I see. You've certainly paid your dues @surfermarly. I joined this January. I was sold the idea, create good content, use proper tags, include images, reference and you'll earn on steemit.
Sold all I could lay my hands on, bought a rusty DELL, fixed her up, subscribed to internet connection and started posting, I remember my frustration when I made some few posts initially and couldn't get any views besides mine, likewise 0 upvotes. Continued albeit weakly.
Along the way my internet subscription got exhausted. I was away for a while. Later on got something small and resubscribed again. And was reading more than posting and came across posts that said it as it is. The only way people make the trending page is through paid bots and resteem services.
In fact, I actually enjoyed reading contents than posting. Some suggested that commenting and connecting with people is more profitable to a minnow than regular post. I am on a commenting streak right now, hopefully some whale would see my post and reward me with something for my next internet subscription before this one finish. I'll be glad if you can as well.
Tried to run a speed test to give you an idea of my internet connection, alas the speed tester couldn't even connect due to how shitty the connection is. Can't believe my lazy ass wrote this lenghty.
Glad you take your time to respond @surfermarly. 
Thanks for your comment!
You wanna know how long it took me to start earning some decent Steem here? 5 Months :-) And that was in 2016 when we didn't even had half of the people blog posting.
As always in life, good things need their while.
Don't wait for whales. Try to be outstanding, then they'll come automatically. Steve Jobs said once: 'Be so good they can't ignore you.' :-)
Talking about connections: welcome to my life! I've got an electric generator in front of my house since it has no electric power currently :-D We've got all our package to carry...
Keep on pushing!
See you
Thanks. Something to keep me motivated surely.