Derek's posted an interesting analysis of online moderation systems' inevitable gaming, as when Slashdot users Karma-whore. He makes some recommendations about the optimal way to reduce gaming (some of which I disagree with, some of which sound like interesting ideas).
Slashdot has added still more inventive features. A simple but effective reputation management system is in operation now, allowing members to list each other as a friend or foe. The ratings are even public, so you can see who's list you're on. And even better, you can apply a filter to your lists, rating all your friend's comments up, and your foes' down. It's now possible to make it so you never have to see a particular user's posts again: just list them as a foe, and set all foe posts to "-5." In a few clicks, they'll be off your radar forever.
Problem is, all this groovy functionality adds several layers of new interface elements. Every filter, rating, and setting means adding another button, dropdown, and submit button. It's easy to see a future, not very far away, when the site grows so interface-heavy it will scare off all but the most determined new users. While what might not slow down the rabid Slashdotters, it would certainly impede a new site with a fragile audience.
Worse, sometimes all the widgets backfire altogether, encouraging the very behavior they're designed to avert. Sometimes all the rules have a dangerous side-effect: they create a game.
(Thanks, Derek!)
