Originally Posted by Counsellor
On SPAM, they've already started a "conga line" for reputation. It sure didn't take long to abuse the feature. 
On E-bay and the like, one can give feedback only if one was involved in a transaction not related to the "reputation". That at least cuts down on "reputation for sale", "I'll pat your back if you'll pat mine", and similar abuses. Not sure how we could similarly attempt to ensure the integrity of the system here?
(There may be some way where the "value" of an ego-boo point is diminished based on the number the issuer has given out?)
I posted the conga to point out the absurdity of the point system as it stands (see my posts above). It is nothing more than a popularity contest. Since the 'points' have no real value, there is neither harm nor benefit in collecting, trading, even soliciting them. I give positive comments freely to anyone who's post I like. If I happen to like posts on the conga line, that's my perogative. I see no 'abuse'.