First of all this lovely photo, (one of the few I have taken that came out somewhat decently - I'm a horrible photographer) is from Elmhirst Resort in Keene, ON. I thought you might want to have something nice to look at while I explain.
Now on to business. Upvotes. We all want them. At least that is what has been impressed upon me since I joined. I still don't understand all that is Steemian even though I have read through the FAQ 3 times. Maybe it is a matter of age or perhaps total ignorance of cryptocurrency. I am still very, very (notice the extra very for emphasis?) new to this venue.
People talk about bitchains. Maybe I'm dating myself with this but a bitchain was something that hung off a horses bridle to curb them. In my sheltered life I still don't even know exactly what Bitcoins are nevermind the Steem system of currency. (I did get that it was currency).
I've been looking on this upvoting as a way that people have read what I have written for we as humans are a species that communicates and this seems to be a scoring system. But I'm told that I am a minnow in this great stream of oceanic communication and that my attracting people to read what I write will be hit and miss and gathering followers the same. That until I gather those followers through blogging, upvoting, commenting, replying I will not gain respect.
I respect myself is that not enough? Not apparently if I want to be a contributing member and help others. My upvoting will not affect others til others have respected me. So, I limit my upvoting so that it will have the most impact. If my upvote will not gain any steem for the person I am voting for why should I do it?
If I have got this all wrong I welcome your comments to help me understand this world.
Live long and prosper.