I'm new to steem and just trying to get to grips with how the platform works, I love it, but I want some clarification...

For several weeks now, I have been browsing Steemit daily. I have a fascination with blockchain, cryptography and digital assets, and found this platform a great place for discovery and well written content about such a wide variety of topics.

Despite my studies in engineering revolving around maths, physics and problem solving, I've always been a keen writer, and somehow creativity seems to common ground between the two fields; a desire to use Steemit as a platform to create quality content has been growing within me.

My understanding however of the Steem ecosystem is weak, I've poked around on YouTube for an explanation to some nagging questions but been presented with typical less than satisfactory "how to make $200 on Steemit every day" videos!

Then... just as I think I've built a solid understanding of the system, I read this:
https://steemit.com/steemit/@dineroconopcion/is-grumpycat-abusing-it-s-steempower

Now I'm lost. I would like to think that creativity is rewarded, and appreciation is not bought. I'm no whale, so will I have difficulty in finding an audience when there are many users buying theirs?

I'd love to find some reassurance that this is a great place to write, moreover receive some advice on how best to get started, do I need to buy Steem, or Steem power and how do I use it most effectively?