Don't lose faith! Yes, the system is far from perfect ... just like the real world. Here's my advice to start: look for posts you find good, read them and post intelligent comments on them. If you want to get traction, read and post smart, thoughtful comments on fresh posts made by whales.
Read for instances the whole life story of @vcellier (at least rapidly), then read carefully his last post and think of something smart to say. Post a comment - if he likes it, he'll upvote it I noticed. It helps YOURSELF get noticed. It's a feudal system.
Thanks, am really not bothered about the points/money, honest, I kinda do ok with my real job :-) I just can't understand how someones first post can earn them that much money and points unless there is some cheating going on.
I've seen other people have been on here for over a year, very popular and posted 100's of good articles, and they've earned less than that other persons single post. It was only an intro post as well for freaks sake lol.
I'll go read @vcellier anyway, thanks for the link dude !
edit - bummer, 'user not found' for @vcellier :-(
sorry, it's @vcelier (single "l"). But there are others like him (if you find the story of his life not inspiring enough :-)
thanks, will have a read !