Absolutely. Unfortunately, moderators aren't always available around the clock - 24/7. Having the downvote functionality can allow offending posts to be buried by the users, even if a moderator isn't around.
To me, the problem is more of something that is a matter of educating new users on what downvoting means. Removing functionality of the site that has been working previously, just because us new users can't seem to handle it at first, probably isn't the best solution.
It really depends on how and where you are viewing. In tribes with plenty of submissions, and you're sorting by 'trending'; submissions with more negative ratios will appear further down the list.
Coming from Reddit as well, I absolutely would agree with you. Reddit's usage of the downvote would be absolutely impossible to change at this point. Sure, I heard the mantra that 'downvotes aren't a dislike button'; but it seemed like no one really took it seriously. I have been surprised however at how good at not downvoting things that they disagree with the users here at Snapzu, are. Even with the influx of new users, I've been surprised by how few downvotes I've been seeing on potentially controversial comments or snaps. It's been refreshing. :)
I guess the best thing we can do is wait and see. I'm really new here too, so I'm still trying to get used to everything. I could easily have just been seeing the site through rose-colored lenses.... don't you dare take them off :P
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