We've been doing this for a little more than a month. Are you saying that you see a difference in the content of the discussion board? I just can't see somebody, especially an experienced WakeWorld regular, softening what they want to say just for the chance at a couple of pieces of clothing. There certainly isn't any rule that says you can't call people out. In fact, I would argue that it would improve your chances if the call-out is warranted. Is a Ten-80 clothing package really having that much influence on the way people post? Ten-80 is going to be stoked to hear that!
Can you give me a link to an example of what you're talking about? I just don't see it.
I don't understand your point system either. The whole idea is to have the users choose the winner, not the moderators. I'm basing this whole thing on the idea that a user is getting a "mental point" from each user whenever they post something useful. Then, at the end of the month, each user votes for the person that earned the most "points." Besides, why would we need to "weed the degenerates out?" Why would somebody vote for a degenerate to be Poster of the Month?
This is really confusing to me.