The problem I have is that it's so hard to find GOOD content.

Whenever I do, I check out that author's recent blogs, and follow them if they seem like they regularly produce content I'd like - and that's how I probably find the majority.

But if my few followed authors have been quiet, then I head on over to Trending to see what the major articles are, or to "hot" to see what else is getting a bit of traction. But as you say, it's mostly people voted by a whale or two, or buying votes.

If I'm getting desperate, I'll hit up "new" and trawl through pages and pages of shit. I like to find people with very low ratings (ie. me a couple of months ago) that have put effort into their blogs, and write well, etc.

To me, while you're a minno, I don't see curation rewards as a big deal - it's a fairly small percentage in the grand scheme of things. I think of my votes more of an interaction with somebody, on the off chance that they see my name, and decide to click, and read my work, and maybe I'll get a follower that might end up with a lot more upvotes in future.

I also like to think that content is also in the comments - so not only do I make sure to upvote good comments, but also contribute in that way as well.

There's also the factor that I don't think you mentioned - that the earlier voters (first 5 as I understand it) get a higher return on curation than the rest.. it's like a diminishing order scale.. and then it gets confusing when you combine that with the first 30 minute penalty...