" after posting over 10 articles and getting a whooping $1 I'm getting ready to shut it all down"
Would it surprise you to learn that a lot of the people trending now spent 6+ months posting before a making income here ?
This isn't a get rich quick scheme, and you aren't guarranteed income just by posting anything. Network, build relationships, involve your self in community initiatives and if you stick with it, the money will come.
Even if it doesn't, you're no worse off then when you posted on facebook/twitter for free.