This is another one of my theories, so let's get right into it!
As many of you know, lots of people love their points or upvotes. It has even caused scams where higher level players are asking little players for upvotes, and in return they get upvotes back.
My theory for all of this is actually quite simple, but involves one of the most complex organs in the body. The brain. As many of you know Humans can become addicted to stuff, even stuff that harms then (like sweet sweet Ben and Jerries ice cream). This is caused by dopamine.
When you first start playing SP and release your first plane and it gets upvotes, doesn't that feel good? That's dopamine, the maker of making all things pleasant, pleasant. As you get on, you crave points, and when you get them you get the dopamine rush.
Some people, who I won't name, get addicted to this stuff like drugs. These people will do anything to get the points, such as the scam mentioned above.
When people ask what the big fuss about points is, think about the dopamine. People can become addicted to the stuff. Don't be that harsh to them, remember, they're basically on a drug.
-Shawniepie
Most higher level players truly do not care about the points and the ranking system. They're invested in the community, not the points.
@Shawniepie Orchestrating an upvote exchange is against the rules. This is usually done with groups of lower level players, who truly deeply care about these imaginary internet points.
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Sorry if I misread your scam description, assuming that you meant higher level players were reaching out to lower level players simply to gain numerous upvotes from those "mentor" relationships. This is a consequence of being a good community member, and is the type of behavior we should encourage.
@joeysellers Isn't I against the rules to do the scam I mentioned?
It is not a scam to reach out to newer players and cement relationships, helping others to become better. This is the hallmark of an ideal user in the community.
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People that are skilled at rubbing elbows call it "networking" while everybody else calls it "politics" out of spite and bitter envy.
Of course. Everyone craves approval, plus it's fun when someone appreciates your creations.
i actually enjoy how many downloads and positive comments more. but my Horten just made me cry with tears
As a person who has earned all of my points legit, I can't say how much it ticks me off that people cheat to get points
It's like [censored].
@Frant24 YYYYYYEEEEEESSSSSS!
@General360 wow thanks, but I love your builds!
@General360 Yet you have 61,900 points.
@ForeverPie lol
For me, it's the thrill of making a plane/ship/vehicle. I'm trying to make them as good as I can. Since those "Internet points" are (supposed to be) a community's rating of the build, I do give some importance to them. Acquiring points any other way than by building good stuff is, for me, cheating.
@Johndfg Same here. MWAHAHAHAHA Now for a smart quote from snoop dog...
This makes a lot of sense!
I'll always be addicted to upvotes though >:D