Karma

I almost didn't want to make this thread because I don't want to get into an argument, but I feel like there's a very serious issue with the karma system on this site. I don't think it's any fault of the moderators or Rich, I don't know that it's ANYONE'S fault, and I very seriously have no idea how to rectify it. That being said, I still feel like it should be discussed.

I already mentioned this to some extent on another thread where I thought someone was making an attack on me (and I inappropriately responded by blowing up), and I figured that I might as well make it an official topic and discuss it properly like a normal adult.

Some of the people reading this will remember that I was banned a while ago for getting into an argument with another member. I completely deserved it, the other person started it but I retaliated and I deserved what I got. Since that happened, I have made it a point to completely stay away from the BOI, completely stay away from arguments, and really just do everything I could to make up for being a jerk by only posting on the discussion forums, sharing pictures, being helpful, and being friendly. Because I'm human I've erred a couple times in this goal and have argued with people, but for the most part I've been trying very hard to just be a positive member and contribute constructively.

Since doing this, I've had zero positive karma given to me. When I look at my karma points, 99% of them are for being snarky on the BOI and calling people out. When I think of karma I think of doing good things and being rewarded with good things. Calling someone out and being rude is not the way I think of earning karma points.

I'm not saying that I want my points taken away (:P), just that there is something fundamentally wrong with this. Again, I have NO idea how to fix this, but it's an observation that I think we all can relate to. I personally have been awarding karma to members who are helpful and friendly but I don't find that to be the norm. I just think that something needs to change.

Again, this is nothing against the staff on this site, I think it's a general problem with the community that we all have to work together on to fix. If you disagree I'm more than willing to hear other opinions, but I would appreciate it if we can at least keep things civil (I know I'm not the best person to request that, but I promise I will try my best and have been recently).