well said @jenkinrocket, but let me put something in perspectives. I have been working on Udemy since 2013, it is only the last 18 months that I would call it successful for me. Thats well more than a year of working my ass off to overnight become a success.
I am aware of the arguments and discussions must be had to get a consensus, I hope by providing data I can get the ball rolling. it is also important to remember at this stage, what witnesses we are voting for and why
A fair point and something I totally get! Most of the 'overnight successes' on Steemit have put in a LOT of effort elsewhere.
In a sense even the bot runners and power users have put in a lot of effort learning code and accruing resources outside the platform to become successful within it.
We begrudge then only because their behavior is harmful to the platform and on the whole short-sighted.
I'm just beginning to really form enough relations and getting to know people on the platform well enough to feel equipped to begin with voting in earnest.
It sort of feels like there's a sorry of pay you take to bring an educated and capable Steemian (Steemizen?): First you just get through the sign up process. Then you learn that it's real and can translate to real money. Then you contribute regularly for a period. Then you begin learning about crypto and realize the significance of the platform.
And, FINALLY, you start knowing people in the community and understanding their projects and attitudes well enough to vote for witnesses.
its all a learning curve every day is a school day :-)