If you are reading this post, you probably received a downvote from @neal.leo. I commend you for taking the time to read this instead of just ranting at how the world is unfair.
Step One: Assess the situation.
You are still alive. The world is still spinning through the vast emptiness of space. OK, don't dwell on that last part.
What has happened is that your LEO rewards for your post are now less than they were, with the difference being distributed to the general rewards pool. We will all carry on.
If you were counting on these rewards to buy food, then you have ignored the first rule of investing: only invest what you can afford to lose. If you can't handle the vagaries of outrageous fortune, then you shouldn't be in this situation.
Step Two: Why did I downvote your post?
Because I did not think it was investing related.
I have a stricter sense of how on-topic posts should be than many. And that's OK. We can each do with our stake what we like.
Here are a few examples of types of posts I will and won't downvote:
A news post about a company? Downvote
A news post about a company and how that will effect its forward earnings and share price? Upvote
A post about how you made 14 PAL coins? Downvote
A post about how you made 14 PAL coins, how that affects your IRR, and your plans for investing more or less in the future? Upvote
A post about your actifit progress? Downvote + appeal to the mods for a mute
This is not an inclusive or exhaustive list. I present it only to give you an idea of the kind of internal guidelines I follow.
Step Three: Why do I downvote LEO posts in general?
To protect the value of LEO.
My entire adult life has involved investing in various ways. It is very important to me. And so I take the content posted to #steemleo seriously. I do not want to see the value of LEO reduced by off-topic posts and spam. The value of LEO is derived from the attention paid by the #steemleo audience. If that attention is devalued through low quality content, then every holder of LEO is harmed.
Step Four: Realize it is only LEO
@neal.leo does not hold any STEEM Power beyond what is needed to do normal operations. Your STEEM, SBD, and other SCOT rewards are not affected by my downvote.
Step Five: Carry on.
One downvote is not the end of the world (see step one). I hope you come back and post to #steemleo with on-topic content. I am not here to hold grudges, my downvote is merely one man's opinion on one piece of content.
What's Next?
I imagine this document will grow over time as different issues emerge. If you feel the need to downvote me in retaliation, I understand. I don't agree, but I understand.
Keep Calm and LEO On!