New question: Is ecency optimum to use if Hive Powered

Hi everybody. I'm new to ecency and wondering how is the best way to use ecency does everyone get Hive Power to begin with what are the best ways to go about doing this. Post as much as possible? I had problems making more then one post and it wouldn't allow me to make another post. Any pointers would be awesome Just wondering I came here from steenit looking for an alternative. Are there many new users?