One thing I never understood was whether a flag was the same as a downvote.
In my interface, I don't have a down arrow next to the article or comment. But, there is a flag option. When people talk about downvoting, are they referring to flag? Or, something else that I don't have in my interface?
As your karma score builds, you will gain access to some other features (the exact number has changed a few times, so I'm not sure what it is these days - I think 200 was a level for a while, and I note you're just below that).
You won't ever get a downvote option for the article. You will eventually be able to downvote other people's comments - unless they are replying directly to you like I am now (this stops pointless bickering via votes).
Flags are designed to note off-topic / incindiery submissions - saying 'this shouldn't be here' rather than 'I don't like this', and should be used sparingly given the extra power they represent.
In my interface, I don't have a down arrow next to the article or comment. But, there is a flag option. When people talk about downvoting, are they referring to flag? Or, something else that I don't have in my interface?