As a person who has had some "controversial" ideas in the past (not here, not yet anyway), I find the idea of reaping downvoted nodes uncomfortable. At the same time, the content of the node may have been worthy of reaping.

Perhaps, there nodes should only be reaped for content, regardless of the reputation of the node, and when reaping, a reason that doesn't involve reputation must be given.

I imagine that nodes that are downvoted will eventually be reaped, but there must be a reason for reaping beyond "nobody liked it."

Just my two cents worth

Michael
the blue haired monk