steemian and steemauto and probably more automated trail managers and posting schedules, offer a very specificly designed service for steemit users: voting trails

every steemblockchain user can create a fanbase, a trail, and attract members for its activity.

So when the main account upvotes a post, everyone on the trail will do the same, as they have granted the following account with the permission.

Curie is an example, which I found very popular on steemauto.com

![Mjewc66_d.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaMkZjCBb7oN21HKh98DASLKSoarbxtoNfdxQB5rhF2Hd/Mjewc66_d.jpg)

but are they *profitable?*

not necessarily. and they are not even there to be profitable.

they are more likely a cause to join. to curate specifically well written quality content, in a category you care about or in general.

or maybe a group of people looking for supporting each other to grow their accounts.

even the reward for each following account's members is not same as other members! since it depends on what sequence members'votes are placed (maybe sorted by joining date)

it is true that not every single act we do should be monetizing, but it's important to know what exactly we are doing. 

you should join the trails for a cause, not for profit.