The whole platform is based around upvotes and downvotes as a signal to highlight/filter (via sorting) posts and comments that, based on the viewing algorithm chosen, are more/less useful to an averaged user.

I get the litter analogy, that was blindingly obvious from the first comment. I just don't think it carries well for a platform like this, or quickly expands to "I don't personally like your comments and the way you use this platform so stop". I appreciate sometimes that's needed, but this seems pretty far from those situations. Plus the post seemed presumptuous and insulting because... someone used a tool slightly differently than them and had the audacity to reply?

[–] NoSpotOfGround@lemmy.world 1 points 3 hours ago

Ok, I didn't mean for things to get insulting. My first comment to them was a neutral attempt at telling them there is something else they could do instead. Their reply was a rude "no!" so I wrote back more reproachfully.

I realize it's a bit of a fight against windmills. People will do what they please and the platform will float towards whatever the natural equilibrium position of such platforms is, so I'll just let it go.