So I thought I'd make a post to clarify something for those newer than myself. Not all rewards, especially in the beginning, are about money.
Reputation is a huge factor in many cases and just comments from a heavy duty member (dolphin/whale/etc) can increase it... so be thankful for those.
Honestly, when I scroll a feed/category I don't even really pay much attention to posts by anyone under 40 anymore. And definitely not under 30. The exception to this is of course introduction posts, or posts in my follow feed. If I followed someone, I'm more inclined to care about what they have to say.
Reputation is a signal to readers that other's have considered your posts worth reading/curating... And that's a good motivation for them to read/curate it as well.
And not just your original posts... That goes for comment replies as well! So make thoughtful and engaged comments, especially with open ended questions, on the posts of users who have been here a while and have high reputations, and you will see growth from their replies/upvotes on those comments. Honestly, when you're new comments are king in loads of ways.
Keep on steemin folks... It's worth it.