I'm glad you're finally managing to get on the right track, and I commend you for taking the step to actually read this post! :)
Just be aware though, all the information is out there if you search for it. There are many guides and tutorials that have been posted. The bigger problem is that people often show up on STEEMIT, just like in trading, expecting overnight success, and that's just not how things work. You have to put in the time not only to learn about how it all works, but also to improve your "skillz" as well. I'd suggest you also read @arbitrarykitten's comments above:
There is a subsection of the population that comes here thinking it's a get rich quick scheme. They soon realize it takes dedication and patience, and that is what weeds out the true rebel hearted Steemians from the regular folk ;)
I am always open minded. Hoping to learn new things. Glad to have you as one of my instructor on steemit. I also went through @luzcypher post. His post is a detailed compliment to yours.
I have also witnessed some steemians telling me vote for vote. Some don't even chat with me and they go ahead dropping links. If I never knew you or read you post, my first impression will simply take those occurrence as a trend on steemit. But all the same, you have saved me from a lot.