Internet reputation

On the internet, most sites rely on user's reputations to work properly. For example, on social media, you gain it by attracting followers. If you want to become an authority in the clothing industry, the more followers you have, the better.

The media catalog individuals by the number of followers they have. However, these numbers get manipulated by the users; using apps to become popular, buying followers, or executing bad strategies like the 'follow for following'.

In knowledge sites, you don't need to have any followers to become relevant. You gain a reputation if your publications are useful to other users. If your answers provide value, users will appreciate them, vote for them, and eventually, you'll start to become respected in the community.

The model of knowledge sites fits better than the one in real life.

In real life, you can't buy followers. You can try to buy a good bottle of champagne for your coworkers next Monday. Perhaps they would happy for a while, but it won't change the opinion they already have of you. They will not trust you more for that gift. Paradoxically, it may cause the opposite effect, in some cases, they will become suspicious of you: why would someone give something for free if he/she didn't want something in return?

If you have good communication skills, provide value with your knowledge, treat people nicely, and are not picky, people will be happy to be surrounded by you. This attitude will build your reputation slowly and steadily.