I've seen different people do different things with the upvote and downvote counter. I've seen people liberal with them and conservative with them. Personally, I have my own policy regarding downvoting. It's pretty conservative.

I never, ever, ever, downvote a comment directed at me or my stories, no matter how mean, unjustified, etc.
I never, ever, ever, delete comments on my stories, criticism is criticism, I don't want a hugbox.

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