I think you are on the right track
What have I concluded? Gee, now I'm not sure. I was just trying to share.
Thank you everyone for you views. I appreciate the advice.
Luis -- I appreciate your sharing your experiences and as an author in a similar situation I want to let you know that I think that your analysis is quite good, and that the math of $200 spent and 4 books sold does not tell the whole story. Like you, I spent a good bit of time, energy and some money trying to get my two self-published books noticed. After awhile it occurred to me that the time I was spending asking (okay begging) lots of bloggers to review my books and trying to contribute on various authors' websites had been educational and entertaining but it was basically introducing me to other new writers, who frankly seldom have the time or money to buy the works of their fellow newcomers. Meanwhile, the time I was spending doing my own blogging got me some kudos from other bloggers, but what I really needed was the attention of folks who are readers first and foremost.
The time I used to spend on Goodreads was almost entirely devoted to interacting with the other new authors there and, as advised here, I was trying to engage not promote. I may have made a few mew friends, but it wasn't selling books.
When family members who do not have electronic readers convinced me to use Create Space to publish both books, I had low expectations for physical sales (and still do). However, once you have "real" books Goodreads not only allows you to do to giveaways, it helps you promote them! The combination of a giveaway and a low cost ad (you can do one for <$50 on Goodreads) generates a lot of attention amongst people looking for things to read and in just a month the number of folks with my books on their shelves has increased by two orders of magnitude. Yes, so far this has only translated into a few sales, but it has potential to snowball into good reviews and word of mouth recommendations and frankly this is the most encouraging development for me yet.
I am hoping that by sharing a kindred experience with you, I can encourage you continue trying to promote your book in ways that make sense. It is a slow proceess and seeking out those looking to buy a book has got to help move it along.
Feel free to send me a personal message if you'd like to exchange more details.