That long term idea is about what keeps me in it as far as upvotes go. It doesn't help with a lack of engagement, though, nor with the sense that I'm not really accomplishing anything. I feel like I've been around long enough now that maybe I can express my opinions about things more, and maybe have it count for something, even if the whole world disagrees. So, the upvote element is definitely an issue (but as you say, STEEM goes up, problem in fiat solved), but there's the idea that folks are actually reading and taking in what I've written that's still hanging out there.

So, anyway. Nothing knew here. Just me having the same doubts/feelings/ whatever that gets so many of us here. I've been trying to fight through it, and for the most part, I'm succeeding. I plan to continue to fight through it, because I'm not really thrilled with the prospects of other alternative methods of generating earnings/income at this point.