I'm pretty new so maybe I've missed something, but is the flag the only way to downvote?
If this is the case then maybe something more subtle is needed for downvotes. I wouldn't use the flag unless there was a pretty serious issue with the content.
I'll probably end up only voting on good stuff and doing nothing on the rest.
Yes. Originally, the flag was simply called a downvote. It was changed to "flag", which then started all this unnecessary and ridiculous drama.
okay thanks for clearing that up. I can see how some people would take it as more severe than a downvote
Yes, it's understandable.