Anytime you need to plead for votes you are not using the platform, you are attempting to exploit it. Instead of putting up quality content to get votes, you are putting up a sob story and pleading others to give you money. Although when I first commented I didn't realise there was a section dedicated to it. Still, this is not content but begging for money, and I don't encourage begging.
RE: Hey Steemit! Can We Raise $500? UPVOTE for Charity! - Round 3