Don't worry, this isn't going to be a rant post. It's just that I've been feeling a lot about some things I've seen on AFF. This is strictly my personal opinions and I've no intentions of bashing anyone. 

Recently, I came across a poster shop that asks for requester to pay karma points for their graphic requests. Another graphic shop was pay karma points to get faster graphics + free banners. Looking at the extra freebies, I guess we pay for what we get then. You don't pay, you get slower graphics.

I know that they're providing quality (?) services but is this really necessary?

Honestly, I think it's not and I don't like such a feature. If I requested a week ago (without paying) and another requester paid the karma points, they'll get their poster first with banners thrown in. Yes, they paid but so what? I find it too practical and unfair. First, you gave them the priority because they pay karma points. Second, you take your time just because requester didn't pay karma points.  Third, so only if we pay karma, you'll then work extra hard. My point is that shouldn't designers do their best for each and every requester (whether they pay or not)?

Besides, by subscribing to the shop, we're already paying 1 karma point. And when we used it in our story, we do credit the designer (and shop). We're doing advertisement for them as well. Why do we have to pay extra then?

AFF is a place for sharing and interaction. We don't write to earn karma and we don't design to earn karma. My take on this will probably be 'if it isn't worth it, just go elsewhere that's free.'

I actually do enjoy visiting graphic shops. One of my favourite would definitely be Nikatsu's Versute and JJL's Tipsy Queen! Their artwork are unique and amazing. Most importantly, they don't exploit users for karma points.

Thanks for listening to my opinion. Do you think graphic designer should charge karma points for their services?

 Feel free to share your opinions too. Let me know your take on this.