Gamification is a demand dropped on users, seemingly forcing self-promotion and social reciprocity in an endless circle. And for what? In the end there is abso

Gamification is a demand dropped on users, seemingly forcing self-promotion and social reciprocity in an endless circle. And for what? In the end there is absolutely no gain, but many like and favorite and heart primarily to ensure that people like and favorite and heart whatever they do. We follow to be followed. We comment to be noticed. Because the metrics are front and center. I stopped using Flickr when I couldn't post a simple picture for any random passerby or my own storage without having the embarrassment of a low view count sitting highlighted on the page, the site imploring me to evangelize for me. If you build a site and try to leverage users by forced social metrics to encourage them to become ambassadors and self promoters...well I'd like to pretend it will hurt you, but sadly it won't.