The truth is a downvotes will always feel somehow to the person getting it especially when they are not sure why they are being downvoted but that’s one interesting thing about hive. We can’t tell people to either stop upvoting or downvoting us. We just hope we attract more of upvotes as that’s what builds our reputation here.
I remember I once got a downvote on my post and when I asked why, I was told it was because I got too much upvotes on that particular post and some other posts. Personally, I felt it was a bit unfair because I have seen people who don’t even invest as much as I do on hive that gets more upvotes and never for once got any downvotes. But then, I remember that we all are in control of who we want to upvote or downvote.
Downvotes are there to be used. But I hope there will be a sort of laid down guidelines for using it. I feel most people use it because they have the power to not really to help people do better.
I think that download abuse can be mitigated by revamping the reputation system. I made one suggestion a while ago for a system that I think would be a better system and also provide some recourse for victims of downvote abuse while also honoring the benefits of staking.
At some point I would like to put together guidelines based on a conglomeration of what people said here and have said about downvotes in the past.
We really don't need to reinvent the wheel here but we just have to realize there will never be a consensus.
And if someone uses their downvote outside of those guidelines there’s really not much we can do about it.
You’re absolutely right. The truth is, except those that vote (positive or negative) decide which they want, I don’t even think that anyone can influence their decision.
Personally, I expect the worse and just keep hoping for the best. Everyone has their reasons for whatever choice they make and we can only try the persuade them a little but in the end, they are the ones to still call the shots.