Recent drop in voting... what's up with that? =)
Ok, hopefully I'm not out of line here when bringing up this matter, but it seems to me there has been a noticeable drop in voting when participating lately. This is by noooo means personal, I'm bringing it to everyone's attention on the behalf of.... well.... everyone. 
If you participate in a thread you enjoy, see something cool, see something you agree with, or something intriguing (I think I misspelled that), vote for it. That's the reason the little button is there. By voting for the topic OR answer, you let the author know you support what ever they have published or atleast find it intriguing (there I go again... maybe). Then second, you as well let the public know that this is something useful or atleast worth reading. 
An example of this unfortunate drop was displayed today and provoked me (amongst others) to bring this subject to light. Take for instance "La Palabra del Día: Cultivar" at this moment has 22 answers and only 11 votes! 
I know for sure, this and the picture of the day thread are two of the highest volume threads... and that's it, only half the people enjoy it? That's what those votes tell me. 
Despite what most mistake the voting system for, it's not really a "bragging rights" system (ok, well maybe 50/50), but it's more for promoting the good stuff. I don't know if anyone looks at this at the top of the answers section, but I notice it a lot and it reads as follows... 
"The answers section is a great way to become part of the SpanishDict learning community. Ask and answer questions, vote on good questions and answers, and earn Reputation! Your vote helps the best content rise to the top. (View Rules and Guidelines)."
That last part, says it all, your vote counts and helps so cast 'em! 
34 Answers
DJ, the title of your thread just made me think of this ridiculous song they play on Saturday Night Live. It is a regular feature where no one is actually interviewed because the host constantly sings the theme "What Up With That?"
Anyway, I do understand the concept that some are encouraged by seeing their threads and answers voted up. It is one of the ways we can encourage each other, but most importantly, as the forum guidelines suggest, to bring the best material to the top.
However, I really have to side with Izanoni and Heidi on this one. I would rather receive no votes at all, but know what others have to say in response to a thread I might post or an answer I give. Votes are usually anonymous. Who knows who is voting for who? I do realize that this is encouraging for some and that is fine. I'm just being honest in that I think I would honestly rather have someone give me an answer I am looking for or an opinion one way or the other.
I propose that Izan's words be posted at the entrance of our infamous Dunce Corner:
Vote up 
I've just plainly been too busy! Sorry! 
I have just been to a post where someone is recommending the texts to go along with a language course really helping people with their learning.
It is is useful and helpful and constructive, possibly helping many people.
565 views so far and only 4 votes, yet someone who posts word of the day or a cute picture gets tons of votes. Yes pictures are cute and WOTD is fun but these things do very little to help people
I think this says a lot about peoples values.
Firstly 560 people did not vote on something that they may have gotten value from.
Very few people will give someone credit for going out of their way to help others.
Yet many will vote for attention seeking picture posters.
If you want more votes, put more pictures up. If you can get a smile you may get a vote.
Another thing it might say is that other people like me have decided not to vote. I wonder what their reasons are.
