I was a professor and taught writing. I also did scholarly research on the topic of feedback to writers. There were times I wished I could just use a down arrow on a student’s point or even their whole paper, but that wouldn’t have helped the student know what the issue was, and I wouldn’t have been doing my job. That’s why I disagree with the claim that a down arrow is “feedback” to the writer.
I see your point if the comment has content and substance and/or is clearly against house rules (like a political rant). What I and some others objected to was downvotes on completely innocuous comments along the lines of “Thanks, [name]!” That is not a “readers’ consensus.” That’s just conveying personal dislike for the commenter, and that person has no idea why or what they’ve done to offend. I don’t see how that helps anyone, and it creates an unwelcoming environment.
That’s a nice “problem” to have. We had a chunk of cash from the sale of our previous home, even after putting a solid down payment on our new place and keeping some money aside to furnish and decorate it. It mostly sat in high-yield savings accounts until we figured out what we wanted to do with it—and we just recently found it, which will be a topic for a post soon. From my experience, there’s nothing wrong with waiting to do anything with it until the time is right for you.
Comments
I was a professor and taught writing. I also did scholarly research on the topic of feedback to writers. There were times I wished I could just use a down arrow on a student’s point or even their whole paper, but that wouldn’t have helped the student know what the issue was, and I wouldn’t have been doing my job. That’s why I disagree with the claim that a down arrow is “feedback” to the writer.
Post: Let the Arrows Speak for Themselves
Link to comment from March 28, 2026
I see your point if the comment has content and substance and/or is clearly against house rules (like a political rant). What I and some others objected to was downvotes on completely innocuous comments along the lines of “Thanks, [name]!” That is not a “readers’ consensus.” That’s just conveying personal dislike for the commenter, and that person has no idea why or what they’ve done to offend. I don’t see how that helps anyone, and it creates an unwelcoming environment.
Post: Let the Arrows Speak for Themselves
Link to comment from March 28, 2026
I’m grateful that you have implemented this change and hope it is permanent.
Post: Let the Arrows Speak for Themselves
Link to comment from March 28, 2026
I saw that—thanks!
Post: Where are the ladies?
Link to comment from March 28, 2026
That’s a nice “problem” to have. We had a chunk of cash from the sale of our previous home, even after putting a solid down payment on our new place and keeping some money aside to furnish and decorate it. It mostly sat in high-yield savings accounts until we figured out what we wanted to do with it—and we just recently found it, which will be a topic for a post soon. From my experience, there’s nothing wrong with waiting to do anything with it until the time is right for you.
Post: Prepping to Pull the Trigger
Link to comment from March 28, 2026
Thanks, Mark.
Post: Where are the ladies?
Link to comment from March 27, 2026
Thanks, Jeff!
Post: Where are the ladies?
Link to comment from March 27, 2026
Awesome!
Post: Let the Arrows Speak for Themselves
Link to comment from March 27, 2026
Thanks, Dick.
Post: Where are the ladies?
Link to comment from March 27, 2026
Thanks for letting me know.
Post: Where are the ladies?
Link to comment from March 27, 2026