Don't give up buddy. I did good stuff early on IMHO that paid nothing and did a few crappy post that didn't pay either. It's not worth getting a rep for posting shit, as it's difficult to get credibility back.
Focus on posting good content and making friends, you'll get there. Very few start well unless they were known already from YouTube etc. Too many focus on status, whale, dolphin etc and lose focus. I see people obsessing over payouts while offering nothing to the community. They get what they deserve, jack shit!
Sorry if it feels like a lecture buddy it's not meant that way 😜