Is Steem impossible for new users?

Is it possible to get into the mix of making good money on Steem or do the whales pretty much own it? Everyday I see the same people making a ton of money. At this point have they lost the meaning behind their blog? Do they keep doing it for the money? I’m still fairly new but this seems to be the case. Steem wasn’t meant to be this way. Is it too far gone now?!