I agree. For what it's worth, my experience has been completely the opposite (disclaimer: I'm a SO addict with rep approaching 20k). 1. I've never got downvote

I agree. For what it's worth, my experience has been completely the opposite (disclaimer: I'm a SO addict with rep approaching 20k). 1. I've never got downvoted for asking something that could be found by googling and don't downvote anyone else for it (unless it's the blatant "give me the codez" type of question). In fact, usually such questions are considered a low-hanging fruit for those answering the question (and who know where to look). 2. My spelling/grammar errors get corrected by users with editorial powers (and I try to do the same). 3. I consider this the advantage of the site: incorrect answers get downvoted, correct answers get upvoted.