A few days ago I downvoted someone’s comment, and the next day I happened to notice every single comment I’ve ever made had at least one downvote. All from the person I dared to downvote the ONE time. I straight up asked why they did it, and they seem to think I’m an “obvious” troll account that “apparently just exist to downvote other people”. I assure you I’m no troll account, and ironically don’t really downvote all that often.
I know the topic of public downvotes has been discussed before, but I never used to care either way. Now I’m kinda leaning in the “I don’t like it” side. Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little offended, maybe even attacked. Also, there goes all my imaginary internet points. Lol
Has anyone else had something like this happen to them, or am I just unlucky?

  • magnetosphere
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    47 months ago

    The same thing happened to me. The downvotes don’t bother me nearly as much as knowing that trolls can stalk us like that. It’s creepy. That’s the real issue.

    Everyone telling you not to care about downvotes is missing the point.

    • smoothbrain coldtakes
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      7 months ago

      It doesn’t change the behavior if you can verify who did it or not. It literally doesn’t matter that you can see who downvoted you when it’s always been the case that anybody can go into your history and downvote all of it.

      How are you going to call viewing a post history on the public facing internet “stalking”?

      Jesus you guys play some gymnastics up in your domes.

      • magnetosphere
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        27 months ago

        Looking at post histories isn’t stalking. That take would be a bit paranoid. Please don’t put words in my mouth.

        Abusing someone’s post history to harass them is stalking, though.

          • magnetosphere
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            27 months ago

            In your interpretation, maybe. I just think it’s obnoxious and rude to do it to all of someone’s comments. If someone genuinely disagrees with what I’ve posted, that’s not a problem.

    • livus
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      57 months ago

      @magnetosphere but trolls stalk people anyway, I’ve had Downvote Fairies on reddit and kbin.

      The kbin one wasn’t even someone I’d downvoted.

        • livus
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          37 months ago

          @magnetosphere just the nature of the internet.

          Sometimes people get weird bees in their bonnet. Personally I’d much rather know who it’s coming from.

          If I put a lot of effort into a comment or post and it gets downvoted by someone out of spite, I’d much rather know that’s what happened than sit there wondering what’s wrong with my post.

          • magnetosphere
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            27 months ago

            Right? Leave me a comment telling me why you disagree! Maybe you have a point of view that I hadn’t considered. Maybe I got a fact wrong - I’d rather be corrected than keep on being wrong! I’m a big boy; I can take it.

            Or, maybe I’m just being a jerk and all someone needs to do is talk some sense into me. By itself, a downvote doesn’t tell anyone anything. Reply! Talk to me!

            • livus
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              37 months ago

              @magnetosphere this! I love it when someone points out stuff I haven’t considered, especially if it turns out I’m wrong. Acknowleding that is the fastest way to actually turn it around and become right again.

              • OpenStars
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                27 months ago

                Man, I miss Reddit!

                Said nobody here ever.:-) The average discussion experience here is just better, with people who care about facts rather than purely trolling.

                • livus
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                  17 months ago

                  @OpenStars totally!

                  I originally only came here for something to do during the blackout, but it’s just so much better here that I ended up never going back.