right now, I would say a downzap demonstrates more signal than a zap. Since SN is a pseudonymous site, it's hard to know if anyone is self zapping (collecting 70% of the value of their zap). In order to get the benefit of a 100 sat zap, a self-zapper only has to spend 30 sats (and take the trouble of setting up an alt account).
However, a 100 sat downzap costs 100 sats because the downzapper cannot recoup sats by self downzapping. So that's why I'd say downzapping is a stronger signal than zapping.
Boosting is a self-zap where we can see that the self-zapper didn't receive any portion[1] of the sats back. In order to get the benefit of a 100 sat boost, they actually have to spend 100 sats.
A boost may be a sign of self-importance or ego, but it may also be a way of saying "I think this post is so worth your time that I'm willing to spend to get you to see it." A downzap may be a sign of spite or malice or it may be a selfless act of community policing, like picking up litter so other people don't have to see it.
Rewards make this messy because if some of the boost goes to rewards that the boost-payer receives, they do receive back some of the sats. But it's not as sure a thing, I don't think. ↩
I agree. Downzapping doesn't provide benefits if the goal is to earn sats. That's why it's good - it serves to filter bad content from SN. The benefit is long-term for those who consume it. It's altruistic.
right now, I would say a downzap demonstrates more signal than a zap. Since SN is a pseudonymous site, it's hard to know if anyone is self zapping (collecting 70% of the value of their zap). In order to get the benefit of a 100 sat zap, a self-zapper only has to spend 30 sats (and take the trouble of setting up an alt account).
However, a 100 sat downzap costs 100 sats because the downzapper cannot recoup sats by self downzapping. So that's why I'd say downzapping is a stronger signal than zapping.
Boosting is a self-zap where we can see that the self-zapper didn't receive any portion[1] of the sats back. In order to get the benefit of a 100 sat boost, they actually have to spend 100 sats.
A boost may be a sign of self-importance or ego, but it may also be a way of saying "I think this post is so worth your time that I'm willing to spend to get you to see it." A downzap may be a sign of spite or malice or it may be a selfless act of community policing, like picking up litter so other people don't have to see it.
Rewards make this messy because if some of the boost goes to rewards that the boost-payer receives, they do receive back some of the sats. But it's not as sure a thing, I don't think. ↩