Things to know:

Life isn't fair and many don't think SteemIt is either.
Freedom isn't for everyone.
Code is law
Your success is totally in your own hands. Nobody owes you anything.
Your content probably isn't really worth money, it is speculation of the coin Steem that is inflating the value.
No matter how many times you make yourself sad looking at the trending page payouts, your content is probably earning way more here than anywhere else.
Steem is for adults that can handle the idea that life isn't fair, who would rather earn something than nothing and regular retention rates of social media sites are terrible everywhere.

I know it all sounds cold and could be worded nicer. That is my view. :)

Most don't like to hear it. In my opinion we do not have a retention problem we have an expectation problem.