It's funny, but after hanging around the monastery for any amount of time, and getting -- votes, I can usually tell why when I go back and re-read what I've said. There is a pattern: be it too chatty, casual, or OT. Often times I'll get --, but the ++ exceed for some reason.

I'm not so worried about --XP as I am being a dolt. I guess the only reason I would want to know why I've gotten the downvote, is to learn how to write a better questions or replies in the future. And an occassional /msg makes the place a bit more human.