To most of us who live here, not much. Sure, when someone votes me down I get a little bent, but still... when push comes to shove, not a lot, as it's not the points, but the sharing of ideas, the intercourse of belief, the knowledge of producing, that make us all one.

Some like the points to vote someone down to foster their own belief system, some like it to support their own ego, and some - I would hope the majority - use it to thank someone for contributing something of value to our small microcosm of life.

Since I have the most points currently, I am happy to answer. First, you need 100 points in order to up vote or down vote comments. It's a small way of trying to keep away trolls (we get them occasionally). I use it as a barometer for how long people have been around and how their comments are received. But, honestly, I don't see that they matter that much. If there was a prize for points, I haven't gotten one yet. :)

The Gulch focuses on producing things of value - in particular thought. Points are the currency of those thought exchanges.

Here are my guidelines for giving points to others:
1. If I post an article and you respond back, I'm more likely than not to give you a point because I value the feedback and effort. It's not just a participation point, however: I still expect some real thought to be put in.
2. I usually give points to those who challenge my viewpoints if they do so based on a cogent thought process that is presented in a way in which debate is encouraged. If you are concentrating on the true merits of the topic in a thoughtful manner, I'll usually reward you even though you may disagree with me.
3. Any time someone is willing to recheck their premises or their definitions.

When I take away points:
1. Posts with ad hominem attacks or other fallacies will almost always get you a downvote. If you are a logical, thinking person, these kinds of statements should be recognized for the meaningless, emotional outbursts they are. They provide no value to the discussion and are the favorite tactics of those who want to quell thought - not encourage it.
2. Attacks against others' belief systems using broad generalities get a downvote. If you want to pick a specific belief/policy/dogma/etc. and say why you think it is based on logical fallacy, that's perfectly okay, but you've got to have a solid argument that's more than just "it's illogical". That's a conclusion - not an argument - and without an argument to go along with it is just opinion.
3. Posts that devolve into nothing more than rudeness or blatant hostility. These I will downvote AND flag for the moderator. Everyone can disagree, but there is no call for being disagreeable. If your argument can't win on its merits, that should be a sign to check your premises. Tantrums are for my four-year-old. We're adults.

Points?
The Gulch is very similar to a TV show called "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" where everything is made up and the points don't matter.
In a way they are an ego boost but if you need your ego boosted, you may be in the wrong place. The interesting thing about the points is seeing how many people of like mind agree with you. Any more than one would be a top mark in any other blog.

Nelly, it's a strange electronic hug which we try to give you
when we like your contributions in the gulch here! . if it makes you
feel loved, appreciated or at least listened-to, our purpose
has been fulfilled!!! -- john
.

Hi Nelly. I made a remark about points when I first got here and was surprised by the responses. Some Gulchers really don't like the voting system. I kind of like it myself. Congrats on hitting 100.

khalling, I've been in the Gulch a few years now, commented on occasion and was lucky enough to be chosen for my 5 seconds of fame in AS3. But I've never seen such a innocuous post as yours bring on such a flood of humorous sarcasm. Just goes to show everyone that Gulchers (is that a word?) have more than superior intellect, but a sense of humor as well. Thanks everyone, for making me smile in a week that has had very little humor in it!