Seconded! The Steem Pope supports substantive comments! (post is past payout) Also, do join the Steem Flag Rewards community. Every plankton flag matters!

I try to upvote most good comments on my posts, and occasionally I upvote good comments I see elsewhere. Contribute to conversation, and you will get a following from others who want to engage with you. Write posts that matter to you, and over time, you will find an audience. It can help to link to recent posts or old related articles every time you write something new so people can find other things that interest them and help then connect with you as an individual.