That's exactly right! There IS no secret... other than working hard, adding value and being actively engaged.

One of the great challenges/problems Steemit faces — as a community — is that people now have two years of having been "taught" that you can go on Steemit and make money posting stuff.

Whereas that is true, the attached expectations are completely out of line, and that makes all those relative newbies looking for a "method" or "shortcut" particularly susceptible to falling for the charms and promises of the "snake oil salesmen" peddling their methods.

Actually reminds me of some of the ancient scams still doing the rounds on the web: "The secret program to making money on the Internet! Just $49.95! Order yours now, and learn the amazing secret!"

Of course, there IS no "secret;" the ostensible "secret" is to talk other people into giving you $49.95 for something that doesn't exist.