To Upvote or Not on Comments, That is the Question
Content is the heart and soul of Steemit. It comes in the form of blogs that authors create and follow-on comments which readers contribute. We have talked about this before in posts and the chat-room, but the question continues to remain relevant:
Should viewer’s comments be up-voted by the author as a way of showing appreciation?
Limited upvotes
If we had an unlimited number of votes, this would not be an issue. Every author would happily upvote people who make comments to their post. But the reality is we all have practical limitations on how many time we can upvote in a 24-hour period. The general consensus is, we should only up-vote about 30 times a day or risk our voting power be depleted, which will greatly degrade the value of our votes. If I write a blog and thirty people comment, do I use all my up-votes for the day to recognize them?
My choice as an author
If you up-vote and leave a meaningful reply, then I will return the favor and up-vote your comment. I firmly believe comments which add to the discussion, enhance the clarity, or contribute to a debate makes the original post even better. I will recognize those who put forth this effort until all my up-votes are depleted for the day. As I started with, I believe content is what makes Steemit great. The feelings, ideas, and opinions of readers increase the value and fuel the platform for larger audience participation.
Authors not upvoting good comments
Sadly, I see many authors who do not recognize or reward quality replies to their posts. I think it discourages readers from engaging and at a macro level hurts the Steemit community. Now, not all comments are worthy. The person who simply states “good post” or something similarly laconic, does not earn a reward in my opinion. Yes, it is subjective.
Most people will think about the monetary incentive. Technically speaking you won't ever get big curation rewards from a comment, or at least it's much more risky vote than a good top-level content.
Top-level contents and comments don't have the same visibility on steemit.com, one is accessible on the homepage, the other requires a click to be seen.
I believe eventually this can be solved by having 2 different voting power for users. One for top-level posts, and one for comments.
There definitely is a difference. I would like to see every steemian have enough power to make a difference. Minnows don't have the pull to make a difference or earn any steem when they vote. That to me must change.
I went and posted some ideas on making Steemit better for the Devs here: https://steemit.com/steemit/@mrosenquist/steemit-proposal-for-developer-and-community-evaluation
I like your perspective on the matter. I too find myself wondering at times what the best allotment for my votes would be within my limits of voting before power degradation. I'd have to agree as well that good comments deserve recognition. I often find myself upvoting comments on my posts that are insightful or provide true feedback/input that pertains to the post.
At times though, I find myself also upvoting because I find a comment funny or intriguing, not necessarily pertaining to the topic. As to whether you should or shouldn't upvote comments/replies to your works; I believe that is pretty much at the discretion of the author and what they find valuable (or not).
Great post and keep up the good work!
Author discretion rules the day. I like that. I have consciously made my decision and criteria. I just wonder how many other authors do the same. I have seen posts with great comments, but no upvotes. I just can't help thinking that sends the wrong message.
I agree, at times it's necessary to (after upvoting) provide an explanation as to what about the post made you decide to upvote/promote it. This, I feel, would also help the authors to know better what to post about or how to go about wording it/etc. It's an all-around win/win when people give positive feedback in addition to upvoting. I don't feel that it's always necessary to upvote to appreciate a comment, sometimes just replying to that comment with positive feedback is enough. I know for me it is, I could care less about whether it's an upvote or a comment to show appreciation, the only real difference is the monetary aspect. But when you're like me, the intellectual gratification tends to be enough and sometimes even more valuable. It's comforting to relate to people and be appreciated and sometimes words can hit home a lot harder than a simple vote that says "Yea, I like that.", but nothing more really. Thanks for the reply! It's nice to see other people's opinions and to share in the wealth of having multiple perspectives on any given situation. Part of the reason I love steemit, so many different points-of-view and perspectives to attempt to put yourself in and perceive differently. :)
I truly like the feedback and 2-way conversation. If I am choosing to blog about a topic, I want peoples opinions (especially if the are different from my own), thoughts, ideas, and passion. So yes, I fully agree with you. Feedback to the authors is golden.
Exactly! An open mind can only lead to catching new/productive ideas. Even if you open your mind and find out that it's something you completely disagree with.. you've now learned where you stand on the matter. Thanks for the intellectual conversation, I feel that steemit should have some sort of messaging/chat system as well, for those who wish to make new connections, but not drag the conversations out over comments. I feel that the potential for mental growth is also incredible here on steemit, simply for the fact that everyone has something different and unique to bring to the table and it may open other people's eyes in ways they never considered. :)
@kainmarx try https://steemit.chat
I'm new to the platform, but rewarding contribution NEEDS to be encouraged if you want to promote a harmonious atmosphere.
;)
If commenting isn't rewarded, the content on steemit will quickly become stagnant, unless you're one of those "uber whales" I keep hearing about.
Stay cool...
@rook
I completely agree @rook It is especially tough for minnows (new members) to gain any Steem Power. Commenting is one of the few realistic paths.
I feel more like a tadpole. ;)
Quality comments that continue the discussion, offer new viewpoints, or answer questions should get upvotes.
As I understand upvoting, the weight of the upvote decreases over-time each time you upvote. When you take a break from voting, your upvoting weight regenerates. I like this because it encourages a person to take a break, generate content, unplug, do something else, or just live life.
Thank you for contributing to the steemit community by bringing up an interesting topic and stimulating conversation (comments) on it.
Steem on,
Mike
Yes, your Voting Power decreases when you vote and returns in time. I think it is a 24hr cycle. I am constantly checking my Voting Power and how many votes I have made using https://steemstats.com
Sure, if someone leaves a quality comment I'll definitely upvote it.
Glad to hear I am not the only one!