3 ms·

I find karma an effective motivator, but badges are worthless.

• codinghorror 14y ago
  Badges are mostly replacements for the faq/manuals. They encourage a learn by exploring and doing approach, e.g. "how do I earn this badge, and why does it exist?" sort of affair.
  • bmm6o 14y ago
    This characterization seems to apply to very few of the SO badges, especially beyond the bronze level.