Quote Originally Posted by Entropy
Curiously what is the rep system for? By and large it does seem to be more of a popularity contest at times. People get positive points for saying something funny or being witty.
The rep system is in place to help aid new members to gauge the information given to them. It also works to allow the members to place troublemakers in moderation if there is no staff present. Plus, it works as a reward system for those who participate on a long term basis.

No rep system is perfect, but there are limits put in place so you can not just keep giving rep to the same person repeatedly. You must give rep to many others before you can dole it out to them again. Plus you are restricted by the amount of rep you can give in a 24 hour period.

Yes, sometimes rep is given out for a post that is particularly funny but it's also given out to well thought out posts. It's really just a system that is as good as you make it.

Sometimes I think a post is wonderful but I forget about the rep or don't have the time to remember to reward that person. This is a great community and all of it's members are valued and appreciated. (even if you don't have many feedback points)