How can I cope with thumbs down?

Question

When you have tried to give a good answer, and you get a thumb down, although there is no obvious reason for it, it really hurts me, so much that I think of stopping giving answers. How do you cope with it?

(I have seen that this happens to other users too, who have given really good answers. What is this thumbs-up and -down actually for?)

Answer 1

I am not usually one to shout conspiracy, but in this case, I am getting closer than I have in a long time. I see my answers getting one or more thumbs down within moments of when I post an answer, and then later, I get best answer. Go figure. I do not pay attention anymore once I figured out there are people (likely punk kids) intentionally targeting my answers for some reason which is beyond me. Maybe I answered a question as they did and they feel my answer was unfairly picked over theirs and in their childish immaturity are striking back in the only way they know how. And YES, I see this happening to others as well as to me. So, now, I simply no longer pay any attention to thumbs up and thumbs down on ANY answer, whether mine or anyone elses. I know I have pissed off a few people. Especially the dope smokers who are looking for a way to beat drug tests, when I inform them there is probably NO way to beat the system these days. I have gotten some very angry emails from dopers. I even got a personal threat of violence, one time. I am baffled as to why some answers are chosen as best. I am baffled as to why some answers get thumbs up and/or thumbs down. I am confused as to why I have had (rarely) answers removed, especially when I posted a true and correct, detailed answer. Can you say conspiracy?

Answer 2

Just realize that the only opinion that really matters is the opinion of the asker, not the other trolls.  If you are helping them by answering, that's all that matters.

The Y!A rating system sucks.  I think they should just get rid of it.

Answer 3

If this bothers you that much then I think you have a deeper problem then just getting a thumbs down. Besides it is more then likely immature people or young kids doing it to just any top contributor like yourself.  

Answer 4

Hahaha...

This question IS in jest,right?!

Oh boy--I guess you're serious.Hmmm--I have a thumbs-down stalker with multiple accounts.If I let it get to me,I would be in the nut house by now!!

Answer 5

Maybe you had a spelling mistake

Answer 6

if you get 5 thumb downs a goon squad breaks into your house at night and murders you.

I hope this helps! :)

Answer 7

I find thumbs down annoying, but they don't HURT me.  You are taking this YA thing too seriously by far.  It can be useful but mostly it's just light recreation, a pastime. Think of things that really are serious and you'll see how trivial a thumb down really is.

There are such things as trolls too, people who deliberately set out to annoy others on the site for their own amusement.  They are like people who break bus shelter windows, just mindless vandals.

Answer 8

I agree with you to a certain extent,but what annoys me more is when someone picks a best answer to their question and you know that it contains the wrong information and there is nothing that you can do about it

Answer 9

More depends on the mood of the person giving thumbs up or thumbs down than the actual answer given.  It's a shame, but people let their personal feelings get in the way.  Also, if the questions are of a political nature, people will just read enough to see if you agree with their point of view.  It doesn't matter how sensible or silly the answer is, it just matters what side it falls on.

Answer 10

The only thing it is for is if you are awarded Best Answer, you gain an extra point per thumbs up. Thumbs down is a built in system where if someone receives a high number of them, it hides the answer from public view, but you need around 8+ for this to happen.

Some troll type people go round thumbing down answers, or other answerers to the question may thumbs down to try and get their answer more popular.. so theres no way of preventing it, but also no use worrying about it.

We all get them :\ so don't feel bad.. just think that your answer could really help someone :)

Good luck!

Answer 11

Okay, everyone's already given you loads of great opinions around the thumbs down system but just thought I'd add that it may be good for you to try and do other things as well. I understand it must be hard for you to find things to do being disabled but there are options for you.  Perhaps you could look into day centres for handicapped people or hobbies you can enjoy at home.  You'll probably find your life more fulfilling if you do a range of activities and not just YA.

Take care :)

Answer 12

It can get irritating, I must admit. There's been times when I've given well reasoned opinions too and received a thumbs down for it. I wouldn't get so down about it though. There are more important things to worry about. It says that you're a top contributor, so most people surely value your opinion.

It's much easier to just give a thumbs down than a truly good answer, so just look at it that way.  

Answer 13

it really just for others to shows there thoughts on your answer!

its doesnt mean it not any good just maybe they dont agree with it that all!

the fact that you take your time to answer is good enough! go you x*x

Answer 14

A thumbs down is not evidence that you are a bad or stupid person.  Even if you give a bad or stupid answer it does not mean you are a wholly bad or stupid person, only that on this occasion you gave a bad or stupid answer.  It does not define the 'whole' of you.  I am sure you are a mix of good and bad traits , attitudes views, - human and fallible, just like everyone else.

Answer 15

I was the same as you about the thumbs thing. I got very hurt once when I was answering a question about if God cared about dementia and mine was the only one on the entire page that had no thumbs up below it.

It particularly hurt as I was also the only one on the page who answered from personal experience (my mother has dementia and believes in God), and my answer was so heartfelt.

There was even a thumbs up against a reply that mocked dementia patients!

So you see, you are not alone. But if you know you gave that heartfelt answer, that is all that matters. There will be some who will read it and may be helped. So don't despair. Those are the people you are talking to anyway, and not the poo pooers.  Just keep going and give them the thumbs down in your mind :)