Do people actually give a shit about Karma on reddit?

[DudeistBelieve]

I only browse a few sub-forums. Sometimes I post things that go up, sometimes I see them go down. I must prefer the tradition style of message board we have hear on the Escapist, but since I started using reddit in the past few months its hard to deny it's variety of boards.

However, seriously... am I suppose to be upset when someone down votes my post? Cause I occasionally see people bitching about their posts getting downvoted, or even whining "You guys aren't fucking using reddit right, it's not suppose to be a popularity contest"

Who the fuck cares, really?

 

[Dornedas]

While I can proudly proudly proclaim that I've never been on reddit, I'm sure that I can take a guess as to why people behave like that.

Because it makes them feel superior to low Karma plebs like you obviously are one. It's just something that means nothing.
But because it does exist it is used as a differentiator. THEIR opinion is better than YOURS because they have like +20 Karma more.
And if you downvote and they get less Karma (Is that how it works?) you are lowering their place in the hierarchy.

It's the same with Facebook and likes or Twitter and followers.
It is just something that you can have and the more you have the higher is your worth.

Hell it's not restricted to the internet.
You are a fan of a football team? Well this guy has 20 flags more so he is obviously a more devoted fan and therefore higher in the fan hierarchy. At least in his mind.

 

[KyuubiNoKitsune-Hime]

While I can proudly proudly proclaim that I've never been on reddit, I'm sure that I can take a guess as to why people behave like that.

Because it makes them feel superior to low Karma plebs like you obviously are one. It's just something that means nothing.
But because it does exist it is used as a differentiator. THEIR opinion is better than YOURS because they have like +20 Karma more.
And if you downvote and they get less Karma (Is that how it works?) you are lowering their place in the hierarchy.

It's the same with Facebook and likes or Twitter and followers.
It is just something that you can have and the more you have the higher is your worth.

Hell it's not restricted to the internet.
You are a fan of a football team? Well this guy has 20 flags more so he is obviously a more devoted fan and therefore higher in the fan hierarchy. At least in his mind.

While there is an element of this, this really isn't the point.

OT: There quite a few subreddits where having low, zero, or negative link and comment karma can get you banned from the board, or you simply won't be allowed to post. People who post on those sort of boards worry about their reddit karma the most. That's beside the fact that there are people who will check your post history, highlight down votes, and declare you a troll. It takes the all bite out of their accusation if you have decent karma.

 

[DoPo]

I love these threads that loudly proclaim how you don't care about something...and yet you created an entire thread trying to dissect it.

To answer the question - some do, some don't. It's really that simple.

 

[Zhukov]

The only time I ever posted on Reddit was to raise a sarcastic eyebrow at some gamergators who were talking about me by name.

Naturally I got downvoted to hell. Oh, and someone called me a "fucker".

I cried myself to sleep every night for a month after that harrowing experience.

 

[MysticSlayer]

Reddit gives priority to posts with a lot of Upvotes. This means that having a lot of Upvotes vs. Downvotes will help your opinion get recognized. And despite Reddit encouraging users to vote based on how it adds to the conversation (not an "I agree"/"I disagree" button), on opinionated sub-Reddits, it becomes a lot more about trying to silence opinions. At this point, Karma becomes a way of gauging whether or not you are contributing to any conversation or wasting their time getting drowned out in the echo chamber.

Then there's the confusion in some cases. Plenty of people may mysteriously get dozens of Downvotes for no reason. They probably want to know why.

Beyond that, Internet points.

But in reality, not everyone cares. A lot of people do, and there are a lot of jokes about "karma whoring" and "farming that sweet, sweet karma", but it probably isn't taken that seriously by most, especially those who aren't risking bans due to low karma.

 

[Zhukov]

I love these threads that loudly proclaim how you don't care about something...and yet you created an entire thread trying to dissect it.

http://www.pointandclickbait.com/2016/01/man-doesnt-care/

Ayup. "I don't care about X so much that by golly I want everyone to know about it!"

(Not directing any of this at OP by the way.)

 

[Jux]

I love these threads that loudly proclaim how you don't care about something...and yet you created an entire thread trying to dissect it.

http://www.pointandclickbait.com/2016/01/man-doesnt-care/

Ayup. "I don't care about X so much that by golly I want everyone to know about it!"

(Not directing any of this at OP by the way.)

I'd never seen that site before. Holy shit I'm gonna split my sides reading this.

 

[Saelune]

I love these threads that loudly proclaim how you don't care about something...and yet you created an entire thread trying to dissect it.

To answer the question - some do, some don't. It's really that simple.

To be fair, he never said he does not care, but that he is curious if other people care. There are plenty of things people care about that I don't, yet am perplexed by why people do care.

 

[Zhukov]

I'd never seen that site before. Holy shit I'm gonna split my sides reading this.

Yeah, some of the jokes fall flat but it's generally good for a chuckle.

 

[DoPo]

I love these threads that loudly proclaim how you don't care about something...and yet you created an entire thread trying to dissect it.

To answer the question - some do, some don't. It's really that simple.

To be fair, he never said he does not care

Only if you count these exact words "I do not care". Yet if somebody says stuff like "Do people actually give a shit about Karma on reddit?", "am I supposed to care?" and "Who the fuck cares, really?" they don't sound like the words of somebody who, you know, cares.

There are plenty of things people care about that I don't, yet am perplexed by why people do care.

And how often do you express that bewilderment by swearing and trying to make your question also be a dig at whatever you're asking about?

 

[Saelune]

I love these threads that loudly proclaim how you don't care about something...and yet you created an entire thread trying to dissect it.

To answer the question - some do, some don't. It's really that simple.

To be fair, he never said he does not care

Only if you count these exact words "I do not care". Yet if somebody says stuff like "Do people actually give a shit about Karma on reddit?", "am I supposed to care?" and "Who the fuck cares, really?" they don't sound like the words of somebody who, you know, cares.

There are plenty of things people care about that I don't, yet am perplexed by why people do care.

And how often do you express that bewilderment by swearing and trying to make your question also be a dig at whatever you're asking about?

Its not that he cares about Karma on Reddit, he cares about people caring about things he feels people should not care about. And though I don't do it, its not cause there aren't tons of things I want to do it about, I just don't want the headache of what might be the answers.

 

[Elfgore]

some people do, as another has said, it can hurt posting privileges.

Honestly, I think the whole system is stupid and should only exist in subreddits were protection of the users is needed.

 

[DoPo]

I love these threads that loudly proclaim how you don't care about something...and yet you created an entire thread trying to dissect it.

To answer the question - some do, some don't. It's really that simple.

To be fair, he never said he does not care

Only if you count these exact words "I do not care". Yet if somebody says stuff like "Do people actually give a shit about Karma on reddit?", "am I supposed to care?" and "Who the fuck cares, really?" they don't sound like the words of somebody who, you know, cares.

There are plenty of things people care about that I don't, yet am perplexed by why people do care.

And how often do you express that bewilderment by swearing and trying to make your question also be a dig at whatever you're asking about?

Its not that he cares about Karma on Reddit, he cares about people caring about things he feels people should not care about.

That things being...karma on Reddit. "So, I don't care about that thing, therefore NOBODY should care about that thing and I do care that nobody cares.

And the last part of that sentence is something else that amuses me: "To make people not care about something in one place, I will post IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PLACE trying to berate it". It's almost as if trying to address an issue in the wrong place and in the wrong way. And it's not even an issue to begin with. Nor is it even "addressing" it, either.

 

[NegaWiki]

I much prefer reddit to normal forums, but the karma system is stupid. That's why I stick around subreddits that are in contest mode where only you can see the votes on your post and all posts are displayed randomly.

 

[Saelune]

I love these threads that loudly proclaim how you don't care about something...and yet you created an entire thread trying to dissect it.

To answer the question - some do, some don't. It's really that simple.

To be fair, he never said he does not care

Only if you count these exact words "I do not care". Yet if somebody says stuff like "Do people actually give a shit about Karma on reddit?", "am I supposed to care?" and "Who the fuck cares, really?" they don't sound like the words of somebody who, you know, cares.

There are plenty of things people care about that I don't, yet am perplexed by why people do care.

And how often do you express that bewilderment by swearing and trying to make your question also be a dig at whatever you're asking about?

Its not that he cares about Karma on Reddit, he cares about people caring about things he feels people should not care about.

That things being...karma on Reddit. "So, I don't care about that thing, therefore NOBODY should care about that thing and I do care that nobody cares.

And the last part of that sentence is something else that amuses me: "To make people not care about something in one place, I will post IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PLACE trying to berate it". It's almost as if trying to address an issue in the wrong place and in the wrong way. And it's not even an issue to begin with. Nor is it even "addressing" it, either.

There are plenty of things I don't care about but wish others also didn't care about. Reddit Karma isn't one such thing though, since I don't go there, but honestly, I could imagine myself caring. Plus its not like the OP is saying you should be beaten to death if you do care.

Also posting elsewhere may be cause posting on reddit might lead to a far less pleasant response. Because here isn't Reddit, but people who may be there may also be here but people who also are not deep in reddit are here, theres a higher chance of actual discussion. The safest place to decry someone isn't in their own house.

 

[DoPo]

Plus its not like the OP is saying you should be beaten to death if you do care.

Yep. Neither did I. Not sure why you felt you should mention it.

Also posting elsewhere may be cause posting on reddit might lead to a far less pleasant response. Because here isn't Reddit, but people who may be there may also be here but people who also are not deep in reddit are here, theres a higher chance of actual discussion. The safest place to decry someone isn't in their own house.

Oh, right, I keep forgetting. Let's stage the glorious Reddit revolution now! Let us throw down the oppressive karma and bring unity to the people!

Hey, let's make a bet - how much would you wager that this thread here would change anything? I've got some pocket lint and some gum (unused) to put down on the opposite. Because this isn't something that helps. Have you seen how many of these threads have been posted until now? How many of them have done anything? They get, like, a page of responses and die off. Occasionally more than one page but they still die off. Why?

Well, let's start with the fact that the people who "are not deep in reddit"[footnote]in this case, or whatever substitution for "reddit" is depending on the "issue"[/footnote] are probably not the best motivated to change anything about Reddit. Or even caring about Reddit. Or in some cases, even understanding the issue. Simply put, if you're not part of the community, why and how would you even go about changing it?

Second, what if you decry somebody outside of their house? Now, I know that it would be cool if Reddit shrivelled down and cried because of it but that's not how it works. It would accomplish approximately nothing.

Third, because you're not engaging the core audience, you aren't really trying to address the problem at all. It's not a lot different to a little gossip club.

This sort of "attempt" at challenging something (if you can call it that) is ultimately futile.

 

[Saelune]

Plus its not like the OP is saying you should be beaten to death if you do care.

Yep. Neither did I. Not sure why you felt you should mention it.

Also posting elsewhere may be cause posting on reddit might lead to a far less pleasant response. Because here isn't Reddit, but people who may be there may also be here but people who also are not deep in reddit are here, theres a higher chance of actual discussion. The safest place to decry someone isn't in their own house.

Oh, right, I keep forgetting. Let's stage the glorious Reddit revolution now! Let us throw down the oppressive karma and bring unity to the people!

Hey, let's make a bet - how much would you wager that this thread here would change anything? I've got some pocket lint and some gum (unused) to put down on the opposite. Because this isn't something that helps. Have you seen how many of these threads have been posted until now? How many of them have done anything? They get, like, a page of responses and die off. Occasionally more than one page but they still die off. Why?

Well, let's start with the fact that the people who "are not deep in reddit"[footnote]in this case, or whatever substitution for "reddit" is depending on the "issue"[/footnote] are probably not the best motivated to change anything about Reddit. Or even caring about Reddit. Or in some cases, even understanding the issue. Simply put, if you're not part of the community, why and how would you even go about changing it?

Second, what if you decry somebody outside of their house? Now, I know that it would be cool if Reddit shrivelled down and cried because of it but that's not how it works. It would accomplish approximately nothing.

Third, because you're not engaging the core audience, you aren't really trying to address the problem at all. It's not a lot different to a little gossip club.

This sort of "attempt" at challenging something (if you can call it that) is ultimately futile.

Cause you seem really bothered by this whole topic. Also complaining about something inside a place for that something usually attracts hostile fans who may not have the fairest views. I hate Pewdiepie, but Id never complain about him in his comments (not that I could) since Id only get responses from angry fans or people who waste too much time hating him that they endure his content just to hate on him. I also don't think the OP has some major goal of removing the Karma system of reddit, he just thinks its a waste to worry about it. Wanting it to actually be removed would also require caring about it.

 

[DoPo]

Cause you seem really bothered by this whole topic.

If that's what you think, then you have completely misread me. I am very mildly "concerned" for a lack of a better term. It is you who insists on having this exchange, so I oblige you.

Also complaining about something inside a place for that something usually attracts hostile fans who may not have the fairest views.

Yet it's how you're supposed to be voicing concerns. If I don't like the font used Escapist and mention it to a random person on the street, do you think that would help me in any way? I am very confident it wouldn't, hence it'd be a futile to do so.

I hate Pewdiepie, but Id never complain about him in his comments

...COMPLETELY different. First of all, it's not a "concern" you just hate him. Second, the comments of his videos wouldn't even "help" you with your hate. What, you're going to call him names and he's going to disappear, so you can stop being ticked off by his visage (or whatever)? No, that's not going to happen. Hence if you were to bring the "discussion"[footnote]Heh. Discussion. On YouTube.[/footnote] to the comments, it's going to be equally futile.

I also don't think the OP has some major goal of removing the Karma system of reddit, he just thinks its a waste to worry about it. Wanting it to actually be removed would also require caring about it.

But if he doesn't want people to care about it[footnote]which, by the way, is indirectly removing it but whatever[/footnote] that does show care. As I mentioned before, of course.

At any rate - look at that bubbling discussion on the topic of karma and Reddit that's happening thanks to this. Of the eleven people who've posted, most of it is me and you going off about something that's very tangentially related to either of these. Most of the people who posted here aren't Reddit regulars or even Reddit users at all. As for us two: am I a Reddit user? Are you a Reddit user? Does either of us actually care about Reddit? WHO KNOWS!

Yes, this deep and meaningful conversation brought to you about not caring (really, guys, totally not caring) about karma. And this is how useful and conductive a thread like this is.