I don't think you have failed at all. Steemit is still small and hasn't reached the critical mass you need for such projects to take off. Tsu had reached a few million by this point and was a different game, but also had its own issues. I think this is a good time to be establishing some cool projects that can grow with the service. When the millions come you will be ready.

I hope you at least check in to see how it's going.