I find myself to be in the spot that if I don't use an upvote bot, I get 10 or less votes and maybe $.03 on my blogs. I don't really want to use upvote bots but I feel like I am in a place that if I don't, then my blog goes nowhere. I know Steem is supposed to be a social media type site, but most of the time people don't engage like they would if you made a facebook post.
Any advice on how to get away from the upvote bot world but still actually feel like you are making a difference?
I have been there, believe me. We all have. Keep it up and don't let yourself fooled as I have myself. Calculate very carfully if it is still worth it. I give you a few upvotes to get you started. Your content looks good! Be as active as right now and things turn to the better quickly.