It is disappointing when something you worked so hard at doesn't get much in the way of appreciation/money (and here, of course, appreciation EQUALS money.) There's a lot of competing content, so there's no guarantee it will be an easy ride.

I would imagine that if people stick at it and do their best, they will likely be able to generate some decent money for a good deal of their posts - as you have done - but there will be ups and downs. It's still early days for many people, and it seems the best thing to do is not to go in with high expectations. If anything, go in with low ones.

Do you have any idea of how many followers one might need to have to earn more than a few dollars?