I admit it! I downvote without /msg'ing or replying! I upvote without /msg'ing or replying!

When I have something to say, I say it. What if I don't? What about a poorly-written incorrect node, already replied-to and corrected? I have nothing to add. Posting a second correction is pointless -- I might as well post a copy of the reply that already exists. /msg'ing is pointless -- the author surely by now knows something's wrong! In this case, a downvote is the surest way of communicating agreement with the correction.

What about a well-written correct node, already fully discussed in followups? I have nothing to add. Posting another followup is pointless -- I might as well post a copy of a reply that already exists. /msg'ing is pointless if I have nothing new to add -- the author surely by now knows everything's right! In this case, an upvote is the surest way of communicating agreement with the writeup.

There's no difference between the 2 cases. Words should be used as necessary; upvotes should be used as necessary; downvotes should be used as necessary. I don't want to receive 50 /msg's just because some obscure writeup of mine reaches rep +33 (exercise for the reader: prove that this is in any case impossible). I don't want to send over 30 /msg's a day just for giving feedback.

I fully expect everyone to downvote me when I add a followup consisting of the words "Yes. I agree." after a really good writeup. I'll even skip my inalienable "post-downvote-/msg'ing rights".

When /msg's and replies are warranted, use them. When they're not, don't. Do the same with your votes. And combine these tools, when appropriate.

UPDATE. I also reserve the right to downvote unchecked incorrect code, incorrect claims about relative speeds of 2 techniques, or incorrect claims that there exists a speed difference when measurement would show there is none. However, in those cases I'll often explain myself...

In reply to Re: About giving reasons for downvoting (Was: Re: Re: Interesting use of the chatterbox...) by ariels
in thread Interesting use of the chatterbox... by Necos

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