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Some clarifications about the Downvote

Hi everyone, ✌️

Thank you very much for your feedback in relation to the Downvote. 👎
We totally understand that many/most of you are not happy with it.

However, based on the feedback we're reading, I'd like to clarify some points:

1) If your posts/replies frequently have many good reactions, and sometimes you get 1 or 2 downvotes, out of MANY good reactions, [b]you really shouldn't have to worry[/b]. 👍

2) If there is a user that has been downvoting you in many posts, [b]that user will eventually start seeing less contents from you[/b]. 📉

3) You don't have to worry [b]if a user tries to use multiple accounts to downvote you. Either the system knows about it already, or will know in the future[/b], and that will only go wrong on that user, [u]and never affect you[/u]. 🚩
Only a few users have attempted this so far, and we've sent notifications to those users. The targeted users [u]were not affected[/u] by the fake downvotes.

4) A comment or post will only be pushed down [b]if the amount of downvotes surpass the amount of good reactions[/b] (and only if a [u]minimum[/u] of downvotes was reached, for that to happen). You [u]don't have to worry[/u] about the visibility of your contents being impacted [u]just because of 1 or 2 downvotes, when you got several good reactions[/u] too. 📊

5) Even if a post of yours got more downvotes than good reactions, [b]it doesn't mean that your audience will be impacted on other stories/questions that you post in the future[/b]. It only affects the post that got downvoted. 📚

5) The downvote does have a slight impact on your account reputation, but [b]that impact is VERY negligible[/b]. If you [u]maintain a much higher amount of good reactions, versus the amount of downvotes[/u], [b]your account will NEVER suffer any consequences[/b]. Only accounts who have more downvotes than good reactions are the ones that will be really impacted. 😊

[b]In summary:[/b] You don't have to worry if you get a few downvotes here and there. Only if the amount of downvotes surpasses the amount of good reactions (very rare cases), you would be affected. [b]Only troublemakers will be affected by the downvote.[/b]

I want to apologize again for not being clear in my original post when it was announced.

---

Thank you for your support and we hope you continue to stay with us.

We are constantly listening to your suggestions, so please keep giving them to us, as they are very important to the future of Similar Worlds.

Very kind regards, 🧡
- The SW Team

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Greyscale

I already see several exploits within this system, but just to clarify, how exactly is this system supposed to know anything if someone is using multiple accounts with a good VPN attached?

Also if someone sees a post that has simply gotten zero reactions. And trolls or disrupters of this site begin to simply lurk waiting for such posts to appear on the feed. Isn’t this going to unbalance things quickly?

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onrealityofdreams

@Greyscale Much thought and consideration have been given to the very type of scenarios you describe and wanton behavior will be treated thusly.

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

Behind the scenes non transparent nonsense is never good. You can’t justify it. @onrealityofdreams

Greyscale

@onrealityofdreams How could one act upon the behavior if the VPN is in constant use of protecting someone from the behaviors though?

It sounds like this is just bad for business with the only remedy being to either remove it completely, or to reverse the anonymity of downvoting with a complete exposure of the downvoter.

The same way everyone can see something has been hearted and who it was (usually with VIP) but I think in this instance it should not be a VIP access thing and everyone should have the right to know who’s bringing the negativity in the system. Yes maybe users would have to spend the time blocking again. But at this rate anyone and everyone is only left to the exposure of potential harassment.

I understand the use of the system that has been designed but it just doesn’t seem feasible without some sort of counter VPN measures out there. And then I think even using counter VPN measures may end up blocking some normal users from getting on here entirely.

This was maybe fifty years ahead of its time. I don’t believe the proper methods could be set in place for it. Though the intentions behind it seem pure. End results leave much to be desired from what’s there.

This place enough negativity as is. And I get that it’s a system with the intended means to take more pressure off of SW staff and moderators. However in the end it just simply isn’t practical.

The only final solution I can think of to balance it out. Is to only allow “Trusted” members of the site to use downvoting. And To limit the number of downvotes that can be applied in a single week. Even if someone sees multiple things they don’t like doesn’t mean anyone has to go crazy with abusing the system.

Maybe you can make the trusted members thing in link with the “Awards” section under the whiteboard page.

Awards themselves may have to be revamped etc. most long standing and active members should have no problem being awarded the “Trusted” title, much like a certified title I suppose.

And then trolls who simply make new accounts, won’t be able to abuse the system.

Now there’s also a matter of long standing deleted members who return to the site. But that would only apply if they even implemented the afore mentioned suggestion as a solution in the first place.

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

‘Trusted members”? The politburo decides who these are? @Greyscale

stratosranger · M

Who are these Trusted members? Who appoints them? Why are they trusted? What are the parameters for that trust? @Greyscale

onrealityofdreams

@jackjjackson Among themselves the administrators and moderators have prepared for whatever reactions are thrown. This downvote option (and most have overlooked the 'option' portion of the phrase) was not a done in the spur of the moment nor is it the product of a high concept. The question-and-answer site Quora has made available to its members a choice to upvote or downvote a posting and/or response to use at their discretion. Abuse though not unheard of is rare.
A period of adjustment is to be expected with every addition/update/subtraction/modification. To anticipate a rough patch or two or even four is par for the course. Still and all if a decision is taken to eliminate the option so be it. The same acceptance is applicable if, after discussions, the option is granted permanent residence.

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

Like I wrote, the politburo 😆 @stratosranger

Greyscale

@stratosranger I already listed how the awards system would be tied into that. You need to learn read the whole thing before commenting.

Greyscale

@jackjjackson The awards system. “Trusted” is just a throw away title for “long standing” Has everyone forgotten there even is an awards system simply because they moved it? You know the one that has things like “have been here x amount of years” so new troll accounts can’t simply pop up and abuse the system. That is to say if they’re so inclined to keep it.

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

This site is rife with haters abusing all tools at their disposal to cancel thoughts contrary to theirs. I tried to downvote your comment here however my downvote attempt was censored. It was the tenth time today I tried to down vote and the others were in response to admins comments. The admins themselves are already abusing their new toys to their own benefit. @onrealityofdreams

stratosranger · M

Oh I did and that answered none of my questions. “ Awards themselves may have to be revamped etc. most long standing and active members should have no problem being awarded the “Trusted” title, much like a certified title I suppose.” So just because they’ve been on the site a long time they’re to be trusted? Sorry, again I did read all of your post and again those paltry parameters are not worthy of trust. @Greyscale

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

I’ve been here since before day one and I suspect I’ll never be included in a ‘trusted member” category 😆 @Greyscale

stratosranger · M

Yeah. I think this site has hit the iceberg and there aren’t enough water tight compartments to keep it afloat. @jackjjackson

Greyscale

@jackjjackson The awards system wouldn’t be that hard, it would be something based more off time than anything. X ammount of comments posted, x ammount of years an account has been around for on SW.

Something simplistic yet rewards someone not making an army of new accounts.

onrealityofdreams

@Greyscale A "trusted members only" use of the downvote has a sexy sound but the questions surrounding qualifications and guidelines quickly give it a dowdy look. Would a trusted member be one who has been a member for a specific amount of time? A glancing reveals several members who joined upon the site's opening or shortly thereafter would fit that criteria. Would the number of postings have any bearing on how trusted one is? A dangerous prospect to say the least considering the content found after another quick viewing of some members' profiles. Would a trusted member have to be part of the V.I.P. echelon? Could the status of trusted member be available for purchase? A horrendous thought that.

stratosranger · M

Exactly. @onrealityofdreams

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

Don’t expect me to be on the “trusted members” list. My comments on this subject may cause my disappearance. @onrealityofdreams

Greyscale

@stratosranger Again, trust is a throw away title. The “trust” referring to the right to downvote. Basically an actual active member of SW would easily be able to unlock this whereas someone who only was facetious with motives to spam the website with downvotes on people, for the sake of trolling or harassment. Wouldn’t have access to the downvoting option.

You having a lack of understanding on something doesn’t make it inapplicable, it simply means you’re being lazy AF with your brain and want someone to hold your hand by telling you everything including the obvious. Go to your own awards page, see what you’ve accomplished with your account. And get a sense and understanding for the parameters of an active member of the community vs an inactive troll alt, that would be spawned only to breed and ensue chaos. It’s not that hard to see how it could mitigate the effects and damage this system is currently poorly left at now.

Especially since they seem hell bent on keeping it here.

onrealityofdreams

@jackjjackson Those who are intolerant of the expression of thoughts counter to their own will use whatever tools they can find; buttons to mute, block, or report, memes or gifs to harass or mock, personal attacks, and wishes of violence and woe upon their perceived nemesis being the most popular.

stratosranger · M

@Greyscale On the contrary. I poked holes in your “trust” nonsense which you are now trying to dismiss as a “throw away title” because I’ve exposed it for the garbage it is. And as far as my comprehension level is concerned, I know I’ve roundly won an argument when my opponent has nothing left to add but insults. Can you [i]comprehend[/i] the difference when one person can only throw out insults whereas the other [i]proves[/i] his opponent is a moron? If you’re too dense to figure it out, that’s what just happened here. Feel free to continue proving your ineptitude by replying.

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

So this is yet another admin approved censorship tool? @onrealityofdreams

Greyscale

@stratosranger a throw away title simply means it can take the form and shape of any title, “trust” simply best fitting the example it was given for the differentiation of two forms of accounts that are created on SW. Actual user accounts where people show more genuine sides of themselves, their life, struggles and joys they go through. And false troll accounts. “Trust” being relative to the fact that someone believes that this is an “Main” account which the word main can also be used to replace the word trust. Which is why it’s a “throw away” the fact you don’t understand the definition of a throw away, which refers to an initial suggestion towards something. “Throw away” meaning interchangeable. Just proves you’re hardly within the breaches of this convert to begin with. You’re simply feigning intelligence at this point. As bad as a troll would. 🤷‍♀️

You absolutely poked zero holes into anything. And you’ve yet to bring anything relevant to the table in terms of subject matter.

Pretty sure you’re a troll as you just contradicted yourself in the last part. “Blah blah blah don’t use insults…. Blah blah blah… I win, cuz u MORON! Me smart blah blah blah” 🤷‍♀️ Instantly recognizable hypocrisy is never a way to win anything.

And I didn’t even begin to say anything insulting. If you felt that insulted then that’s on you, being a baby about it. All I said is I was clear enough the first time around but you’re the one acting like a nitwit who can’t comprehend or understand anything and wants everything rexplained like a child wanting their hand held. Which doesn’t speak of intelligence, it’s a clear display of the lack of such intelligence. And you’re a grown ass man and no one has time to baby sit you on the Internet. 🤷‍♀️ Read a book, get smart, and come back when you can actually understand what people are talking about.

But you’re too busy stroking your own ego with delusions of grandeur by your self proclaimed “I’M the win, I’m won all” mentality to probably even recognize how horribly, horribly wrong you are at all this. 🤦‍♀️ So good luck living with yourself or whatever with all that. But like I said. No one has time for a man baby/likely troll. Running around saying nothing. And pretending you’re suddenly “winning”

stratosranger · M

Wow you sure are insecure. Insecure people often type whole paragraphs to try hiding their insecurities in a desperate attempt to defend a pointless point. I hope that didn’t take a long time to write because I didn’t bother reading it, nor will I be reading any further goop you choose to write. It’s not worthy of my time. Now have yourself a fantastic day. @Greyscale

jackjjackson · 61-69, M

This is exactly what the admins are looking to create. Trouble where there isn’t any downvote and downvote often this travesty and recommend that your friends join you. @stratosranger @Greyscale

Greyscale

@jackjjackson you’d have to actually be bothered by a troll for it to cause anything. It’s clearly a troll who’s posting. 🤷‍♀️ Only thing you do with trolls is block them to see the real comments. Why would I downvote anything this person has said? It’s ineffective compared to a block. I don’t have time to see even more of their posts as is either.

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