Shared Reputation

Question

Recently, I was attempting to answer this question, and I didn't notice part of it. I could not figure out the real solution that skv wanted, and I asked others, like d'alar'cop, for help in the comments. Now, we never did find out the answer, but it got me thinking. If we had solved the puzzle, I wouldn't feel great as d'alar'cop had helped me immensely, yet he would get no reputation, which brings me to my original question.

Would it be possible for multiple people to gain reputation from one answer?

This feature would be especially useful on sites like this, PPCG, or even other sites. I know I would feel cheated out of some rep if I had contributed to an answer, and gotten no credit. Maybe there would be some way to allow both people to get an equal share of the rep. I don't know if this could be regulated well, as there would have to be proof of their collaboration and consent by both sides.

I am not sure if this has been mentioned on Puzzling meta or even StackExchange meta, as I couldn't find this topic on either of them. If it has been, just link the question and I will delete/edit this accordingly.

Answer 1

Keeping in mind that reputation isn't a score of how many puzzles you've solved, reputation-providing actions should not simply be given to the person who solves the puzzle first or provides the most information (in fact, in many cases the answer doesn't need to contain a solution). Reputation is a number that signifies good answers, not puzzle solving skills; as such, it doesn't matter who thought of the solution first. However, if you want to credit someone else in your answer, do so. Nothing is stopping you from lauding the problem solving skills of another, but reputation isn't the only way to do that.

The user who asked the question should accept the answer that they feel is best. That doesn't have a well-defined meaning; it depends on the user. I consider that a pro and a con of the SE model. If your answer is considered better it should be accepted, even if you didn't know what to say until you have read the other's answer.

Voting is a whole different kettle of fish: every user can vote for or against every answer. With this in mind, if you think one person provided a clear answer with meaningful information, vote it up! If people do this, even the non-accepted answers will gain reputation.

It seems from this SE meta post and this Puzzling meta post that partial solutions are acceptable if they make significant progress toward an answer. If the contributing user wants reputation, they can post their progress as an answer. All you can do is trust that that answer will awarded appropriately.

So if you write an answer that is inspired by another answer, upvote that other answer. On the other hand, don't take from another answer unless you can add a decent amount of information or word it in a clearer or otherwise "better" way.

Answer 2

I think you should not take these points to seriously you get from votes. The main thing is to have fun reading and writing these posts and to get good questions and answers. Sharing points would make things rather difficult. The number of points received for a question may not be divisible in the way needed, people may disagree on the importance of there contribution. If you think that other people could and should improve your post you can make it "community wiki".