Thanks, Edward. I simply don't find that link between your first and second paragraphs, or my points 7 and 8.

Pretty much every single new reader who commented on those boosted stories has received a reply and personal comment from me, sometimes brief, but often more involved.

And I have continued to write in the same vein, with follow-up stories sometimes receiving boosts as well.

Momentum slumps to near zero every time.

I work full time - I have time to write my articles, comment on others', reply to commenters on mine. Which I do, daily.

I see little return, except a meaningless follower count and clap-and-runners.

I can do no more manually and personally - the platform is failing to do the automated distribution part.

There is no flywheel.

Just flypaper.