Comments with <1 points should be ignored, and an adjusted score should be calculated thus: adjusted_score = ln(square(upvotes - downvotes + 1)) This way, all

Comments with <1 points should be ignored, and an adjusted score should be calculated thus: adjusted_score = ln(square(upvotes - downvotes + 1)) This way, all comments/posts that generate some goodwill are rewarded, and the incentive not to post for fear of hurting the average is removed. And the log will frustrate karma whores b/c they won't be able to separate themselves from the pack as easily. Also I think some measure of how controversial a comment/post is would be useful, since it would help find interesting areas where the community is in disagreement.