I think your point stands IMO.
The solution is reputation but reputation doesn't exist because no one is paying because no one has reputation. It is circular.
If the thought is that paid answers will win - fine. But you need to bootstrap reputation which will be hard if users have to pay, risking money, to assign reputation.
The incentives here make assumptions about a robust reputation system existing while also preventing a robust reputation system from forming.
This is the same dynamic that exists on darknet markets. New sellers have to establish a reputation before they can gain traction and sell in large quantities.
Usually new sellers start with low prices, and then they raise prices after they have built up reputation.
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Don't they escrow on dark net markets?
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The escrow doesn't really help. You are putting your trust in the market administrator to arbitrate the dispute, and they have no idea or incentive on how to decide which side is right.
The best protection against fraud is a good rating/reputation system.
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Fair enough. Seems like you have it figured out.
I look forward to seeing the site thrive!
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