And while we're completely derailed, is getting down voted such a big deal? Say what you want and how you think, but be prepared to support your position with

And while we're completely derailed, is getting down voted such a big deal? Say what you want and how you think, but be prepared to support your position with something more then conjecture and posturing. If in spite of providing support for your well articulated and argued position, you receive down votes, hopefully someone has left a reply that will help you to understand why others disagree with you. Take it as a learning opportunity. You don't have to change your opinion, but use what you learn to help you write your next comment. Dissenting opinions on their own won't usually give you down votes, but unsupported inflammatory remarks will.