It has come up in other threads that we have a lot of "basic" or "lowest common denominator" questions. However, a few myths about this need to be put to rest.
First, we do have a general reference close reason, and we do use it. Questions which really are as basic as they seem can be closed, an...
@MichaelMyers Define "low-quality." I'm parsimonious with my downvotes, but I'm parsimonious with votes on questions anyway. Something has to stand out to me one way or the other before I'll vote.
People were complaining a little while ago about bad questions being spread on the multicollider and giving a bad impression of the site. Well, downvoting is how you can help prevent that.
There are badges for voting on many questions and there is no reputation penalty for downvoting them. This was all added in because people were leaving bad questions alone.
@Jez No I like downvoting where appropriate. Some questions are simply of low quality. I can't improve them by making up the missing bits. If the asker improves I can reverse my vote.
@MichaelMyers I know you're trying to be helpful, but the temptation to say something sarcastic involving the word "shiny" is very strong. The underlying issue -- Jeff's behaviour -- is still being ignored.
@MichaelMyers People seem to vote up questions they agree with or they understand. I can't downvote simply because a question is simple, that seems unfair. Yet these get picked up by the collider.
@Jez Besides, only 3k users have close votes so you are proposing to change the whole mechanics of the site. Please maek that proposal instead of telling me I am using the site incorrectly as this is clearly not the case.
@Jez At least the downvoting gives the OP chance to correct themselves! Don't take it so personally (I say to them) if they are offended. Closing a question is final for a low rep person.
@RebeccaChernoff It seems pointless to edit a question that was closed. In fact, when they attacked me and closed my first question on programmers I never went back.
@Jez Right, so apply the same principles to questions. Downvoting a question that is not helpful or useful or didn't do its research signals to people browsing questions, "This is not worth your time. Go elsewhere."
@Jez This is your personal problem because you got banned for asking the same things on meta. Although I agree that is a problem with the meta mechanism, it isn't a problem with downvotes.
@Jez Downvoting happens immediately; closing doesn't. And a good question could be closed so editing can turn it on-topic. A worthless question should be downvote so people know not to spend their time on it.
@RebeccaChernoff It certainly feels pointless to edit a question that has been closed by mods, especially if you are a new user on that SE. I'm not saying questions shouldn't be closed but I'd rather have a downvote and a comment explaining what was wrong and how it could be fixed.
@Jez Okay... so if we removed all negative effects of the downvote, would it be okay? No rep hit; no autobanning. It just changes the number visible. Would that be okay?
RIght, I'm off. I when I say that, I mean I'm not coming back. The elephant is not going to leave the room, and this has shot my concentration at work too.
@Rhodri I'm sorry you feel that way. Tis a loss and of course we do hope you stick around. Personally, I'm here to try and turn the elephant into a cute kitten. q:
I just got an email from Kosmonaut. He's out. It is thoroughly written, heartwarming and heartbreaking, and most importantly, spot on. I don't know what to reply or to think or how to go on from here. I just want to cry. TTYL.
@RebeccaChernoff: So if Kosmonaut is gone, what happens to Reg and nohat? It seems rough to expect them to carry on their own; especially with what is likely to be a storm of flags and meta discussions.
Anyway, @Rhodri, my comment was to imply anything wrong about your perspective. I was only trying to say that I do see some effort; it is just being swarmed by drama right now
@RebeccaChernoff Until the issue of Jeff's behviour resolved (and I'm fully aware you can't do that), I don't see any point in trying to resolve anything else. At best you'll be storing up resentment for the future.
Anyway, @Rebecca, I think you should be aware that the level of unrest here is greater than "take two aspirin" or turning elephants into kittens may solve.
@MrHen I see lots of effort directed at the community. The only effort I see directed at Jeff has been from this community, not from anywhere higher up.
@Martha Honestly, Kosmonaut going away is a mess that Kosmonaut is leaving behind. You can blame Jeff all you want, but it was still Kosmonaut's choice. Same with Rhodri
That isn't going to be a popular thing to say but I think it is true.
@MrHen The "And" is that it seriously detracts from any enjoyment I get from the site. I'm not paid to be here, so if it's not fun - at least on average - I'm outta here.
@MrHen — I don't think Kosmonaut was waiting around for a pretext to quit. He loved this site and was totally committed to it. It took a lot to force him to this pass, and he is really broken up about it.
What is the meaning and origin of the suffix -don, as in the words pteranodon and megalodon?
English Language & Usage: Multi-Layer…
English Language & Usage: Multi-Layer…