Newb's view

So as a new member I am at once exhilarated and dismayed to be here. I have read “guidelines” and followed the suggestions, to a degree. I’m just a little concerned. While I like so much about this platform I am ever so slightly disappointed with the response I have gotten. Almost all of the comments I have received have been from bots. And the few I have received which appear to have been from actual people have all been advertisements of sorts inviting me to “schools” on how to steemit. Was I foolish to expect more of a personal connection and meaningful criticism of the content? Is it just me or are others experiencing this same thing? If I wanted advertising I would still be on fakebook. I really thought this platform was different. Prove me wrong.