It's a little crazy how a lot of users on here care about magic internet points though. Maybe there is some psychological thing about a fascination with points, because it seems to be a thing on every social platform. I remember how even decades old forum software had those reputation points, Reddit has karma, Facebook has likes, etc. It's like nobody builds anything social without some sort of point system attached so users can compare the length of their virtual dicks.
I agree that in general, recognition and respect in the Internet space through Like, Karma and other reputation points associated with the psychological motives of the participants. Our life is gradually moving to the electronic world, where we need to win back our place under the sun. Those who we are in reality, and our profiles on social networks are completely different things. Success in real life doesn`t guarantee recognition on the Internet. And vice versa. Just as we`re trying to assert ourselves in our everyday life, we are trying to earn respect in the world of social networks, which are becoming an integral part of our existence, and for some people - a priority "reality".
But merit on the bitcointalk, in addition, has another nature. Considering that the majority of forum members hunt for easy money, which in turn is associated with bounty campaigns, and they put forward demands for rank, it`s merit they need for money. Few people want to get it for self-affirmation. Therefore, merit appears to be a necessary (and often hard-to-reach) means of making money than a reputation indicator.
