I don't want people to live in fear, but you are making a big deal of the one downvote you had from smooth. You have not done badly otherwise. Many talented people are not getting any big votes.

I know some people always do really well because of the connections they have made. I'm grateful for the support I get. If the odd post got downvoted like yours it would not be the end of the world.

Hive is not 'fair', but it can still do good.