It is good to mention and give exposure to deserving people, that and curating to ensure the hard work and effort in their posts are recognised.
Over the almost 7 years (I think) since starting here, it becomes amazing to feel like you can grow your following and the amount you can interact with the community so you can engage. I have stuck around because I both love the community and blogging and now I have some personal money management due to high rental and cost of living costs under better control, I can keep growing once again like I always do and better curate again.
Only shame about the higher Hive price is not being able to buy much when I can spare cash for it haha
I agree with downvotes and if there is a good reason like poor quality posts, trying to farm rewards for little effort or plagiarism etc, they are necessary. Always put in effort and make the posts yours and the upvotes speak for themselves!
I think Hive can reward you in various ways, but you need to be social to get somewhere. I know that comes hard to some people.
Have fun.