I don't understand why anyone would complain that you earn well and they don't. It's not like you have some special secret or exploit.
You are just using the platform as it is meant to be used. Rewarding content.
There is meaningful engagement to have on your posts. It's no accident either.
Most communities have very little engagement except for the niche ones and a few larger exceptions. They are
Maybe you can find a niche community.
Most of the complaints are in general, not directed at me, though some have been over the years. My first day on Hive someone was giving me shit. All I did was work. We're not in control of what happens after we hit post. On our first day here none of us knew where we'd be in 3 to 4 years later. A lot of work, no accident.
A community that hired those who they think produce something that could draw a crowd to their community would probably be a success. That's how I look at these things. Like a business. If I had a sizable investment and a large market to tap into, I'd probably try to start up a community, but treat it like a multi-media magazine and try my best to get outside money in. Maybe with an alt-token, ads. Whatever. I think that's a good use case for the future.
I have a few ideas that I'm starting to develop. None of them rely on the reward pool or proposal system. If dependent on public resources and goodwill, or welfare, criticism is just part of the show.
Alt-token ads are a great idea. Some people are skeptical or think too much is being bet on SMT, but it's really the whole point of Hive. We need a diverse ecosystem, not more of the same. Without this, it's just a blogging platform and if the content sucks, it will eventually decline. I don't think the good bloggers need to worry because they can make it on a different platform if this one no longer suits them.
Art and video sites are starting to take off; gaining traction. Things that attract consumers. Plenty of competition out there. Plus the traditional route still exists. Digital artists gigs. Writing gigs. Jobs too LOL!
That's why I called it a department store though. This place even has an arcade that could use a few more games and of course, consumers. Millions of consumers.
It will likely require reimagining how the reward pool and the proposal system work, but I don't see why it can't succeed. The majority of people should only be rewarded with being able to consume quality content.