It seems like there are some contributors who do nothing but nitpick and report stories all day. Looking at the histories of certain users reveals that all they contribute to N4G is reporting things that, in many cases, don't even need to be reported.

While reporting isn't an end-all to submitted stories, it can hold them up by keeping people from approving them. IN this way, other stories can be "gamed" to the top.

Is there a way to deal with these situations? All I can do is ignore users like this, but it doesn't keep them from abusing the "report" button...

What defines "nit picking" exactly?

Looking through your submissions over the past 7 days, the reports you received are hardly nitpicking.  Since you are not really involved with reporting/approving stories, I can only assume that this is what you mean.  Stories should be held up if there are editing problems.  Having the wrong channels, source, no related game, etc. should be fixed before being approved.

LMAO...sorry this one made me laugh my ass off here. Just happened to notice it and "nit picking" instantly sprung to my attention. I can't tell you how many times I get whining PMs about me nit picking (this guy being one, who I'm fairly sure made this entire thread about me---i'm honored lol---being as how he made the thread not long after he PMed me whining about it and cursing me).  First time I've actually had a thread started about me though so I found it funny. Everyday get a couple of those PMs. Seems I'm slowly (or quickly) gaining the rep as being the "nit picking ****" :D