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I have a general understanding of how this works, but every now and then I just don't quite get it. I answered this question on SF&F SE and got 18 points but there is only 1 upvote. Is it because it's an old question? And I lost 2 points for changing the accepted answer on this question here on M&TV. Neither the Tour nor FAQ pages seem to break it down into explicit detail.

Is there a link detailing the reasons for awarding or rescinding Rep points? My search failed to give me a good page.

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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Have you checked your reputation log extensively enough? You get -2 when someone downvotes you, so that SF&F post got 2 upvotes and 1 downvote, resulting in +20-2 = +18 for you and 1 upvote for the answer.

The second case of getting -2 for changing the accepted answer is probably due to the fact that you get +2 for accepting an answer, but not if it's your own. But since you changed the accepted answer from JohnSmithOptional's to yours, you lost the 2 that you once got for accepting his answer (marked as "unaccept" in your reputation log).

In general the reputation scores are explained here (though, I don't see a rule for not getting +2 if the accepted answer is yours right away). Wait, I found it:

Now, there are some special rules around owner-accepted answers, to prevent gaming:

  • Wait 48 hours. You must wait 2 days from the time you originally asked your question before you can accept your own answer. This gives other users a chance to answer the question in good faith, and earn the accepted answer.
  • No change in sort order. Normally, accepted answers are “docked” under the question. This is not true for owner accepted answers; they stay in standard sort order like any other answer.
  • No reputation is earned. Normally, accepted answers confer +15 rep to the answerer and +2 to the owner. Owner accepted answers do not earn rep (or badges) for anyone.
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  • That probably explains it. I figured out the unaccepted answer part and was editing my question to reflect that when I saw an answer. As to the first part, the log doesn't seem to tell me I was upvoted 2 and downvoted once. Thanks for unbending my mind.
    – Meat Trademark
    Jan 21, 2014 at 0:34
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    @MeatTrademark It does, just expand the arrow next to "Was E.T. a Jedi?". I just did that to check it. It says "+10 upvote, -2 downvote, +10 upvote".
    – Napoleon Wilson Mod
    Jan 21, 2014 at 0:35
  • Thanks. To quote Barton Fink, "Is the egg showing or what?" I didn't click the arrow, not realizing it was a drop-down. Thanks a million. Or at least +1 and acceptance.
    – Meat Trademark
    Jan 21, 2014 at 0:39
  • @MeatTrademark Haha, too bad meta doesn't give reputation at all, but thanks anyway. ;-)
    – Napoleon Wilson Mod
    Jan 21, 2014 at 0:40
  • And now my question seems like it was asked by an idiot. :( Everything's obvious and pedantic when you know the answer...
    – Meat Trademark
    Jan 21, 2014 at 0:47
  • @MeatTrademark - don't worry about it
    – iandotkelly Mod
    Jan 21, 2014 at 2:19
  • I can only hope you are quoting The Room. I definitely have breast cancer. :)
    – Meat Trademark
    Jan 21, 2014 at 2:22

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