I agree that XP exerts a profound influences on the way that people interact with the Monastery. XP tempers my interaction with the Monastery positively. The more XP I accumulate, the more I feel obligated to:

• set a good example by carefully crafting my submissions.
• participate in routine maintenance.
• offer more assistance than I request.

I've made some mistakes and felt rather foolish and unworthy, but hey, I'm not a Saint yet. I do the best I can.

As for the negative side of XP/Rep, the only thing that truly bothers me is posting a goose egg (you know, a node that stays at zero rep). Does it bother me when I occasionally get --'d? Yes, but only for a moment. I remind myself that there's no point in dwelling on it. It's going to happen from time to time but the positive will outweigh the negative in the end.

So what does one do to cope besides fulfilling the obligations listed above?

• Have fun when possible. Let others know that you have a personality and sense of humor.
• Participate fully exercising your best judgement.
• Try to learn from the contributions of others.
• Let the XP fall where they may.

The Monastery cannot help but be enriched.

--Jim