Hey. Thanks for taking the time to explain the whole background of it. I really appreciated that. Thanks also for explaining that you weren't targeting me for something. I was getting a bit worried honestly.

I did think about not using the upvote tools. Part of me would love to earn the upvotes of others. I do get a few, but not many. It's hard. I tending to start using the tools because they were there I guess. It's tempting. But I do agree it goes against the whole vibe of a great community interested more in ideas than dollars. I'll consider it again.

I hope that things work out between you and the others that you have been struggling against. I would honestly love for everyone to feel welcomed at Steemit, regardless of opinions. But alas Steemit is a microcosm of the global community and thus suffers from perhaps some of the same real world problems.

Thanks again for taking the time to explain things...