Stellabelle, sorry to comment twice but I'd just like to say this about the buying of votes. Personally I look at my reputation number as being a level of respect, each time it increases, I know that I have earned it. I know that respect is something that can not be bought or sold it can only be earned. I don't look at Steemit as being a contest or a race to see who can make the most money. I am fully aware that my abilities to make fantastic posts doesn't exist but I'm not here to impress anyone with how great I am or how much money I can make or have. If I was I would probably utilize every bot and kissing butt like the others or regurgitating how great bitcoin is going to do. I agree Steemit has a problem, excuses not accepted period! If the creators were smart enough to make this platform, I'm quite sure they would attempt to fix it if they wanted to...................billytwohearts