You explained why you believe downvotes are not the best option in your book. That is what I agreed with.
I apologize for going further and adding "Silence is louder than downvoting" as it may imply you said so.
"Exactly what did you mean? Just tell us, openly and honestly, and let us surprise you with our open response. For a community that puts a premium on the clever smarta$$ retort, we still value sincerity above all."
I have always been open, and honest, and sincere. And being open and sincere and honest has cost me a few karma points and so will they again when I hit "reply". I respect each and everyone here.
"So instead of worrying about the rules of the game, why not just explain what you meant and let the chips fall where they may. In a forum like this, that's pretty much the best any of us can do."
I take it you thought I was being sarcastic. I agreed with you and I failed to explain why I did. Again I have been participating "in a forum like this" for a few days and I respect anyone here and I would not undermine anyone's comment or post.
EDIT: I apologize if some users (Thaumaturgy...)have a hard time understand my writing. Indeed English is not my first nor second language, but I am trying my best to improve my communication skills. Thank you.
Your entire quote, a response to my earlier comment, in context, was:
"Well said edw519. Silence is louder than Downvoting."
Oddly, I was, and still am, not sure what you meant. This was one of those comments that can mean 2 very different things, depending on the interpretation of the reader.
On one hand, it sounds like agreement, with a semi-profound simile attached.
On the other hand, it sounds like mocking, perhaps with a little attitude.
Do you see how it could be interpreted either way, depending possibly on the mood of the reader?
You've just entered territory where we've all been. When we can't see your eyes and body language, hear your tonality, and have never met you, all we have is the words on the page. They have to stand on their own. So they did. And the community responded.
At one point, I resorted to using tags like <sarcasm> and </sarcasm> because I had to; no matter how "smart" my readers were, the words alone didn't have the power to stand on their own. I had to give them a little help.
Exactly what did you mean? Just tell us, openly and honestly, and let us surprise you with our open response. For a community that puts a premium on the clever smarta$$ retort, we still value sincerity above all.
So instead of worrying about the rules of the game, why not just explain what you meant and let the chips fall where they may. In a forum like this, that's pretty much the best any of us can do.