I don't like the recent focus on rep...

[Ben]

Please read poll only let me use 100 words these are the full options

More notes on poll options:
1. Rep should be emphasized much more on the site (??? I don't really see how it could be emphasized more... perhaps who reps who would be visible and possibly more extras for higher/consequences for low rep)

2. I like the rep the way it is currently

3. Want to see rep to be de-emphasized a bit, but not down all the way to what it was when the site was tbdl.org

4. Rep should be the way it was on tbdl.org. (+ rep got into the vip forum - could moderate, just total reps for user are shown no indication of individual posts is given to the general forum though the member can see what post got the rep essentially the rep should be how it was back when the site was tbdl.org)

5. Rep should be emphasized much less on the site (Rep does nothing aside from bragging rights)

______Start Post_____

I see rep as something that is there, but not something that should really be paid attention. It seems to me that recent changes to the rep system are well putting it in your face so to speak. Since the changes we've had alot of complaints about rep... people saying they don't deserve it... people saying others don't deserve the rep they're getting and all variations.

I really feel these recent changes are making people pay way too much attention to rep and turning it into a popularity contest.

I would like to see the rep go back to the way it was. There, but nothing other than the little number to show it. No +1 or -1 or colors etc. Anyways what do others think?

Also quick note on rep... Only moo has the ability to change rep... For the most part rep does not get changed unless the reason for giving the rep is inadequate. While I tend to agree that certain reps are a bit undeserved the point of rep is to provide feedback. I however feel its being taken way to seriously that people feel like they're being attacked when neg rep is given.

Thats why i would like to see it de-emphasized... essentially the difference between the current settings and the old settings that were in place at tbdl.org is that people can see where rep is being given... All of the sudden the disagreement becomes public etc. whereas i would not notice a drop in rep point the big red block is very noticeable.

[Fallen]

Well I personally think that rep instead of being used as a 'side note' is being used as a 'hey look you don't agree with my views, instead of having an argument I'll give you neg rep' and it doesn't help that here is a feeling of shame that you get for doing nothing to deserve the rep and you get this giant red box over your post, most of the 'undeserved' rep I got was removed, but yet some people will still rep you over stupid things instead of being civil and saying what you have a problem with.

I got rep for 'meme use' when I used it positively(I said "Do want!")(I'm not complaining, just giving an example of how anal some people can honestly get)

TLDR; Rep is being used as a way of spiting someone over a difference in ideas instead of an actual 'side note'

[Moo]

I've actually been considering removing the ability for people to request that the rep they have got be reviewed. I'm tired of people complaining that they have got negrep for unfair reasons.

Sometimes, it really is unfair. The classic example of an unfair rep is "-1" and "ashdfoiyaadl". A recently introduced system has started removing rep power from people who give lots of invalid rep. One person has had this happen to them already because it seemed that 50% of the complaints about unfair negative rep were due to rep they had given. They won't get that back until the majority of rep scores they are giving out have useful reasons attached to them.

There's a poll on the red box in another thread. Frankly, that poll suggests I'm the only person who likes the red box... so it is probably going to vanish this weekend.

With regard to memes : negative rep given for meme usage will not be reversed or deleted. This isn't in the rules page, but it is true. It was removed from the rules page because it led to more questions than answers, but the principle of "using memes will get you negrep" holds true. If you use memes like "Do Want", expect to get negative rep for it and for complaints about how unfair this is to be pretty much ignored. Memes are a negative influence on the site, and some members (and mods) make a point of giving negative rep to many of the posts they see which use memes. I don't particularly care if other people consider this unfair, I support the members who do this. Memes are a bad influence on the site (yes, even constructive ones like "Do Want" are unwelcome). Memes should not be used.

More generally yes, I am looking to slightly reduce the importance of rep. Slightly.

[Footed P.J.]

I think the redded posts are a good thing. And the rep system in general, but it seems to be a little weak. It seems funny to me that someone with -4 is allowed to post; it also seems like folks that get -2 or less in 24 hours should be put on probation right there. When you join a board, you need to study how the conversations work before you try posting.

[Pojo]

Quick question...What's a meme?

Now onto my opinion...I think the rep is popularity contest for some people...Like some of the most active members will get positive rep just for saying something that any other person says...But they don't get any rep for it...I also think that it's ridiculous how some people give neg rep just because they don't agree with someone, or they don't find what they said helpful enough...

[Sawaa]

I won't be active on here again until my ability to give rep is restored :\

[Rance]

My suggestion to fix this rep problem:

Everybody on every topic should post essays in response to the original question, citing sources from previous posts to submit their arguments and answers. In doing so, the writer will be properly bringing forth their idea in a universally-acceptable structure. At that point, everybody will have thousands of reputation points from all of the compliments they get for the thought they put behind their posts, and everybody's rep will be so high that everybody will have equal reputation.

I actually think the focus on reputation is not coming from how it's being implemented on the site, but instead how people are thinking about it. Reputation is based on popularity if you think it is -- then again, having lots of "reputation" in a social atmosphere usually means you're popular, and having negative "reputation" in the same social atmosphere means you're a societal leper.

What part of this are we doing wrong?

I actually don't think there's too much wrong with the reputation system. If people think there's too much focus on it, and they're crying in their milk every morning about, "My reputation got lowered," or "My reputation isn't high enough," here are a few pointers I suggest:

1) Don't post idiotic posts (for those who get heavy amounts of negative reputation),

2 1/2) Wipe your eyes,

2) Force yourself to get a life.

Sorry to be so forward about it, but is reputation really so big a deal as we are making of it? Or is it just a nifty little addition to point out positive contributors and weed out poor ones like it always has been? Hey guys, guess what! If you don't have a little red box beside your "reputation" field, you're probably a positive contributor. Pat yourself on the back.

It is what you make of it, folks -- the boards are fun-things, not contests, not swordfights with numbers.

I believe negative reputation is heralded specifically by the way a message presents itself. If you're getting negative reputation for something, then it was likely a screw-up in how the information was first presented from your brain as opposed as to how it was picked up in the brains of your audience. If someone was clever enough, they could insult every religion, race, sensibility, and belief known to man, and if it was done with the right, respectable words, not a single person would ever give them negative repute.

Are we done?

[Mickal]

Originally Posted by Pojodiaper

Quick question...What's a meme?

A meme is something like "/faceplam" or " I'm chargin' my laz0rz".
Anything thats like 4chan or 7chan or 9chan or whatever.

[Trevor]

It seems to come in waves of unhealthy fixation. There were periodic fits about it even back in the halcyon days of TBDL, but it does seem like they were fewer in number, although perhaps that can be attributed merely to a smaller user base. Truth be told, I don't really like it much as a system, except that I think something of that sort is probably necessary and I don't have a great suggestion for some amazing alternative.

I guess to sum up, I'd like to hear and see less about it if it were possible.

[d4l]

Only thing i really want to point out on rep is that just because you have the power to take two rep doesn't mean you should