The point values that appear in the “JAPUNDITS” list on the JAPUNDIT News Site sidebar is based on a karma calculation that is performed automatically by the software that runs the site.

I really do not know what type of algorithm the software uses (and really am not that interested in chasing it down), and I have no direct control over the points that it produces.

Following complaints about a loss of points by one member, I checked the karma configuration and found out that it was set up to delete karma points at the end of 90 days. This means that if a user stopped posting or started posting less, that user’s point total would begin to decline after some time. I have change the setting so karma points earned are never deducted, but I am wondering whether that is a good idea.

If anyone would like to express their thoughts on this it would be greatly appreciated.

JAPUNDIT is pleased to announce a new promotion campaign aimed at attracting new members and at stimulating more article submission, commenting, and voting among existing members.

Members of JAPUNDIT (japundit.com) will be awarded points for each type of activity, and every 10 points will earn an entry into a drawing for valuable prizes.

Even if you are not located in Japan or do not have access or original Japanese news, voting on articles submitted by others is a great way to earn points and entries into the drawing

The only way to take part in the drawing is to become a registered member of JAPUNDIT, which automatically earns you one entry into the drawing. After that, it is up to you to submit articles, comment, and vote in order to rack up points and improve your odds for winning.

The campaign runs from Midnight January 21, 2009 (JST) through Midnight March 1, 2009 (JST), so come on over and join the fun over at japundit.com and win!

Click here for full details about the JAPUNDIT Promotion Campaign including general rules, the point system, and a list of prizes.

Today JAPUNDIT is four years old.

As we slip into our fifth year, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all of the contributors, commenters, and voters who have done so much to make JAPUNDIT the most lively and popular site of its kind on the Web.

Way, way, off topic, but too hilarious to let pass…

Joe Francis, creator of the “Girl’s Gone Wild” video series, and Larry Flynt, founder of Hustler, will ask Congress for a $5 billion bailout, according to TMZ.

Why does the porn industry need a bailout? Because apparently even porn is getting smacked by the recession.

XXX DVD sales have taken a hit – about a 22% hit, according to TMZ.

“With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind,” Flynt is quoted as saying on TMZ. “It’s time for Congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America.”

Francis thinks that the porn industry deserves a bailout just like the auto and financial industries got, and he said he’ll go to DC to get it, according to TMZ.

“Congress seems willing to help shore up our nation’s most important businesses; we feel we deserve the same consideration,” Francis is quoted as saying on TMZ.

Via Marmot’s Hole

Best wishes to everyone in the Year of the Ox, Year of the Cow, or whatever else you wish to call 2009!