Most Whales typically value their up-votes, don't take it rather personal. They generally up-vote things that matter to them (whether its comments or posts). I've gotten a few lucky chances in the past, but most of my earnings of Steem actually came from trading on its own exchange. I typically respond well with my followers, or on comments, but I'm not even close to being a whale. And I'm not cool enough for comments.... sadness...