In some ways, I agree with you, knobunc. In others, I don't.

I think some people do get a little too tied up with the XP system. Take a look at this node by deprecated that just recently came up. (Specfically, view the page source of that node...way at the bottom...) I don't want to point fingers at deprecated, I just recalled the recent post. And I really doubt that the XP frenzy is really contained to just a few monks. I admit that I recently passed a level and the day before I did, I was more active on Perlmonks than I had been in a while, simply to get to that level just a little bit faster. Even when I'm not specifically working on Perl, I often log on (once a day, if possible) to see what's going on and shell out my votes for the day.

So, now that we've seen what an XP freak I am - why do I think XP is a good thing? Well, frankly, I remain highly active in Perlmonks because I'm after XP points. Granted, I like to help people, too, but it's nice to have something to show for your efforts. If it wasn't for the XP system, I think Perlmonks would suffer from a type of "Bystander Effect" where everyone stands around when someone needs help simply because everyone figured someone else will help. Just think of all the newbie questions that would go unanswered... ;) With the XP system in place, people are jumping up and down to help others - and I think that's what we need.

Obviously, the XP system isn't perfect (if you look up "Personality Voting," you can probably find a knock or two on it by merlyn), but I think it gives Perlmonks a net gain. I agree with your point and I like your concept, but I think getting rid of the XP system would hurt Perlmonks in the long run.

There's my two cents. ;)

- Sherlock

Skepticism is the source of knowledge as much as knowledge is the source of skepticism.