Both meanings would be equally unproductive. If your post deserves up or downvotes, let it stand on it's merit. Anything else is an attempt to game the system and adds nothing to the discussion.

That was my meaning -- I'm not really attached to my karma score. I use it as a barometer of what kinds of feedback is valued on HN. I've been greatly disappointed by the amount of downvotes volleyed against "let's have a frank discussion about sexism" comments.

From the HN Guidelines:

> Please don't bait other users by inviting them to downmod you.