Steemit does seem to attract a certain sub-set of the on-line community, but it is fairly accessible to anyone who wants to blog. I think they aim to be another reddit, but that's also not totally mainstream. So either they need to get a wider range of people to sign up and understand how this works or you aim your posts at who is already here.
I think your account value will drop if you don't earn from posts and comments, but the exchange rate may have fallen too. I've only made a few cents, but I know @the-bitcoin-dood has had a profitable post. I think they only way to make a lot is to attract a 'whale' who holds a lot of currency and hope they vote you up. I've not managed that yet.
Something to keep an eye on at least - Thanks @steevc