LogFAQs > #973681489

Basically, the upvote and down vote system is an attempt to give every user the ability to have moderator powers.

A vote, in surfacing good content. And burying bad content.

That's the ideal.

The reality isn't so perfect.

In a chronological system, every shit comment is given equal placement with a well thought out comment.

It would be nice if somehow. If one just want to save time, and read only the comments worth reading.

That's the Reddit attempt.

Reality is, the earlier you get your comment in, the more likely it will be seen. (And crushed or praised) Later comments are basically ignored by most people. (Somewhat mitigated by having your comment as a reply to a top comment)

There are also limits by realizing some people abuse the voting. So you have limited upvotes per day. With a bunch of other limits to vote abusers.