Service is widely considered a key measure of excellence for academics, along with research and teaching.
I value my SO rep because it accords approximately with how much (whether in quality or quantity) I have served the site's readership. The site is robustly healthy. I think its success is evidence that SO rep is an effective incentive for SO participants.
I agree that unless we examine the specific activities, SO rep validates only a minimal degree of technical ability. I just never thought that was its primary function.
I value my SO rep because it accords approximately with how much (whether in quality or quantity) I have served the site's readership. The site is robustly healthy. I think its success is evidence that SO rep is an effective incentive for SO participants.
I agree that unless we examine the specific activities, SO rep validates only a minimal degree of technical ability. I just never thought that was its primary function.