My suggestion is always the same @dawg-boy....
Comment...comment...comment....
That is how one A) gets some followers and B) can gain some SP because people often upvote in the comment section.
There are times when I will see a comment or two get more $ in upvotes than the article (and these are some popular articles). I think my personal record is $11 on a comment.
I am a commenter, I have a lot to say... Also, Apparently you have to reach a certain level to downvote? is that right? I have never seen any option to downvote a post in my year here...
Its that little flag.