You don't have to get boosted to make money on here. I've never been boosted because most of the things I publish are short, and I don't write in the style of a boost.

I know you didn't ask, but what works best for me is to read whoever I want, and over time, I build relationships with others. I don't try to do read for read or expect others to do the same thing, but I do support a few of my friends often because I genuinely enjoy whatever they publish.

Also, the last and one of the most important things is to keep Medium fun. Most people act way too serious on here and they turn Medium into a poorly paid job. Treat it like a fun hobby that pays a random amount each day, and you will be less likely to get disappointed.

Medium will most likely never be a full-time income for anyone, but it's possible to make a few hundred dollars here if someone is really active.

That's literally my $.02. Who knows, maybe it's only a penny now!