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That's an interesting idea and should be explored further. The idea that as you gain standing (karma) you can expend it on socially damaging acts that may be us
by olefoo 17y ago
That's an interesting idea and should be explored further. The idea that as you gain standing (karma) you can expend it on socially damaging acts that may be useful. It would certainly alter the dynamic and make the downvote less casual.
- tokenadult 17y agoI challenge the assumption in this subthread that downvoting is a "socially damaging act." In many cases, downvoting is simply cleaning out the trash and improving the community. There are quite a few downvotes that should, if anything, GAIN karma for the users who make them.
- olefoo 17y agoLike it or not, downvoting is often perceived as an act of social violence by the downvotee. And it is intended and widely understood to be a punishment, the opposite of approval. Social sanctions like that may be necessary, but they also degrade the quality of life overall. Downvoting should have a cost, especially when it's an anonymous act.