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[Mimitchi]

I am quite pleased that the karma system is working and has been in great shape for quite sometime now and I'm glad everyone seems happy with it.

At the same time - we do keep logs and we can see who is doing what and to whom. We have noticed patterns here and there. Anyone abusing the karma system, one way or another, will be warned about it. So please do give Karma fairly - be it applaud or smite.

We really want to keep the karma system pure and useful. To do so, people need to use it fairly and to make decisions wisely.

I would just like to take a moment to remind everyone when you should give karma and when you should not, be it applaud or smite.


Deserved Applaud:
Good karma should be given for these sorts of reasons:

1. Informational posts.
2. Helpful posts.
3. Well written and thought provoking posts.
4. Humorous or entertaining posts.
5. Creative posts.
6. Enjoyable posts.
7. Posts that make you respect the author.
8. Posts that make you smile.

And other similar types of posts that are a value to the community.


Undeserved Applaud:
There are also circumstances where it is corruptive to the karma system to give good karma. These are situations where good karma is given and not really earned. It can lesson the value of the system in place.

Here are some examples where giving good karma is not appropriate:

1. Just because someone is your friend. We all have friends here, but it loses the spirit of the system if we don't give good karma to people that deserve it instead of those we just consider to be good friends. This is especially unfair to new folks who might get overlooked.

2. Because someone asks you to, either in private or in their public post. If this is happening, please let us know.

3. Because you noticed a friend got a smite so you want to give it back to them. If they got a smite, it was given for a reason. They should post good quality posts and they can earn it back in time.

4. The person is complaining to you about low karma so you feel sorry for them and give them a applaud. As stated above - if they got a smite someone felt they deserved it and in time with good quality posts they will easily earn back their loss.

And other similar less then honorable reasons.


Deserved Smite:
Here are some situations where someone deserves a smite:

1. Posts that don't follow the general guidelines of the forum. (See forum rules section on posting and quality of posts for further examples).
2. False information being presented as fact.
3. Offensive or inappropriate posts.
4. Advertisers (who will shortly find themselves banned).
5. Uninformative posts that consists of single word replies such as "yes" or "me too".
6. Posts you find disagreeable or uninformative.
7. Posts that you do not believe would be of a value to the conversation or the community.

And other types of posts that you don't feel was worth your time in reading.


Undeserved Smite:
There are times when a person does not deserve a smite.

1. Posts made in the wrong sections of the board. This mistake happens to everyone, it's no biggie. But if a single user does it multiple times then they should have a smite coming. Circumstantial.

2. You dislike someone for personal reasons. Not everyone can get along, but smites should be based on post quality not your personal relationship with the author.

3. You dislike a posters topic because it's not something you enjoy. (Example: just because you don't have a V1 doesn't mean it shouldn't be talked about by other members)

4. Revenge smites. Of any variety for any reason. Base your smites on post quality.



While this list is far from complete it should give you a general idea on how the karma system is best used in our community.

Ultimately - Don't take Karma too seriously. It is used to help encourage good quality posts in our community, not to create a popularity contest.

If you have any questions at all, you are always welcome to post a replay here, in Feedback or PM Lordmonkey or myself. All PM's are always answered and no question is ever unimportant.

Thank you all for making this a relaxing and fun community.