The gamification mechanic was the innovation that let SO become as successful as it has, IMO. Without it there was no real way to figure out the “best” answer

The gamification mechanic was the innovation that let SO become as successful as it has, IMO. Without it there was no real way to figure out the “best” answer to problems. It’s fair to note that big communities can have somewhat unfriendly dynamics, but I think that’s more about big communities than the gamification mechanic.