It is a real challenge.  People have to connect with the right people.  It is different in that sense from Facebook where connect with people you most likely know.  There's also an element of people who are here simply to make money by posting things that are not organic and know how to navigate using their SBD and pumping it into bots to promote posts that aren't even that interesting, yet seem to generate hundreds of dollars.

I don't think you are missing anything or alone.  If you are, then you are in the same boat as me and so many others.  People speak of these whales.  I have to wonder if we are even hidden from them because I don't see postings from anyone with anything higher than a 75 reputation.  I would think if someone were a whale, I'd be seeing a triple digit reputation if I am able to be at a 51 in a little over a month.  Some of these people have been around for years supposedly, yet they seem nowhere to be found, so neither are their votes.

I don't see how the smaller accounts can make money and be attracted to create quality content without the sight of these people.  This whole concept is strange and I have to to fully understand it.  I like to write comments and make posts, so it is not really a problem, but I do wonder if anyone is actually reading my stuff as well.

@karenb54 I do get what you're saying and agree with @inspire1 and his comment, but what are your goals? I had a quick look at your account and i'd be proud of what you have achieved you get a lot more upvotes, and thus rewards that a lot of people myself been one. It's a tough gig this platform as there so many bots and "shitposters" going for money than people actually here for the community. 

One thing I've noticed in my short stay is that the tags make all the difference with my posts some tags get zero engagement and others get loads. never give up ✊

forgot to say that smile is amazing! 😅

join the club,
I can't say mine are intended for everybody to read, they are intended as a use of Steem as a permanent record, the occasional reply would be nice. 
we will drip tears in our beers together,  :-)

good post karenb54 saludos

Love that toothy little grin! I think so knows she is cute! lol It has gotten more difficult and one of the reasons is the sheer number of people joining. As the pond grows there will be less money in the rewards pool because it has to be shared with that many more people. I think what you have managed to accomplish here is amazing. Now is not the time to throw in the towel...

I came to think that it only happened to me, this week I began to read many people what happens to us is happening to us. we have to have faith that everything will change for the better.
I wish you a happy rest dear friend @ karenb54