Bah. I almost wish this place didn't have points, or at least didn't have them so visible. Just knowing they exist weighs on me, and discourages me from saying what I really think, towards what would be popular. I can't help it.
I know... it's my strong belief that karma works best 'behind the scenes'. Even if the system in general would remain it would be nicer to disable the visible points next to each item & article header.
I wonder if the poster really would feel better with nickb's user id, after all he wouldn't actually be nickb...
More to the point, why would he want to be? What is the actual value of HN karma, outside the confines of one's head? I know none of my friends could care less - in fact they'd probably call me an idiot for spending so much time here. And I would like to think HN members resist judging each other by their karma; except in extreme cases the text should stand by itself.
Still, the system does seem to work(1). Perhaps this eternal fight with the inner "karma farmer" demon is the price we have to pay for effective group moderation.
(1) Unfortunately, there is only one data point, insufficient to form any firm conclusions
Bah. I almost wish this place didn't have points, or at least didn't have them so visible. Just knowing they exist weighs on me, and discourages me from saying what I really think, towards what would be popular. I can't help it.