merlyn, I understand it's frustrating.

But maybe these things will mitigate that frustration:

• Eventually, whoever is running a "votebot" against you will run out of posts of yours to downvote.  Then they lose.
• You're 2nd on the list, but the list is just a game.  In real life, you're way above any XP list -- you're a magician (and I don't just mean your nickname, but your skills and insights, too), but you're a magician who is still willing and eager to mingle with the common masses in the sharing of that magic.
• The more you show (through inaction) that it doesn't bother you, the more you inspire people to ignore the "small stuff" in life.
• And if, for every downvote you get (even if it's not deserved), you get tons of upvotes, that shows that most people like what you write.

Personally, I've gotten downvotes on a number of submissions; often my best ones (that's my own opinion, of course ;-)).  It's made me realize that I sometimes need to learn to say things in a nicer way, but in the end it's impossible to please everyone.

And I've downvoted you a number of times for things you've said which seemed belittling, or stubborn in their refusal to acknowledge others' opinions.  And though I know you feel that it's more important to be direct (ie. honest) than to be polite, my own feeling is that you might consider trying to be both, where possible.  But again, that's just my opinion.

Ultimately, my friendly advice is don't take it too personally.  The sooner you figure out a way to let it go, the sooner you'll find you can concentrate better on just the important stuff.  And I'll continue to look forward to the excellent help you give to all at Perlmonks.

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