It has its good and bad times, like everything.
Be here for the long-term, find those guys you like and follow them, don't be caught by the "vote for me, I'll vote for you" scams, half the time they don't vote for you at all.
Ignore the money, just let it build up of its own accord, and it will.
The game is played around your reputation [25] at the moment. as you collect votes it will increase.
Avoid spam type comments "nice post" etc. that will get you downvoted [flagged] which can affect your rep, slowing your progress.
to start you with a few to look at "trevor.george", I am biased, it is my son,
"meesterboom" , "Papa-Pepper", from there judge who sounds interesting from their comments, navigate to their page and read their work.
If you need leading down the garden path any further, give me a yell and I'll try to help.