Aside from the fact that it shows some users have more free time than the others, nothing.

Unfortunately, on Answerbag the points are so meaningless as to be pointless. However, I think I speak for many when I say I like to receive praise for work well done, and I'm proud of most of my answers on Answerbag. I just wish that the points came from an unbiased third party who had the job of rating good answers.

Human nature to be competitive and want praise. It's just unfortunate that the act of giving and taking away points causes people to lose all perspective at times. The ones who can step back and realize that they are indeed just points will have a much more enjoyable experience here.

Excellent question. I hope I am not judged, as I have gotten a handsome sum of points lately. I thank my friends for participating in my Q+A, and I hope to attribute this to quality and not quantity (even when there is quantity, LOL) Before Answerbag, I used to play around on a different sort of website. It wasn't a social network. It was about playing online games. Neopets. You accrued points by playing games, and even that silly point system became alluring. Why are points alluring? Maybe, in some way, the human psyche enjoys something quantifiable and tangible to deal with. Maybe that is a motivator. We can't deny it is some form of currency. Of what, I do not know. Points are not fulfilling in the end. They won't put food on the table; they won't keep you warm at night; they don't reflect who you are. Numbers are cold, stale, and ever changing. But yet, points do tend to have a drive. I was contemplating today (with my roommate) about the disturbing similarity between Answerbag and Neopets. NO! Not for us! Just.... some users... tend to feel that interacting with other Baggers is the game.... and the means to the end is about personal ranking. Somehow these statistics stroke the ego. What are the points for? Sure, they tell us who has provided helpful Q+A.... but this is not about playing games or finessing insta-rapport... this is a website that gives one the opportunity to build a genuine, sincere connection with another human being. The website is vast. Admittedly, I feel overwhelmed sometimes. I interact with so many people, knowing in real life that it would take a long time to truly build the foundations of something strong. But it doesn't stop me from trying. I feel it is so important to remember that it is truly an awesome thing to be here. Relationships should not be quantifiable. I don't tally points. I tally the bigger picture. I tally feelings, moments, people, relationships, laughs, shared insight. I keep into account that I am lucky to be here, and I am -- more than anything else -- sorry for those who cannot grasp this. I don't feel by a long shot that everyone has this "obscure competitive need for tallying".... I feel like a lot of members of this site have long since distinguished this difference.

I think we all come here for a variety of reasons and, perhaps, stay for even different ones. Points, too, can signify different things to different people. That's maybe one of the reasons why this site has done so well.

I can esily accept that points don't mean anything to some folks, but for me it is an indication that my peers think of me at least as a decent person who gives decent help. To me that is almost better than getting paid for it. I grew up in an environment where I was literally hated for existing, then out into the world where the only time people seem to notice you is when you've done something wrong. Slowly, it began downing on me that it didn't have to be that way. We destroy each other when we do that!!! So, I began to change the way I treated others everywhere I went. I was virtually alone in my "doctrine" until I found AB. AB gave me an outlet in which to express my positive thoughts for people, encourage people and push them towards success, at least in one corner of the world. I have never seen such a place as this except in my daydreams. This place offers more support than any church I've ever seen. The points I give help me to express my appreciation of others as well.

I don't really feel it as a competition as I don't see the points going to the people. I see them going to the answers and the questions. So to me, they are like little gifts for our efforts, praise for out thoughts and ideas, our knowledge, our humor. But even without the points, as many of my answers get none or not many, is the feedback, the thanks, the appreciation from others. THAT is where my drive is. And if I can give those same things back to others? Then I'm even happier because that is where my competition lies, in giving back to all these people here as much knowledge and humor that they give me.

Well, if you level up enough times, that means you get to use a really bigass sword... Oh wait... I'm thinking of another pointless, but vaguely entertaining internet pastime...