User blog comment:TrashBabyIsHere/Really?/@comment-25428589-20150914103606/@comment-25052433-20150914170914

I disagree that badges need to be removed, as they really aren't that big of a problem. They encourage people to participate, and while there are some that may "pointsgame" here and there, it is a rare thing, too rare in my opinion to remove the badges.

If they give some people motivation to come and interact here, then I say they serve a good enough purpose.