I don't want karma, I want to persuade people of good ideas. I only care about downmods in that they give information about how people are reacting, and I need

I don't want karma, I want to persuade people of good ideas. I only care about downmods in that they give information about how people are reacting, and I need positive reactions to persuade people. I learn more about how people act if I don't delete my posts. For example, I can see that they are happy to mass downmod without ever giving a good reason. Now I have lots of evidence :) I think they somehow feel that because the site allows downmods, and makes my post turn grey in response, that somehow makes their take more legitimate. It reminds me of how people feel bad if you say they are dumb (or whatever else), and expect you to do the same if they say you are dumb. The issue foremost in their minds is not whether good reasons were given, but something else, I think about legitimacy. Statements not put down are legit in that sense. Which is why when people insult you, "you have not given evidence for your claim" is no good in terms of persuading a group (this seems to acknowledge the issue is up for debate -- ie, grant it legitimacy), and a counter-insult works well (which evens the score). Will try well.com