gone all the way through your text. There's one point I'd like to add that I always tackle when beginners approach me for some "enlightenment". I ask: Why are you creating a blog? If they don't come with a solid, short, concise answer, then I know they'll give up. I've learned long ago that blogging is nonetheless a passion, or a way to expand our skills, or a willingness to talk about our lives to the world and see where the hell we fit. All the rest (upvotes, rewards, followers) is just consequence of consistency and passion. Quality is the product of curiosity (learning html tricks, studying grammar, editing photos). If one is passionate about writing, one will find the ways to improve quality.

I look back -- to four years ago, when I didn't get any upvotes -- and feel just as happy remembering the moment I sat down to write those posts as I feel now with generous rewards. This is what keep most of us going.