I appreciate the compliment, but I can't think of anyone who is more agreeable in here than you and a very few others. Thanks for all you do to keep the Gulch a place for open thought!

And I like your line about the upvote for disagreement.

but what if we violently agree? . your reasoned and
measured approach to things makes me get hot under
the collar!!! -- j
.

I got the globe with the ISIS smoke and fire generator feature
which makes a neat night-light!!! . have to leave the exhaust
fan on low, though, cuz of the pollution. -- j
.

Nelly, it's a strange electronic hug which we try to give you
when we like your contributions in the gulch here! . if it makes you
feel loved, appreciated or at least listened-to, our purpose
has been fulfilled!!! -- john
.

I totally agree blarman. Good post.

I just gave you a point because you saved me from writing a probably-inferior email saying about the same things. I would only add that if I see a comment at zero or below and if fits your second pointing criterion, I will point it up (irrespective of viewpoint): I am in favor of reasoned disagreement as a tool to refine our thoughts.

Jan

I decided to hold out for the restored Lockheed Electra... Better range than the Cessna 195.

Well said

I am still relatively new here. How does one even post something ? I receive these daily Galts Gulch online email with these discussion threads, and I was wondering how these threads came into being.

The Gulch focuses on producing things of value - in particular thought. Points are the currency of those thought exchanges.

Here are my guidelines for giving points to others:
1. If I post an article and you respond back, I'm more likely than not to give you a point because I value the feedback and effort. It's not just a participation point, however: I still expect some real thought to be put in.
2. I usually give points to those who challenge my viewpoints if they do so based on a cogent thought process that is presented in a way in which debate is encouraged. If you are concentrating on the true merits of the topic in a thoughtful manner, I'll usually reward you even though you may disagree with me.
3. Any time someone is willing to recheck their premises or their definitions.

When I take away points:
1. Posts with ad hominem attacks or other fallacies will almost always get you a downvote. If you are a logical, thinking person, these kinds of statements should be recognized for the meaningless, emotional outbursts they are. They provide no value to the discussion and are the favorite tactics of those who want to quell thought - not encourage it.
2. Attacks against others' belief systems using broad generalities get a downvote. If you want to pick a specific belief/policy/dogma/etc. and say why you think it is based on logical fallacy, that's perfectly okay, but you've got to have a solid argument that's more than just "it's illogical". That's a conclusion - not an argument - and without an argument to go along with it is just opinion.
3. Posts that devolve into nothing more than rudeness or blatant hostility. These I will downvote AND flag for the moderator. Everyone can disagree, but there is no call for being disagreeable. If your argument can't win on its merits, that should be a sign to check your premises. Tantrums are for my four-year-old. We're adults.

I just won a BRAND NEW CAR!
It's a limo and a chauffeur named Fifi comes with it.

Thank you so much.

To most of us who live here, not much. Sure, when someone votes me down I get a little bent, but still... when push comes to shove, not a lot, as it's not the points, but the sharing of ideas, the intercourse of belief, the knowledge of producing, that make us all one.

Some like the points to vote someone down to foster their own belief system, some like it to support their own ego, and some - I would hope the majority - use it to thank someone for contributing something of value to our small microcosm of life.

vote away!

Hi Nelly. I made a remark about points when I first got here and was surprised by the responses. Some Gulchers really don't like the voting system. I kind of like it myself. Congrats on hitting 100.

Thats funny. I got all kinds of free stuff. :-)

Well, just to let you know I haven't been here that long and I finally made my 100 points. I was just a little excited.

well, that is a good point Nelly, posts which carry a high number indicate that it is well received and as such may make the Daily Digest. Those that make the daily email blast to members are generating more interest than other posts-and therefore possibly interesting discussion.

Thank you for answering my question. I was looking at other post and noticed a lot had points and wasn't sure what they were for. I appreciate your answer.

Since I have the most points currently, I am happy to answer. First, you need 100 points in order to up vote or down vote comments. It's a small way of trying to keep away trolls (we get them occasionally). I use it as a barometer for how long people have been around and how their comments are received. But, honestly, I don't see that they matter that much. If there was a prize for points, I haven't gotten one yet. :)