[AndrewS]

StackOverflow is my first port of call when I run into a programming problem that I can't solve. I've started mucking around with Unity 3d (a game engine) and was quite relieved when I found a solid StackExchange forum for the engine.

The main complaint I have about StackOverflow is how the reputation system negatively affects peoples' behaviour. Although the net effect of the system is very positive, I find that people rush to answer easy questions to get some up-votes. If they take too long to craft a detailed answer, they miss out. Answers to difficult questions take longer and get less views and up-votes, so people don't bother trying.

Many of the questions that show up on StackOverflow can be answered with a quick google. They only serve to dilute the quality questions and answers, and cheapen the reputation system. I also get the impression that people who couldn't be bothered to google a question first also couldn't be bothered responding to the comments and answers that they get.

Having said that, StackOverflow is still the best programming forum for languages that I use and I don't see it failing any time soon.