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Hey man ! I agree with mostly everything that you said, except the ending about religion.The contentment comes from the fear of not dying, and I know a lots of religious people very pro active about their lives.A lots of poor people here is South Africa believe that gods has a plan for them , well because life really sucks , and it's sometimes the only way the mind can cope.That being said I am an agnostic so probably not the best person to judge.
Secondly , I still believe that there is a way to generate honest interest in your content without spending a cent, it's about consistency and dedication , and realizing that your content is the real asset worth thousands of dollars :) .Do i make sense ?