Don't get discouraged Karen. Many of the commenters here have let you know how important you are to the platform.
Since we are in Beta, there may still be changes to come.
Theoretically, I had switched over to the view that downvoting was just part of the overall voting strategy after Dan's post a couple of months ago...
...but seeing it played out in real time, and the effects that it has on contributors is making me question it's validity again.
Thanks for your awesome reply ! The downvoteing system needs to change and be more fare for all steemians as a whole ! Its causeing people to leave and keeping people from joining !! Thanks again! Beast of luck to you !βππ