The secret is that the those of us who are doing well never came here FOR the money. It came and we were surprised and humbled. We did not or do not expect to be paid just for showing up. You want to know the secret? Hard work and making an effort to connect with others. Yes, probably not what you wanted to hear. "Is this how we are going to get the big bucks like the big guys?" You pretty much admitted that this is all you care about. Ask yourself if would you be doing this (writing, art, whatever you do) anyway, because you feel like it's a part of you? If not, then you are looking for a quick way to make a buck and it doesn't work that way.