As a newbie - not even here a month yet - I was surprised when I worked out how bid-bots actually worked.
The downvote wars are worrying. Things are pretty calm on steemit compared to other social media - and the system plays a big part in that. But can you imagine the arguments that occur on facebook or twitter happening here, where flagging can trash your reputation and literally take money out of your (or your opponent's) pocket? When downvote and culture wars combine, watch out!
Spam is something we can all help combat - not least by reporting it to @steemcleaners.
The voting for crap thing is a harder problem - and though I'm not sure what can be done to mitigate it, I'd agree that people should not do this.
You have only 10 votes per day. There will always be good and bad actors here on steemit and in the real life. But on average it will level out by itself.
I am heartened to hear this from a more experienced steemian. But with the greatest respect, I worry that good and bad actors might not 'level out' in the way we always hope - either in real life or on steemit.
Don't be afraid. Either in real life or on steemit. Life is short. Just swim with the current and learn on the way.
One mans spam crap is another mans polite and courteous interaction. Especially among our many Asian, Pacific and oriental users.
I agree - I think that's why it's important to not be too hard on people - they can vote for whatever they like!
A bit of education is helpful too. Lots of low SP users vote on popular posts purely in the hope they'll get a good curation reward, but unless you properly understand how curation works this isn't going to happen.
I think the key is not to obsess over the rewards but to seek out and enjoy the content that appeals to you... it would be nice of the vote rewards weren’t quite so “in yer face“