Is there a way to totally drop out of the Karma-system?
I don't really like the Karma system either.
1. Its against my Religious Beliefs
2. It appears to me to be a Social measuring stick of who's popular and who's not, as people use it in a social rather than academic way.
How I get over this is, to thank or berate (not Flame) people publically. If what they are saying is good I say it so everyone can see. If someone says something I see as weak I point it out so they have to defend their action as being positive. I also refrain from marking anyone else's Karma in anyway.
With people using it for or against me, I let em. 1 spite here or there is just life, its the coward talking behind your back. Ignore it. If you get a massive abuse, like -5 karma in one day, have it checked. There is no rule to prevent someone abusing the system but SG can check to see if it is your faux pas or an aggression by a shamed fool.