Why so many newbies with so much karma?

khalleron · 08-09-2011, 07:17 PM

I got jumped on for bringing this up in another thread, but I've been noticing the past two or three months that a small but sizeable group of newbies, many sporting less than 100 (some less than 50) posts have karma over 100,000.

I'm also noticing that some of them have *exactly* 100,000 or 125,000 - something I've never seen in my two years of posting here.

Since some of these are obvious trolls (they do nothing but snipe at the regulars), I'm suspecting sock-puppeting, or worse.

Even some of the most helpful posters here don't have that amount of karma.

I'm mathematically inclined - I notice the rate that karma normally 'accretes' - there's something funny going on here.

Penforhire · 08-09-2011, 07:25 PM

As I understand it, the giver of such karma is what determines the maximum bump allowed. Perhaps they received karma from some elder members. Mine jumped considerably for that very reason.

khalleron · 08-09-2011, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penforhire

As I understand it, the giver of such karma is what determines the maximum bump allowed. Perhaps they received karma from some elder members. Mine jumped considerably for that very reason.

Unless the elder members are giving karma only to newbies and withholding it from others, that won't fly.

The average rate of karma will increase as members 'age', but the distribution should remain pretty steady.

And I wouldn't have noticed it except that the posters were pretty obvious trolls with an inordinate amount of karma.

All those zeroes were another red flag.

JD Gumby · 08-09-2011, 07:37 PM

Eh. What's it matter? It's not like it actually means anything useful, unless you're the desperate type who needs a giant e-peen of some sort.

Rich_D · 08-09-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD Gumby

Eh. What's it matter? It's not like it actually means anything useful, unless you're the desperate type who needs a giant e-peen of some sort.

I agree. The karma serves no purpose, so what difference does it make how much someone has?

carld · 08-09-2011, 07:52 PM

For one thing it's possible someone has found a way to game or hack the system. If so, it's a potentially serious security issue. Also, if true, it offends my sense of right and wrong.

Freeshadow · 08-09-2011, 07:57 PM

the karma does serve a purpose here, but it's one, which people behaving the way Kate described simply don't grok. and this is exactly why she 'll get some from me now and they won't.

wannabee · 08-09-2011, 07:58 PM

It's our LIKE button. If someone says something that helps you out, you think is useful, funny or witty you can let them know. The karma gets high in the lounge. Great jokes get great karma. Lighten up.

Arrghus · 08-09-2011, 07:59 PM

I don't see the point in karma on this site whatsoever.

A 'thumbs up' button for a post might be a better alternative - kind of a way of saying thank you to those uploading eBooks or providing links to freebies, without littering a thread with similar short sentiments.

Besides, if one were really moved by a member's post they can communicate their appreciation either in the thread as an aside, or PM them.

1611mac · 08-09-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabee

It's our LIKE button. If someone says something that helps you out, you think is useful, funny or witty you can let them know. The karma gets high in the lounge. Great jokes get great karma. Lighten up.

hummm.. My wife constantly informs me that I'm a big JOKE but my karma with her has never gone up...

wannabee · 08-09-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrghus

Besides, if one were really moved by a member's post they can communicate their appreciation either in the thread as an aside, or PM them.

or do both

gastan · 08-09-2011, 08:07 PM

I usually just peruse the site and don't log in unless I want to post. I was surprised a few weeks ago when I logged in to notice that I had way more karma than I remembered. (and it is a large even number, too) I don't know how or when I accumulated it. When I checked the user panel to see who/why I got so much karma I found nothing. I have received karma from only one person in the last 6 months and I doubt that they gave me 20,000+ points.

So the OP isn't the only one to notice posts from people with only a few posts but a lot of karma. And I also think it disturbing to think that someone has somehow hacked the forum.

wannabee · 08-09-2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1611mac

hummm.. My wife constantly informs me that I'm a big JOKE but my karma with her has never gone up...

That's what it's all about guys! (and Gals)

Freeshadow · 08-09-2011, 08:08 PM

nah thanks - if I'd want a thumb

(or something similar) up I'll go and see a proctologist

from my dear MR pals I prefer numeric Karma hugs.
It's like the pagecount of a damn good book

- the more the better.

wannabee · 08-09-2011, 08:43 PM

Have you had your K today?

08-09-2011, 07:17 PM	#1
khalleron Kate Posts: 1,700 Karma: 3605799 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oregon, United States Device: MeeBook, Kobo Libra Colour	Why so many newbies with so much karma? I got jumped on for bringing this up in another thread, but I've been noticing the past two or three months that a small but sizeable group of newbies, many sporting less than 100 (some less than 50) posts have karma over 100,000. I'm also noticing that some of them have exactly 100,000 or 125,000 - something I've never seen in my two years of posting here. Since some of these are obvious trolls (they do nothing but snipe at the regulars), I'm suspecting sock-puppeting, or worse. Even some of the most helpful posters here don't have that amount of karma. I'm mathematically inclined - I notice the rate that karma normally 'accretes' - there's something funny going on here.

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08-09-2011, 07:25 PM	#2
Penforhire Wizard Posts: 2,230 Karma: 7145404 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Device: Kindle Voyage & iPhone 7+	As I understand it, the giver of such karma is what determines the maximum bump allowed. Perhaps they received karma from some elder members. Mine jumped considerably for that very reason.

08-09-2011, 07:37 PM	#4
JD Gumby Cynical Old Curmudgeon Posts: 1,085 Karma: 8495696 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Halifax, Canada Device: Kobo Mini, Kobo Arc, HTC Desire C	Eh. What's it matter? It's not like it actually means anything useful, unless you're the desperate type who needs a giant e-peen of some sort.

08-09-2011, 07:52 PM	#6
carld Wizard Posts: 2,698 Karma: 4748723 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	For one thing it's possible someone has found a way to game or hack the system. If so, it's a potentially serious security issue. Also, if true, it offends my sense of right and wrong.

08-09-2011, 07:57 PM	#7
Freeshadow temp. out of service Posts: 2,815 Karma: 24285242 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Duisburg (DE) Device: PB 623	the karma does serve a purpose here, but it's one, which people behaving the way Kate described simply don't grok. and this is exactly why she 'll get some from me now and they won't.

08-09-2011, 07:58 PM	#8
wannabee Media Bloke Posts: 2,382 Karma: 113956855 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NSW - Australia Device: iOS	It's our LIKE button. If someone says something that helps you out, you think is useful, funny or witty you can let them know. The karma gets high in the lounge. Great jokes get great karma. Lighten up.

08-09-2011, 07:59 PM	#9
Arrghus Zealot Posts: 143 Karma: 5002 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Llandudno, Wales Device: Kindle PW2; Nexus 5X	I don't see the point in karma on this site whatsoever. A 'thumbs up' button for a post might be a better alternative - kind of a way of saying thank you to those uploading eBooks or providing links to freebies, without littering a thread with similar short sentiments. Besides, if one were really moved by a member's post they can communicate their appreciation either in the thread as an aside, or PM them.

08-09-2011, 08:07 PM	#12
gastan Addict Posts: 221 Karma: 801624 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: US Pacific Northwest Device: LePan II, Kobo Aura	I usually just peruse the site and don't log in unless I want to post. I was surprised a few weeks ago when I logged in to notice that I had way more karma than I remembered. (and it is a large even number, too) I don't know how or when I accumulated it. When I checked the user panel to see who/why I got so much karma I found nothing. I have received karma from only one person in the last 6 months and I doubt that they gave me 20,000+ points. So the OP isn't the only one to notice posts from people with only a few posts but a lot of karma. And I also think it disturbing to think that someone has somehow hacked the forum.

08-09-2011, 08:08 PM	#14
Freeshadow temp. out of service Posts: 2,815 Karma: 24285242 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Duisburg (DE) Device: PB 623	nah thanks - if I'd want a thumb (or something similar) up I'll go and see a proctologist from my dear MR pals I prefer numeric Karma hugs. It's like the pagecount of a damn good book - the more the better.

08-09-2011, 08:43 PM	#15
wannabee Media Bloke Posts: 2,382 Karma: 113956855 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NSW - Australia Device: iOS	Have you had your K today?