Hi everyone,
This study was shared with me this morning and discusses how "informal rewards" (barnstars) do make a significant impact on the contributions and productivity of editors.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0034358
It's a quick read, and helps to solidify the research and theories that a number of us have theorized about.
Give a little wikilove today to a new experienced editor, it really does make a difference :)
-Sarah