"Many new users are piling onto any post they see with a dollar value beneath it. As a minnow, that is one of the worst ways to use you vote."
This is exceptionally important, and looks to be the case with many minnows. If a post is already worth a few thousand dollars it can be exciting to see that and quick hit the upvote button to join in the fray, but it's likely at that point the curation reward ship has sailed. Look for the diamonds in the rough, surf the "created" section for excellent articles that are new and haven't yet received the attention they deserve. This is how to truly maximize your curation rewards.
Fellow minnows, your voting strength is important! Use it wisely.
RE: Minnow voting power from the record $30 000 "makeup post" perspective.