Such people have small egos and need the approval of others to make them feel good about themselves. It's not about points.

I think it's silly. If people are only asking questions to be awarded points for doing so, then I won't even bother answering. I always award a question I answer with points, because if I have taken the time to answer it, giving a few points is my way of saying "Great question!". I do think that it's "nice" to give people who have answered your question some kind of acknowledgement - wether that be points, a comment, or both - simply to say "Thanks for taking the time". I do both - always points, and most times, a comment, because I am genuinely thankful that someone took enough interest to answer my question. But, that's just me!

Juvenile. Just lost points from me. I try for 24 hours to respond to each poster to a question with points or comments as deserved. Beyond 24 hours, they have to rely on others for their points, unless I stop by and happen to feel generous.

I asked a question tonight and have rated and thanked all for answering - I alway's do - It is the right thing to do - I have seen what you mean -

Well if the person answering doesnt give the question point unless their answer is awarded points then they are at a stand-off and nobody get points. The person that asked the question is the only person that wins in this situation ... because he got an answer to his question. The person who put time into writing the answer feels like their efforts arent of value to the asker,get bitter and becomes a troll stalking the asker giving negative points. At which point all the fun of being on AB helping people and sharing insight is gone. I just dont understand why people dont give points where points are due and forget the silly games.

My take on it? Nothing more than thuggery and extortion when the so called "hint" is used, especially on a new user. The asker not awarding points? Well, the question asker ought to be thankful someone answered their question. If the answer was useful and answered the question, no doubt that question asker owes that person points. Giving out points only after getting points? Not very Christian at all.

It's ill-mannered, gauche, and comes across as a little desperate - like asking for a compliment or something. People who do this almost always face a backlash of some kind. Nobody likes to be pressured into giving a favorable "opinion". The people who wouldn't dream of asking for points generally write good questions/answers, and therefore, don't need to ask for points in the first place. What I mean is, the whole mind-set of whatever makes a person eschew asking for points is the same mind-set that lends itself to making the request irrelevant in the first place. It's never occured to me to wait until someone rates the question before I rate the answer. I guess on some level, I knew people could do that, but - what's the point? Negative behavior breeds negative behavior, and holding someone hostage for points is...well, I don't know exactly what to call it, besides a bad idea and ultimately, a self-defeating one. UGH. I forget that we can rate questions anyway - although it's slowly sinking in. I guess people ask for points in comments now because asking for them in questions violates AB policy (Feb. 2007). That said, I'm sure you'll show your appreciation for my taking the time to write such a fantastically insightful answer <snicker>.

I think it is ridiculous to ask for points, this makes a joke of the entire point system. I have never actually noticed an asker holding points until awarded points but if it happens, that is just childish. The people you call out for asking for points are always the one that say they don't care about the points which makes no sense to me. If I see a question or answer asking for points, I downrate. It is different if they asked to be rated, but to ask for + points is stupid.

I really like asking and answering and getting points also and giving points.It seems sometimes that i have to go down to the bottom of the page before i can give points,and then go back before i post answer or it all goes away.But I am really new to all this.Don`t think it`s cool to ask for points.Sometimes I forget but seems like points should be for whats good.When I get points I feel good.But it`s also good feeling to get a good answer.It`s FUN.Thanks.