I definitely agree that the paying for votes is a much bigger problem than the spam. And quite honestly the spam on my own posts doesn't really bother me, I'm actually much more bothered by the spam on some of my friends posts, most specifically the friends I have that it really upsets. So basically I dislike spammy comments simply because it makes the day of someone I care about a little less bright. If that makes sense.
The thing is, at my current position on this platform I have the power to affect some change in regards to spam, but sadly I do not have the kind of clout it would take to effect the vote buying. Other than on an individual basis, I have talked a few people I know out of using them.
I've come to a few decisions lately. I was feeling quite bummed out/burned out for a little while there, you know when because you and I had a rather long back and forth during that time. And honestly your brother's last post ended up being first really bad for me, then ultimately good. Because I was suddenly feeling so disappointed and dark that something had to give way. So rather than falling into a depression I've gone the whole other way. I might not be able to do anything about the choices and actions of others, but I am in control of my own. We want to see a change in the world we have to be it, and it's really the only thing we CAN do.
So I no longer give a rat's butt about the negative aspects of steemit, I'm only focusing on the positive. The awesome people like you and Paul and meesterboom and Linda and I really could go on for awhile with that list which is a huge positive just right there.
And my brother is just awaiting his confirmation and he will be with us here too!
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you but I've been really, really busy and haven't had much time to think but I really hope you are well and you will of course let me know when your brother is all ready to go. I know the last time we spoke we didn't really agree and I have to say that this time I don't think it will be any different. :)
I hear what you're saying about your friends being upset about spam on their posts and that causing you to become upset for them but I don't really understand it. It is something that can easily be ignored and if it really is upsetting people then why are they getting upset about that and not about the fact that others are using the reward pool to not only vote for their own posts which is fair enough but getting another who knows how many upvotes from randowhale and booster and minnowsupport and God knows how many others there are. When someone buys a vote from one of these services they are taking away a part of the reward pool that might otherwise have gone to one of your friends. It's like being upset about people claiming welfare but ignoring the millionaires who don't pay their taxes. It's hypocrisy. There's no other word for it.
I'm trying to be as positive as I can be and hope beyond hope to be more so in future. I don't really know what else to say my friend. I have had a long day and I'm not really thinking too clearly but didn't want to leave it too long to reply to you incase you thought I was ignoring you. :)
Hope you're well my friend and hope to get achance soon to cathc up properly. :)
Agree on the spam you mean? Honestly, I am leaning more toward your point of view about it. I don't think it's worth the negative energy when it can just be ignored.
I do really understand your feelings about the vote buying, and I would much prefer that it would stop.
I really, really appreciate you taking the time to write me, just to let me know you haven't forgotten me. It means a lot Tony, and I treasure our friendship. We don't have to agree on everything, that's the great thing about having a genuine friendship, we can say what we think and feel and be honest and not hold it against one another if what we think and feel isn't always the same. Depth in friendship is important :)
I also hope you're well and look forward to catching up :)