"How does this system reflect the collective attitude of the site towards a given member?"

I think it SHOULD, but it can't, as we all know.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was set up as a way for us to express our agreement or displeasure with specific posts or behaviours.

Unfortunately, this isn't the case, so, I'd have to go with either "ditch" or "refine the rules".

No, I'm pretty positive it isn't! *lol*

For sure, that obsessive smiting thing is pretty weird.  A bit creepy, even.

I was also thinking of the magnitude of smites certain people get.  It used to be just a rare smite, but even after we turned the karma description feature on smiting has become a more common occurrence.  I've also seen pack behaviour regarding the karma system - rally a group to collectively change another member's karma count.

I think someone mentioned that it is a reflection of the bias of the membership, but I'm not sure if that idea has been fleshed out yet.

are there multiple packs?

does this happen often?

is there a particular 'pack' of people who repeatedly do this?

would it be inappropriate to out this 'pack'?

would it accomplish anything - other than to just start more drama?

I've never really cared about Karma. The explanation bit was a nice touch though. Maybe it'd be better to just get rid of it. Maybe it'd be better to reset all members karma - to allow everyone a fresh start. 

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When did Noel bounce?

Was there a particular post that was his last straw?

i say we "bounce" the Karma thing.  It was a cool feature in the beginning.  It spawned Karmaholics all over the place (  ).  But then it evolved into a tool to piss people off.  I feel it takes away from threads. Hell there have been flame wars about the use and abuse of it.  I think we are all adults here (well most of us anyway  ) and adult discussion doesn't need karma or gold stars or any other form of ficticious tokens to agree or disagree with someone.

Packs and hourly smiting eh? wow...kinda sad if you think about it.

CC

I LOVE you Captain Canuck!!  Well said and about time.   

I get what you are saying, CC... but it's a bit like punishing the many for the few. Personally, I love reading the comments attached more than the actual karma rising. It's a simple way to interact that is not derailing the thread, per se. That and yesh, I get all giggly when I think I've said something profound (mildly) and others agree.