They put lotsa $$$ in it, buying the STEEM Powers.
One account I notice can do over $150 per upvote.
That account rarely do the upvoting.
Many can do like $0.20 to $1.00 but depending if they power up.
You need to gain their influence.
Read my previous blogs, I am not interested in the money at the moment, just building my Social Networking. Learning the new rope.