Actually....it was part of the part of the software package that was not noticed until recently.
TP and Pam have both hit on why it was removed...It can become more divisive than it could ever help us continue to have a real sense of community.
Look, most of us here know one another. And we should be able to make allowances for how things are typed - may not be how they would be recieved if done so as "spoken word". And - even a momentary lapse in judgement.
In the event you have not seen the linked post below, please read it. it really goes to the heart of why the "karma" thing was removed. We do not need it, and if we are here for the right motives - it is nothing more than a distraction ( well put TP)
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=59.0