Great info @bycoleman. I have decided to more thoroughly follow your posts, especially the ones on bots, as I like the way you try to (it seems) have a neutral take on it and more of a journalistic one, which is hard to find.

I also want to add that although I am still quite new on Steemit, I have been doing what a lot of veterans proposed, which is, for example, sincerly commenting by first reading someone's post, and also by adding something of value each day (or at least try to). No one can add great content all the time, so it is expected to have better days and also worse days. I am yet to investigate bots, and to consider if I want to use them, although I feel it is essential on Steemit to at least use them to some degree.

Bottom line for me is to be active, be transparent and be willing to add value without compensation. Steemit is a live community which means there is wonderful opportunity for relationship - something that will always and forever have the best chance of delivering good harvest!