Wow, looks like Krik actually removed the button.
This is honestly a bit shameful. Yes, there are people that will abuse the ability to smite (But also applaud) other users, but taking it away completely does not solve the problem.
Look at the following scenario.
User A is nice, but doesn't post much. He's gotten on people's bad sides before, but it wasn't from a personal attack or anything. Let's say his karma is +10/-2. Been a member for 4 months, by the way.
User B is a dick. He constantly bashes other users, and is constantly going on and on about how Krik should make something that he wants, bashing anything he doesn't like, etc. Very rarely constructive, but does occasionally post good content. His karma is +20/-200. Member for 5 months
Now, a new user can look at the two user's karmas, and with ease can discern that User A is probably a nicer/better person than B.
However, let's look back at the scenario without smiting.
User A would have 10 karma. User B would have 20.
A new user would mistakenly think that User B is a better person than A.
My Proposal? Just remove the whole system, or keep the smite/applaud system. Removing only the smiting option almost turns the forum into a totalitarian state. What only removing the smite option says is this:
"You can either like what I say, or be impartial to it. You can't not like what I say" (Sorry for the double negative, I couldn't think of another wording).
Now, with regards to the original intent of this thread, yes, I understand dvd's concern. However, if you're literally being smited to the stars, you may want to look back on yourself and what you've said. Remember, not everything is everyone else's fault. There will be people that disagree with what you say, but simply taking away their voice is not the solution to the problem. Listen to what they say, and you may find that they have a legitimate concern.
That is all. Have a nice day, everyone.
