Thank you for the kind words! The reality is, we need to take some of the stigma out of downvoting, for whatever reason we conclude to do so. I totally agree that flag wars are a complete waste of time, and when you do find something that is important enough that you decide to communicate with and then follow with a rewards adjustment, that you look at possible repercussions for you. You're spot on - the occasional downvote paired with feedback should be a small portion of your curation as you move around in the ocean of content we all inhabit. It won't be your main focus and some days you may not use it at all, and that's a-ok! As long as when you do get the urge to downvote with a valid reason, you trust your gut on why you feel that way, and even just consider following through or leaving feedback.
What I can say out of this situation, is when you give and get your first downvotes, close your eyes and take a breath. In 99% of the cases, it will not harm you monetarily or rep-wise long term. You're still here. You're still kicking (typing.) Getting caught up in, "OMG I HAVE TO DOWNVOTE THEM BACK BECAUSE THEY FLAGGED ME AFTER I DOWNVOTED THEM REASONABLY" will just dilute your initial message... keeping at it just gets you caught in negativity. Once you get past the fear of giving, and the fear of receiving, you will have an expanded view of the platforms around us. Being able to feel it, and then shake it off and realize there's so much more going on that needs your attention, will kind of make you a little bit invincible. Cool guys walk away from explosions.
Each day, there are new usecases, new front ends, and new businesses. As we discover which ones fit our goals and our needs, we will see less and less of the content that doesn't match up with our interests... and that means you'll use downvotes even less. As we move into a time where we can join communities and niches which have the option of moderation, even less so. Until then, the occasional downvote and constructive feedback is just your way of picking up a piece of litter on your way to work. If each of us picks up a bit, and also goes out and curates what we like, we're adjusting rewards up and down. Picking up trash, planting flowers. What each person thinks is beautiful and not useful will vary, which is why when we all participate we end up with content that is more diverse across the board. Don't waste all your time and money on downvoting... just open to your mind to downvoting instead of being terrified of flagging, and that's a great first step.
Picking up trash.... planting flowers.
well - that was awesome! LOL That summarized it perfectly!
I'm currently now involved in a flag war with the same person. (Im only downvoting the slander directly on my posts... not bothering with anything else. I'm not the kind of person to go on a rampage and downvote everything the person ever wrote. LOLOL)
It's sad - because no matter how many people keep trying to extend a hand to him, he continues to engage in bad behavior. His reputation is teetering on 19 (yipes) but..... it seems like today he MIGHT have had an "aha" moment and asked to reach out to someone for help.
This person is one of the most helpful people I know - so - fingers crossed that the guy can finally swallow some pride, decide to make a change - and grow from all this. Tough love sometimes works! :)
Thanks for your amazing comment! I just celebrated my 2nd Steemiversary and I think this is my first flag war? (I'd really call it a flag skirmish...) but this particular one was worth it on multiple levels. It will REALLY be worth it if the guy does a complete reversal.
I can guarantee you.... downvoting is NOT how I want to spend the majority of my time. LOL I have way more fun engaging with people in positive ways! too many projects... too much fun to be had :)
have a great day @crimsonclad :)