Dig this post so much.  Thank you @stellabelle for this post, I've been packing my bags all week and was simply going to "leave" Steemit.  I've noticed the exact same issues you outlined here, not been hit so personally, but absolutely seen these concerns.

As an artist/poet the frustration is often sharing works that I hold very sacred and am being very vulnerable in sharing, because I want others to read and enjoy them.  Many of these poems I've published or shared before in both readings and other social sites, and have received feedback to let me know they are felt deeply.

The discouraging thing as an artist is sharing something precious to you and it's sort of lost in the shuffle of junk posts.  At that point it isn't even about the money, although I'd like to see that too.  It's more about the fact that it's just not visible...while other posts, even some complete bogus account-related posts or plegiarized works, are well rewarded.

I feel like Steemit is more centralized then it wants to say it is.  And this, among other reasons, including what you've laid out above, are why I'm closing down "shop" here on Steemit this week.  

But I want to make it clear, I made this decision before reading your post, it's just good to see the same concerns and especially from the person who is the reason I came here in the first place.

In the same way you respect and regard @dana-edwards and would follow them anywhere they put content, is how I feel about your content.  

And this post itself, is a great example of your second issue...472 votes and $652.  Huh.

Thanks again, namaste.

John