A nice post with valid points.
I was a Wordpress blogger some years ago as I just like rambling on about stuff. Back then it was about music and guitars but now ... well I can whitter on about anything. Hive is a perfect outlet for that; that's why I'm here.
However, it just so happens there is an opportunity to be rewarded for content. I don't write or take photos to be rewarded, I write and take photos to share as I enjoy it.
You see I'm rambling away :)
The whole networking thing is absolutely key and it the way to get yourself going. I attempt to limit my posts from 1 to 2 a day, some days or weeks I don't post anything. I probably spend twice as much time searching for quality content or just things that interest me, upvoting and commenting that content. That is where I've seen an increase in benefit. The benefit isn't just financial. Benefit comes in the form of new friends, acquaintances, knowledge and education.