Reputation -- Alive and Well!!

[JLC]

Hey folks!

This is sort of a reminder for old-timers and an intro for newer folks who may not be aware. At this time, we have two different methods set up so that YOU can show your appreciation for someone's posts. The newer way is the more visible system called "Thanks" that I think most everyone is aware of.

The older system we have in place is called Reputation (or Rep). A person's rep score is visible only by the little green boxes that show up in the field below your avatar in each post. Everyone starts out with 10 rep points and one green box. Each time you reach 100 rep points gained, you get another green box. Unlike the "Thanks" system, everyone who can give a rep point can also take away a rep point.

This system is intended to be used to show appreciation for exceptional posts...or to show dismay at an exceptionally poor post. Negative reps should never be given out for common annoyances or in retaliation for anything. All comments left in the reputation field must comply with the site's TOS/Rules.

To leave a reputation point/comment for a particular post, look under the person's avatar. There used to be a little icon shaped like scales...but we've decided that was a little too obscure, so I've put up a new button. If you still see the scales instead of the new button, simply do a shift-refresh to clear out old cached images. Either will work fine, though.

Ever since implementing the "Thanks" system, the reputation system has become used less and less. But it is still an important encouragement for many members. SO...we've revamped the system a bit to hopefully make the gain of reputation points a little faster and easier. One, by making the new button more visible and relevant...two, by allowing even the newest members to leave rep scores...three, by increasing the number of points a person gives, based on long-term membership and high post counts. We've also done some other little tweaks to help. But, of course, the system will only work if YOU use it.

Now we come down to a decision that we want the membership's input on. Do we want to continue using the "Thanks" feature, with the constant potential of it always overshadowing the Reputation system? Or should we turn off the Thanks feature and just go with Reps?

I know some will wonder why we don't have an option of turning off the Reps and keeping the Thanks...or turning off both of them altogether...but that is because the staff has already decided that the Rep system is a very strong encouragement and we want to keep it. Simple as that.

So think about it and vote...and enjoy the site!

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DISCLAIMER: As always, when we make these kinds of changes, they are subject to review and change as necessary, especially if the system is abused too much.