What is going on?

I think the thumbs up/down thing is supposed to be so that you can say whether you think the answer is a good one. Of course, the whole site is supposed to be about asking for and getting information and parts of it don't do that very well at the moment!

The thumbs thing has become, for McCann question at least, a way of saying "I agree with your answer" (or not, of course) regardless of whether the answer is correct or not. I don't think it's restricted to the McCann issue - I'm sure it happens anywhere opinions are polarised and strong.

It doesn't worry me all that much. The blocking thing, on the other hand, does bother me because it can be used to distort the responses to a question. I posted an answer to a question someone posted suggesting a "demonstration" march against the McCanns (of all things) and promptly got blocked by the poster. I really wonder whether the troll issue is serious enough to warrant the existence of the "block user" facility (of course, I have'nt been targetted and perhaps I'd feel differently if I was)

It doesn't bother me getting thumbs down. I probably get more than anyone else on here. I say what I believe. Others may not like it, but I'm not responsible for what others think. If you can't think for yourself, then find another place on the Internet.

no it does not worry me, but there are a lot of weirdos with some strange ideas on these boards.

I get lots of thumbs down, i couldnt care less. I do feel sorry for some others who get the thumbs down, especially when its an answer wishing Madeleine a safe return.

yes this is true but we hav to try and ignore those idiot people who do this..................