The Newbie’s Guide to Flagging

Also Known as: How To Avoid a Flagging War

This morning at around 3am (Insomnia is a bitch), I saw a comment I objected to:

PS you have to vote up all my comments as well , its minnow back scratch

To me, this is showing the exact thing that could cause a problem later down the line.

He didn’t even ASK for an upvote, he INSISTED on one as though it was the LAW! or some sort of rule, or something.

I replied... and pointed out it wasn't the done thing...

So then, enter Mr Billy-Big-Balls into the arena…

He reacted with the swagger of someone that is used to pushing his head forward, showing off his mono-brow, hefting his meaty knuckles from the ground where they drag, increasing the callouses (at least those on the back of his hand… the callouses on the palms are entirely different) and getting his own way with intimidation alone.

I replied again, with a bit of advice and a few facts.

I AM mindful that a battle of wits requires both opponents to be fully armed, but I did believe, in all honesty, that my tiredness would counter at least some of what he’s obviously lacking…

Apparently not…

So I flagged all of his posts to show him threats are not my thing.

Then he did what no red-blooded male does – he called for back-up from his mate.

By this time, his rep had plummeted to 9 but I left it there and didn't flag any more of the posts. (I have since removed all the flags I put on every post - I'm not inhuman, I wanted to make a point).

Then Billy-Big-Balls’ friend, Bobby-Big-Balls came to the rescue and started flagging every comment and post I’ve made over the past… evening. I assume their voting power ran out because they didn’t get far.

Here’s the lesson:

As a newbie, you’re likely to step on a few toes as you make your way tentatively around this new Steemit ocean.

A few hints and tips will get you going in the right direction (ie: across the ocean, not plunging to the depths of negative rep).

If you cock-up, apologise. If you can’t manage an apology because your pride won’t let you, then fuck you, you deserve to get a negative rep.

An apology as simple as:
Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t realise, I’ll edit my post right now.

Will probably get the flag removed, possibly get your apology upvoted (no promises) and maybe even get a follower or two because you admitted being a dick and apologized for it.

A few things you need to know:

Steemit is going to be here for a LONG time.

There are people on here that are clever – way cleverer than the majority of humans on the planet (so that includes you).

People have been here for more than a year – I believe Steemit started in April 2016 – and they (we) have been working on building our accounts since we got here.

Good manners and polite posts will go a long way to getting you and your account where you want to be. Being a dick will not – especially a dick with no experience, no respect and no manners.

Saying there are only two dozen talented people on this platform is INSANELY derogatory and you deserve every single post you ever make to get flagged repeatedly, at least twice, by EVERYONE that makes great content each and every day on here.

Think on this, Billy and Bobby: Only two dozen people on here are NOT writing shit and yet, you’re still down in that slurry getting no votes, no rewards and ultimately nowhere.

On the other hand, if you do decide this platform is worth a go (it is), then perhaps you’d like to figure out how you can get noticed in a good way and build your account up rather than getting it buried – not by me, I’ve removed all my flags and I’m giving you 12 hours to see this then I’m muting you so I’ll never see whether you progress or sink.

Here’s how I know you’ve flagged my comments - https://www.steemnow.com/

Because the effects of the multi-flagging didn’t show up.

This site shows you every keystroke you ever made from the time you joined up.
https://steemd.com

And this site shows where you are in the great scheme of things:
https://steemwhales.com

Proper interaction is what gets you followers, not comments demanding upvotes.

I'm nice and helpful, especially to newbies, but jumping on posts to demand an upvote is not the way to get good attention.

If you want advice, that's great, ask, you'll go far, with a lot of support. If you want a fast-buck and shortcuts to followers and money, not so much.

Newbie advice 1
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Edit He went back and tried to delete the offending post. Unfortunately, because I'd replied to it, he can't delete, so edit was the best he could hope for.

I edited my reply to him and added the bit back ;)