Don't Be Afraid to Downvote!
Not just for plagiarism and scams, but also for poor content, hateful/antagonizing content, or content that is receiving WAY more funds than what you would find appropriate.
In a recent example, a user posted an article that had a generally ok message, but there was a lot of implications and reading-between-the-lines that I found to be very unethical and callous with a message that potentially attacks emotionally scared individuals. Perhaps I am the only one who feels this way, but it is all of our duties to act on what we feel is right so I downvoted that post.
Do not succumb to pressure or bullying!
After I had downvoted this user's post, the user changed their post headline to attack and misrepresent my action of downvoting. You can try to bully or scare me into changing my vote, but it won't work. My vote is what I feel is right, and all you can do is take it for what it is, or ignore it. But trying to demonize / bully people into agreeing with your messages is not only very unappropriate, but will not work on user's like myself.
And I encourage everyone to not back down to people who confront you for downvoting etc. Do you what you feel is right without letting the author attack or condemn you into changing it!
This platform will survive on the ethics, morals and effort of us all. It is our responsibility to curate content, so don't be afraid to downvote!
Edit: @sean-king made a very valid point about not downvoting EVERY post you don't like, but the ones that you think would devalue Steemit in one way or another:
I don't hesitate to downvote content that I think decreases Steem's value
Agreed but it's not easy. So many posts are overvalued from the very start but many upvote as soon as they can because they know they will get to the top...
There's a perception that downvoting is "censorship". But, it's not. At least not anymore than "upvoting" is censorship.
I try to avoid downvoting just because I disagree with something. I do think Steemit should be a "big tent". But I don't hesitate to downvote content that I think decreases Steem's value. Negativity, whining and pouting are sure to get my downvote.
Good points. Perhaps my post comes across as too strongly promoting downvoting. You say it better:
To me this would include lowering Steem's value financially as well as in how it affects users (emotions etc).
down voting you make enemies unless you are a whale and control the game.. i suggest to just ignore post that you don't like...
No, I'll go ahead and downvote. Thanks for your concern. I notice you posted a documentary, was that your original work? I didn't see a link to the source.
no they are not original work but they are fair use... driving free views to the account users :) so its not copyrighted.... also like i said be careful what you wish for ... cause some whales may not like your post there for down vote you just cause they dont like your post..... meaning you wont make a penny..... i want to see how you would feel about it... also the link to the source is simple YOUTUBE and owner of the account his name is there don't worry he is happy i share his videos for free if he is happy why should you care ? :)
You clearly don't know what copyright means. Threatening me won't do anything, so you can drop that bull right now. You need to cite your source in your post, otherwise you're just randomly stealing other peoples' content. Does the guy who made the video know you posted it here? Or you jut assume he would be happy it was here? You can't assume things like this with other peoples' property. You're the one who needs to be careful. I don't post, I'm not worried whether a "whale" takes exception to someting I say or do.
It doesn't have to make enemies if people don't take it so personally. I think it is good to establish audiences and for people to know the values you stand for by downvoting posts you find offensive / objectionable.
Being afraid to downvote is the same as being afraid to post for fear of making an enemy. Both are important for the platform to survive long term.
you should downvote spam and something that was stolen from another user not something you took in the open internet... that's my view we all have our own opinions but if we don't agree should we fight for it cuz we have different thoughts different opinions?? i don't think so i would just let it go and mind my own business... also thats the thing some people take it personal especial if there is money involved :) the last thing you will know is that guy keeps down voting all your posts for absolute no reason i seen it that's why i am saying this.. now imagine if he is to crazy and he builds his steem power than he will be a problem for you cause you will be fighting a battle you cant win.... i seen some post that went viral and than there is a giant whale canceled all the profits from 800 to like 100 .... now if that happens to me ill be upset :) and i think you also will be upset especially if its for no reason... just cause he did not like your post :) see where i come from... ignoring someones post you don't like is the best way...! you don't hurt anybody neither yourself.... but downvoting someone just cause you don't like his post its like you don't want him to make money than that's where it gets personal i up vote your post cause i like them and some i don't i just ignore i don't downvote but imagine someone else who is doing the same thing you wrote in your post it can backfire and than the last thing you know the steem community starts getting ugly... my father always told me people who bully you or don't like you just ignore them don't do the same as they are doing... because than you will be equal lvl with them.... hope you get my point :)
So here you're openly advocating plagiarising anything you find on the open Internet. That is so fucked up on so many levels.
If it fair , is a dinkum 👍 ~ slang
There is an idiot , all he do is just down flagging everyone for no reason!!!!
Look him up @lolai2016 , not deserve to be here
See if I telling the truth
I agree with both @discombobulated and @sean-king .
I also think indeed one of the strongest reasons people don't downvote is fear.
Let this be a message to all those who downvote to pay back or get revenge and let this be an encouragement to those who need it to do the right thing and promote value on Steemit:
We will downwote the crap out of you too! We are a community and will act as a community if you attack one of us!
PS. Revenge activity can be reported on the #steemitabuse channel on https://steemit.chat
Keep up the good work!