So, looks like this is the bit where all the users weigh in with their $0.02 about what should have been changed instead? ;) I've always thought that a karma

So, looks like this is the bit where all the users weigh in with their $0.02 about what should have been changed instead? ;) I've always thought that a karma system where downvotes had a cost would be pretty good. Ie, perhaps you could only submit as many downvotes as you have karma yourself, and maybe downvotes would actually reduce your own karma as well. That would mean that a user would be tempted to only downvote comments that were really objectionable, and never downvote something that is already negative (since it would be pointless.) Users who post good comments would be more "powerful" in their ability to prune. Or just do away with it altogether. Humans find it easier to criticize than praise.