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Should the Rep System be Removed?

Archive: 131 posts

Well, the thread Consideration (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=25223-Consideration) was first about respect and discipline, but then it evolved to a rep system debate. So, I did the poll request, and they just told me to make a thread to keep on topic. So, I present you with this question:

Should the rep system be removed?

As most of us know, rep is the green gems (A.K.A. green bars) that represent all the Thanks! and other positive rep a user has gained. So, green being good, bad rep gets a user a red bar. Now here's where the debate begins:

It seems that LBPCentral is facing (dare I say) some immaturity. It's not a lot, but it is lurking around here. So everytime its ugly head pops out, we have a problem. People get caught up in the moment and post mean things, and especially to each other. Don't believe me? Check the Poll Cheating (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=23438-Poll-Cheating) thread. It's saddening really.

Over the time, we seen the spammers, the haters, and the plain out weird members. As a result of our "Oops! I didn't think before posting!" moments, we have a negative reaction; the members go bad; everthing goes out of controll. Yes, shocking for a site like this, but you can't hide the fact that some Spotlights had some mean comments here and there.

Now, you might be wondering why all this? Well fellow Gadder Ccubbage made a thread about this (read Consideration (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=25223-Consideration)), and it's a good read. I and a few others were (and still are) at it there, posting solutions and problems over and over... and over. So for reasons that we talked over countless times, we came up with this: the rep system.

It's seems that people tend to act on account of their rep (or so our debate club's theory says). We think that people who get negative rep tend to seek revenge by negative rep'ping anyone who seems a "threat" to their rep. This acts as a chain reaction in other words, and when our poor mods enter the fire fight to stop things, they get caught in the line of fire.

So, we had a discussion about the system, and here's what we go:

Keeping The System
Pros

We know who's more mature.
It tell the user "Good job!".
It's a way of showing respect and approval.

Cons

It can gather some negative replies.
People can abuse it.


Removing The System
Pros

We can get the negative rep out of our hairs.
People will be seen as equals.
No more rep arguements.

Cons

Might confuse people about who's a spammer and who isn't.
We don't have no more things to encourage good behavior.
We remove a part of LBPC that makes this site wonderful.


My case: I don't think this is the solution to all of our problems, but it will probably help keep things under control in my opinion. But still, if we're not careful, we can accidentally have another arguement about the rep system (mainly complaints), thus making CC announce something like this (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=7919-Rep-is-back-1-condition&highlight=reputation) again.

So, now it's up to you. You read the information, and now it's time to vote. Should we keep the system, or should we remove it once and for all? Should we only remove the negative rep, or should we just keep the Thanks! button? Vote now, and hope for the best. Remember, this is the future of LBPCentral we're talking about.

Peace		2010-04-12 02:06:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

It would have been VERY nice if you added more options... i.e. the "keep thanks but remove" rep option...

Voted yes anyway, though I think hanks should stay.		2010-04-12 02:11:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

Moved to Site Feedback as this topic deals with LBPC features.2010-04-12 02:12:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

I know. I posted the poll, but I forgot to add other things. And it's too late now. 2010-04-12 02:13:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

I added the other option. 2010-04-12 02:14:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Haha! You can literally keep the Thanks! comphermc.

EDIT: I think Rock wants to switch votes. 		2010-04-12 02:15:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Oh, did you also add a vote for me, or is my vote stuck as just remove it all together D:

... well shoot >_> ok, remember to remove one from yes and add one to thanks XD		2010-04-12 02:17:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

I moved one vote from yes to the third option. That should cover your vote, Rock.

Also, added the fourth option. I'm not sure another combination makes sense.		2010-04-12 02:24:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I just spent a while on a post in the consideration thread but I'll copy and paste because I think it belongs here too...
Also, it might be too late now, but these are what I think the poll choices should've been:

I think this would be the best poll:

-Leave the reputation system unchanged.
-Remove the reputation system completely.
-Remove the reputation system completely, but keep the thanks button.
-Remove negative reputation and leave everything else unchanged.
-Remove negative reputation and rep power and leave everything else unchanged.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Also, CCcubbage, I disagree about reputation not being part of the problem.

There are a lot of reasons why reputation can have the potential to cause negativity. When a new member joins, they can easily feel like they're less important and that anyone with higher rep is someone to look up to. The amount of thanks under any post can sway someone's opinion to defend the winning side of an argument rather than the losing side. About reputation being a measure of who to look up to, this is not always true. Almost any active member will gain reputation over a period of time rather than lose it. If a very helpful member gains maximum reputation in a few months, while a rude member gains maximum reputation from other rude members over a few years, they will both seem helpful and equal in the eyes of any new member who thinks reputation is a measure of who to respect and look up to.

Repuation is meaningless. It only represents how often you posts are noticed, thereof increasing the number of possible reppers and thankers, and how the majority of active reppers and thankers feel about your posts. What else does it mean, other than that, and a meter underneath your avatar that often causes feelings of negative competition and elitism? Not much else.

The popularity of someone's post, and the amount of potential rep they can get, depends entirely in the thread you posted in. The amount of time the thread stays on the first page is an example of a factor that is never "fair" that can mean the difference between a lot of thanks or absolutely nothing. Tutorials are an example of major havens of reputation activity. Arguments, bumps, and taking credit for others' work are examples of ways to make long-lasting first page tutorials to get heaps of reputation.

There are also times when you know whether you'll be repped or thanked or not. In spotlight threads, almost any generic post that can be translated into "good work" will be thanked. When you choose to join the winning side of an argument instead of the losing side, and back up the winning side, you'll get thanked. Likewise, if you create a tutorial for new players, you're unlikely to get thanked or repped by the experienced players who don't learn anything. And if you go to a new member on the help thread who doesn't know what reputation is, and you choose to spend your free-time helping him, you can expect that you won't get any reputation. By knowing what kind of posts get you reputation and what kinds of posts don't, it's ridiculously easy to write generic compliments, join the winning side, and do the kinds of effortless things that can heavily boost your rep.

There is no specific guide in the site rules of what kind of post is encouraged for you to rep. That leads to all kinds of possibility for members to feel cheated. Some members may feel that reputation depends on hard work, while others may feel it depends on pure talent. So, someone who puts time and thought into a post meant to help someone but does a bad job on explaining the subject or getting his feelings across can feel cheated if he doesn't get any rep.

The main argument for keeping repuatation seems to be that it motivates good behaviour. Again, I'll use an older member as an example to avoid a flame war. What about Vidi-Vici? He joked about his rep. He had three red bars and called himself the king of bad rep. It didn't affect his behaviour at all because he knew it was meaningless. Reputation doesn't have any benefits or consequences from moderators. Likewise, there are people with maximum reputation, like comphermc. Are they being consistently polite and putting large amounts of thought and effort into everything the post for the reputation? Of course not. Quite a few of our most helpful members have maximum reputation but their consistency in helping others show that reputation has never been their motivation for being who they are.

I think the fact that you can "cheat" the reputation system speaks for itself. They are meaningless green, red, and grey bars. I don't see why removing positive and negative rep, but keeping the reputation system and thanks button as a whole, would change much.

However, I don't disagree that thanks is a very convenient way of telling someone you approve. Because it's public though, can't it sway the opinions of members? And like I've wrote, I don't think reputation is a beneficial system. I think the best choice is to keep the thanks button, but make it private, and remove the reputation system.

Thank you to anyone who has read this, and wants to respond, and I mean no disrespect to anyone who thinks otherwise		2010-04-12 02:38:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

-Leave the reputation system unchanged.
-Remove the reputation system completely.
-Remove the reputation system completely, but keep the thanks button.
-Remove negative reputation and leave everything else unchanged.
-Remove negative reputation and rep power and leave everything else unchanged.


Is the difference here that Thanks! just doesn't give rep? I don't think that is possible.		2010-04-12 02:40:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Ya, I also got confused there.

As for the poll, I think people are actually tired of the rep system. Wow.

EDIT: Added the poll's extra choices in the OP. Hope it helps a bit. 		2010-04-12 02:45:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

The fifth choice would be that everyone, new members and members with a lot of rep/rep power, would have the same rep power. (and negative rep is removed.)

The second choice, yes. I know nothing about managing forums but are you sure?		2010-04-12 02:48:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

but are you sure?

Pretty darn.		2010-04-12 02:50:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I'm pretty sure that, when thanks was first itnroduced to replace rep when rep was phased out for this exact reason and brought back due to complaing, that the thanks button originally didn't add to rep. OR maybe it did... but rep bars weren't shown anyway, it was meant to give feedback or something, so no one else could see your bars.2010-04-12 02:53:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

Added this to my sig, seeing that this is more important than I thought it would've been. 2010-04-12 02:55:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

@Rock - Rep was still there, it was just not shown in the postbit.2010-04-12 02:56:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

But if rep exists and just can't be seen by anyone other than moderators/administrators, what's the difference to the members?2010-04-12 02:59:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

Well for starters, someone can have negative rep (red bars), and they feel that it's the Communities fault. So they can go beserk on everybody, and because nobody can see their rep, they might think the members mad for no reason.2010-04-12 03:02:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

I voted NO, not because rep is so important, but because I don't see how removing it will solve the poblems of immaturity, and avoid the spammers, the haters, and weird members to act stupidly..... Those kind of thing happen everywhere, and in many community forums, with a rep system or not.

Maybe that will just solve this problem :

people who get negative rep tend to seek revenge by negative rep'ping anyone who seems a "threat" to their rep
But in that case, just removing the negative rep is enough..! (I should have voted that, but the option wasn't here when I did...)

Or in that case why not remove the thread ratings system..? cause it also can cause problem of people seeking revenge and rating low... (as Ccubage said in his thread)

For me the rep system is a good thing, not a bad thing.... anyway, that's just my little opinion, but I'll respect whatever will be decided 		2010-04-12 03:04:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

I meant if you can't see anyone's rep, not even your own. Like if you keep the thanks button as a convenient way to say you agree, but make repuation invisible.

Edit: that was directed at CyberSora		2010-04-12 03:05:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

I meant if you can't see anyone's rep, not even your own. Like if you keep the thanks button as a convenient way to say you agree, but make repuation invisible.

Edit: that was directed at CyberSora

Quotes. They're nice ways to refer to people.


I voted NO, not because rep is so important, but because I don't see how removing it will solve the poblems of immaturity, and avoid the spammers, the haters, and weird members to act stupidly..... Those kind of thing happen everywhere, and in many community forums, with a rep system or not.

I know. I don't like it either, but apperantly our "research" tells us that rep is a factor in a site's positivity.		2010-04-12 03:14:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

I think removing negative rep would help the situation. That way, no one will get angry trying to find who negatively repped them. Also, it if a post is bad enough to warrant the use of negative rep, then it probably should be reported. So there is no real use for the negative rep button. The "Thanks" button should be kept though, it's very useful and saves unnecessary posts that were created for the sole purpose of saying "Thanks!".2010-04-12 03:14:00

Author:
Silverpanther
Posts: 156

Also, it if a post is bad enough to warrant the use of negative rep, then it probably should be reported.

Absolutely.		2010-04-12 03:23:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

How about only displaying the rep bars on the user profile?2010-04-12 03:44:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

Without negative rep, someone can be really rude and really helpful at separate times and still have very high rep.2010-04-12 03:46:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

and with rep people will bad rep me for my opinion2010-04-12 03:51:00

Author:
Charlemagne
Posts: 513

Without negative rep, someone can be really rude and really helpful at separate times and still have very high rep.


and with rep people will bad rep me for my opinion

Both very good points. However, I stand by what I said. If someone is rude, then they can be reported and if they continue the behavior, they will be banned. No need for negative rep.

Removing negative rep will also relieve the issue of negatively repping someone just because you disagree. In my opinion, someone shouldn't be negatively repped just because that person did not agree with them, that's not the intent of the negative rep. Negative rep just isn't necessary and is wide open to be abused.		2010-04-12 03:58:00

Author:
Silverpanther
Posts: 156

What is the point of rep? [honest question]

To show who's helpful and respectable? This is already often untrue. If negative rep is removed, it will be more untrue.

Anyway, I'm logging off for tonight. Peace.		2010-04-12 04:14:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

Totally agree with Tim on this one.

His first post was bang on.		2010-04-12 04:57:00

Author:
Unknown User

I think removing negative rep would be the best idea. There are some people who go around negative repping people for no good reason. So people try to get revenge on others and this just goes in a circle of people giving negative rep when none of them deserved it.2010-04-12 10:10:00

Author:
Doopz
Posts: 5592

Incinerator, don't be taking this as an attack on you, but you made the best points so far, so I'm obviously gonna respond to you You also came at it from a particular angle namely, "what good does the rep system do?". I'm gonna come from a slightly different viewpoint of asking the quesiton "What would removing the rep system achieve?"...


There are a lot of reasons why reputation can have the potential to cause negativity. When a new member joins, they can easily feel like they're less important and that anyone with higher rep is someone to look up to.
I think that a few little green pixels on someone's profile are far less of an issue for negativity than the general "looking down on the n00bs" that occurs naturally. I've seen plenty of lints trolled off these forums by overzealous members because they said the wrong thing in one of their early posts. Mentioning bomb survivals, crowns, h4h is generally enough to get a gang of other members jumping on them with the abuse. They just didn't quite get the feel of the site straight away and within hours there is a page of abuse and trolling following them. This happens regularly, and there are a number of members I could name who consistently troll the newbies. It's like they are looking for an excuse to attack someone. That's the sort of thing that will make the biggest difference to whether someone new feels uncomfortable or not, the way in which they are treated on the site by any other member.


And if you go to a new member on the help thread who doesn't know what reputation is, and you choose to spend your free-time helping him, you can expect that you won't get any reputation.
Do people really think like this? That they can't be bothered to help others because there is no reward involved? Sadly, they probably do. But then this is another way that the rep system works. If you believe that people are more likely to help each other if there is rep in it for them, then having rep is clearly a good thing. And there are enough of us around who can answer newbie questions and are willing to do so that the newbie questions still get answered. So no one actually loses out from this.


The amount of thanks under any post can sway someone's opinion to defend the winning side of an argument rather than the losing side. If people aren't capable of thinking for themselves and actually analysing the topic, or the points being made, then they will always lean to whichever side of the argument seems more popular, regardless of what means they have to measure such popularity. Admittedly, the thanks under posts is an easy indicator of this, more so than the number of posts for and against. But the visible thanks also indicates so many other things. What kind of viewpoints people have, what things interest them, or that they care about, what kind of sense of humour they have. You can actually learn a fair amount about what makes other members tick from the psots that they thank - try it as a basic exercise in psychology, it's really quite interesting.



The main argument for keeping repuatation seems to be that it motivates good behaviour. Again, I'll use an older member as an example to avoid a flame war. What about Vidi-Vici? He joked about his rep. He had three red bars and called himself the king of bad rep. It didn't affect his behaviour at all because he knew it was meaningless. I don't think it affected his behaviour at all in any sense and why would it? He was gonna be an agressive, inconsiderate troll regardless of the circumstances. He is a pretty extreme example, so it's understandable that the minor incentive of rep wouldn't affect him. However, this example goes against your belief that the amount of rep that someone has represents nothing, in this case, it absolutely represented how much of an idiot he was. He was subsequently banned from the site for persistent bad behaviour.


Quite a few of our most helpful members have maximum reputation but their consistency in helping others show that reputation has never been their motivation for being who they are. Again, at the other end of the spectrum, the max rep members help people anyway, so again, the reputation is a good indicator of people's contributions to the site. Yes, it's generally linked to how long you've been here, but that still indicates overall, historic, contributions. And it's perfectly possible to gain rep very quickly if you are a strong contributor to the site, both in terms of ingame and social contributions (Aya, for example).

So in terms of your belief that reputation indicates nothing, I think that is slightly misplaced. Of course it's not completely accurate, but that's not important. It does give an indication of someone's overall contributions to the site. You may think that is elitist, which is a fair point, but all social systems have forms of elitism, that occur naturally, especially on the internet. No matter where you go, being new in an established community will feel a little bit awkward. I had a case of something similar over at LBL, where someone basically posted that there was no point in me posting my solution(s) to a problem, when they could just wait for mnniska to get there! This is just what happens, because they didn't know who I was, I was just another newbie. The same sort of thing happens here, with better known members and would continue to happen, with or without the reputation system. Same thing happens with any skilled / famous creator, they get bumped to an elite bracket regardless of how much they contribute to LBPC.

You won't get away from elitism, no matter how hard you try, it's going to happen. But at least the rep system is relatively fair, anyone can build their rep over time, if they actually think that it matters, and naturally those people who contribute most will gain rep quicker. Is that such a bad thing.




-------------------------------------

So, do I think that the rep system is important? Not really. Do I think that we need it? No.

But it does serve a number of purposes, it does give a vague indication of each member's contributions to the site, it allows for various social niceties and give quite a lot of insight into the way other members think - which is very important in social relations.

However, regardless of how any of us feels about the reputation system, let's just take a step back and think about the purpose of this thread. It stems from the consideration thread and is being proposed as a means of fixing up some of the negativity on the site. Removing the rep system will not suddenly improve everyone's attitudes towards each other. No one is suddenly gonna become a nicer person because the rep system has gone. We won't lose concepts of elitism, we won't prevent new members from feeling nervous in the community, those members who don't like to help others if they don't get a reward for it will continue to not help others, and those members who help, just because, will continue to do so, discussions will largely be won by those who can gather the most support (or who can shout loudest). Removing the reputation system will improve nothing in terms of the general attitudes and behaviours of people on the site.

We all like to jump on a "quick fix" when problems arise, we all like to point the finger of blame, because it's easier than taking responsibility for issues ourselves. The way people behave towards each other is what will make a difference here. You want new members to feel more welcome? Post in their intro threads, respond to their posts in the same way you would anyone else's, if they screw up on netiquette then politely explain it to them, rather than posting a string of "fail" and "facepalm.jpg" and "spam" and "you suck" messages at them.

If people wanna see the rep system gone, then fine, we don't need it and it's not a cornerstone of the community. But don't kid yourselves that it's gonna turn this community into a perfect little utopia or that anything is actually going to change because of it.		2010-04-12 11:28:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

I'm not even going to read through idiotic responses, but I will add what I wrote to CyberSora:

...I don't really feel like spending two hours writing back a scathing reply to idiots who want the rep system removed, but I just want to say this: people really need to grow a pair. Honestly, if you get a bad rep, it's because you're an a**. If the rep system is abused against you, guess what! Your REAL friends will know the type of person you are, and that's all that matters. Your starting post talks about the immaturity of those who abuse the system, but I'd rather have hundreds of them than one idiot who would remove the system just because they can't win at it. It's forums socialism - no one wins, no one loses, and doing anything well is pointless because you never get recognized.

...thanks again for alerting me to this debate - like the real government about to turn to socialism, I can only hope that common sense will prevail.		2010-04-12 14:18:00

Author:
Voltergeist
Posts: 1702

I'm not even going to read through idiotic responses, but I will add what I wrote to CyberSora:

...I don't really feel like spending two hours writing back a scathing reply to idiots who want the rep system removed, but I just want to say this: people really need to grow a pair. Honestly, if you get a bad rep, it's because you're an a**. If the rep system is abused against you, guess what! Your REAL friends will know the type of person you are, and that's all that matters. Your starting post talks about the immaturity of those who abuse the system, but I'd rather have hundreds of them than one idiot who would remove the system just because they can't win at it. It's forums socialism - no one wins, no one loses, and doing anything well is pointless because you never get recognized.

...thanks again for alerting me to this debate - like the real government about to turn to socialism, I can only hope that common sense will prevail.

To Everyone Else: You know what to do... let it go. I'm on it.		2010-04-12 14:24:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I don't care a lot about rep, but it is convenient in some cases. I can only remember so many names (or rather, avatars, I get confused when people change them ), for the rest the rep system gives me some sort of context. For example, if someone posts something... questionable, low rep tells me they're probably trolling, so I can just ignore it.

So keep the rep, but don't worry too much about it. 		2010-04-12 15:02:00

Author:
Rogar
Posts: 2284

I don't think what rtm223 wrote can be improved upon. It said EXACTLY what my feelings were about rep in the consideration thread. I have very rarely seen it abused... the end result seems to pretty sum up how useful/negative a person is... and it is definately a way to even gauge how your actions are affecting others.

An additional note - when I first came to this site about a year and a half ago, I THOUGHT I was experiencing elitism. Hardly anyone would look at level threads I posted, and I felt looked-down-upon.

But, I made a remarkable discovery (although it should have been obvious).... you only get out of it what you put into it. I tried being helpful to other creators and give them useful feedback, and suddenly they start doing the same to you. Next thing you know, you have friends and it's a lot of fun. I don't really believe there is a problem with elitism on this site any more.... at least, I don't see it. I've had people give messages on my showcase threads that said seemed almost sheepish in asking me to give feedback on THEIR level, and I was surprised - I felt they should EXPECT me to give them feedback, not have to ask for it.		2010-04-12 15:32:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

To Everyone Else: You know what to do... let it go. I'm on it.

Aw... must... resist... temptation...

... Anyway... neg rep probably should go no matter what methinks, but, uh... yeah >->		2010-04-12 22:09:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

@BlueBulletBill
Your "rants" never seize to amaze me.

Yes, the members can just see the real friend in you, but if that's the case, why do you need a rep system. You said it yourself; your friends know who you are, so why should some colored bars tell you who you are?

I know you're saying that removing a wonderful system like this is a bad idea, but do you really feel like you're talking for everyone? This is why I posted the poll, so members both new and old can finally decide if all this is worth it. We had fights, we had arguments, and we had rep attacks (including myself), and now people are fed up with the negativity that still lurks around the site. So we're deciding not only to remove the system because of bad behavior, but because do we really care about it's meaning enough to keep going on with it?

Personally, I think you're right about people who have bad rep should just suck it up, but then what about rep victims? Do they judge contests and participate in activities? No, because new members don't know if they're really victims, or just plain out jerks. And so what you say, well this is a person we're talking about. Can you honestly say that you won’t be disappointed or even a bit sad to see some red bars on you? I know I'll be sad, because those little red bars are a big sign of rejection from the other members, and this feeling can leave a person feel like an outcast. So maybe we need to remove the system completely, or maybe just remove negative rep. I don't know, but it's something I think we should reflect on more often.

Peace		2010-04-12 22:16:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

I vote negative rep should be removed, because people can abuse it, and if you actually do something that bad, moderators should get involved.2010-04-13 00:29:00

Author:
X-FROGBOY-X
Posts: 1800

I've been thinking about this, and here's what I've got in mind: I would like to integrate the Thanks button and rep more closely. I was thinking of doing away with the ability of adding rep manually altogether, so that the only way to affect someone's rep was through the Thanks button. This would make rep a thoroughly positive system - since rep could only be used to "reward" others, there would be much less tension surrounding the system. It would also simplify things - since there would be only one way to affect someone's rep, the system would be much more streamlined.

Let me know what you guys think about this - I'm considering putting the changes into effect soon (within the next week or so), so I'd like to get a feel for what your thoughts are on this before I make a final decision. (And, yes, I have read over the previous replies, so I have a rather good grasp on how each of you will respond, but I'd like to see what you think now that you know what's been going on in my head specifically.)		2010-04-13 01:40:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

Well, this is going to be interesting. 2010-04-13 01:47:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

I think that rep should be based off of Moderators decisions. If it contains swear words, bad rep. If its a good one, good rep. I know there are loop holes but im just saying. CC and other Mods and certain people are the most fair.2010-04-13 01:55:00

Author:
orang3dragon612
Posts: 243

I've been thinking about this, and here's what I've got in mind: I would like to integrate the Thanks button and rep more closely. I was thinking of doing away with the ability of adding rep manually altogether, so that the only way to affect someone's rep was through the Thanks button. This would make rep a thoroughly positive system - since rep could only be used to "reward" others, there would be much less tension surrounding the system. It would also simplify things - since there would be only one way to affect someone's rep, the system would be much more streamlined.

Let me know what you guys think about this - I'm considering putting the changes into effect soon (within the next week or so), so I'd like to get a feel for what your thoughts are on this before I make a final decision. (And, yes, I have read over the previous replies, so I have a rather good grasp on how each of you will respond, but I'd like to see what you think now that you know what's been going on in my head specifically.)

I don't really mind that, but I would really miss the ability to give an extra huge attaboy to someone really deserving. Maybe if there were another way to do that? Super Ultra Thanks or something?		2010-04-13 02:04:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

I think it's a good idea CC!

It allows to keep the practical Thank button and the positive rep gained when you help, share, participate etc...

In my case, it would not change a lot, cause I never used the manual rep, I only use the Thank button...:blush:
and I think I received only 2 or 3 manual extra rep since I joined here... 		2010-04-13 02:10:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

In other words, nothing's going to change?

Wow, this is the single most best compromise I have ever heard. 		2010-04-13 02:13:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Hmmm.... not a bad idea... just having "Thanks".... which is what most of us use now anyway. That could work. Although, I will sure miss negative repping people so I have the most rep, but I suppose I can live with that.

(in usual form nowadays, let me quickly point out that was a joke)		2010-04-13 02:19:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

with the kind of responses the thread has been getting, i'm surprised to see that 'No! This is what makes LBPCentral a great site!' was actually in the lead (before yours truly voted just now). unless i'm misreading things.

also, i'd like to repeat the idea of having the 'rep gems' only visible on a user's profile. i think it would prevent at least some good posts from getting overlooked.		2010-04-13 02:27:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

Hmmm.... not a bad idea... just having "Thanks".... which is what most of us use now anyway. That could work. Although, I will sure miss negative repping people so I have the most rep, but I suppose I can live with that.

(in usual form nowadays, let me quickly point out that was a joke)

Joke's on you! Rtm has taken the lead! Better neg rep him quick before the feature is terminated! (also jokes)


with the kind of responses the thread has been getting, i'm surprised to see that 'No! This is what makes LBPCentral a great site!' was actually in the lead (before yours truly voted just now). unless i'm misreading things.

also, i'd like to repeat the idea of having the 'rep gems' only visible on a user's profile. i think it would prevent at least some good posts from getting overlooked.

I think this might be partially from people not understanding the options. As it is worded, it is not clear that keeping the thanks button but removing rep button would mean that giving thanks still gives +1 rep.		2010-04-13 02:29:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Well if I'm right, rep is gained thanks to the THANK button, the manual rep,
but also thanks to the number of posts, number and success of threads, the number of views, the ratings, etc...

CC you're proposing to gain rep only with the Thanks button, so actually just with our thanked posts... not anything else? right?

I think it would be a fair system, Rep would only depend on good and positive actions...		2010-04-13 02:38:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

Well if I'm right, rep is gained thanks to the THANK button, the manual rep,
but also thanks to the number of posts, number and success of threads, the number of views, the ratings, etc...

CC you're proposing to gain rep only with the Thanks button, so actually just with our thanked posts... not anything else? right?

I think it would be a fair system, Rep would only depend on good and positive actions...

Actually, Rep is from Thanks and manual postive rep only. Posts, threads, views are things used to calculate XP... Once it comes back.		2010-04-13 02:41:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

oh, well then, that exp thing sounds like it can stay away, as far as i'm concerned. haha. post count benefits never do a forum good.2010-04-13 02:43:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

I like that... however, is it possible to remove all rep not from repped posts? That may sound weird, and I'd probably loose a lot of rep, but I think it'd make things balanced... in it's own way. Something tells me it ain't possible though ;o At least without manually wiping out all rep not from thanks...2010-04-13 02:44:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

:blush: *hidding*................

Thanks jww, true, XP is not rep,... forget about by previous post..... :blush:		2010-04-13 02:45:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

oh, well then, that exp thing sounds like it can stay away, as far as i'm concerned. haha. post count benefits never do a forum good.


Actually, it isn't so bad. As you earn it you can use it to buy bigger and better packages so you could have larger avatars and custom titles. Giving away XP is something several of the Community Contests such as the Caption Contest have been giving away for quite some time. We are just keeping a tally until it returns.		2010-04-13 02:48:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Actually, it isn't so bad. As you earn it you can use it to buy bigger and better packages so you could have larger avatars and custom titles. Giving away XP is something several of the Community Contests such as the Caption Contest have been giving away for quite sometime. We are just keeping a tally until it returns.
if you say so. in my experience, you get a lot of spammers this way..

but this is off-topic, ignore thissss		2010-04-13 02:50:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

if you say so. in my experience, you get a lot of spammers this way..

but this is off-topic, ignore thissss

It worked surprisingly well, and is one of the most missed features from before. The biggest perk of all is the ability to give XP around to others. It makes community contests fun for everyone.		2010-04-13 02:58:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

if you say so. in my experience, you get a lot of spammers this way..

That might be true.. but they stick out rather quickly and you can grab them and shake them till their stuffin's come out. Ooops.. did I say that? LOL!! KIDDING! Nah... mods play clean up pretty quick, besides others warning them.		2010-04-13 03:00:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

and you can grab them and shake them till their stuffin's come out.

Jww, get out the mop buckets. 		2010-04-13 03:01:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

stop going off-topic and proving me wrong i oughta get you banned2010-04-13 03:04:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

I think it would be great to get exp back! It seemed like a really fun feature that would a lot to the site. It also gives great incentive to participate in contests and the like, without hosts having to shell out actual money as prizes.

As for the +/- rep being removed but thanks staying, that sounds like a great idea too! Although I'm still not convinced that it will fix all the sites worries, (rep is only part of the problem, but not the cause of it, in my opinion...) it should promote a much better attitude in the site with the loss of negative rep, and I think it's worth a shot, overall.		2010-04-13 03:07:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402

stop going off-topic and proving me wrong i oughta get you banned

It's funny... sometimes these flame wars start off like this.		2010-04-13 03:10:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

It's funny... sometimes these flame wars start off like this.
this just got soooo reaaallllll.

or not. whatever. i was just kidding. let's move on.		2010-04-13 04:19:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

I don't mind whether exp returns or not. It was handy to buy stuff but mattered little either way as the value of this site lay elsewhere for me, but I know that's not the case for everyone. I do think negative rep should be done away with as it is never constructive, no matter how deserved, and I would also be a supporter of keeping the thanks button but not having it necessarily attached to positive rep. It's nice to thank purely because you're thankful, rather than in an attempt to boost rep. I do believe people use the thanks button more for the former reason, which is terrific. Maybe I'm naive?...

If it's status that people are after (which doesn't seem to be the case much here, in my experience of dealing with those with the largest amount of rep) then keep it, but if that doesn't matter, just get rid of it - although the ranking system may then need to also be addressed as it's a status report in itself, though slightly different in what it reports. Newcomers (like one of my daughters) seem to be a bit more enamored with the concept of rep bars than those who've been here a while. However, it clearly does matter to some people so those like myself who don't mind either way can always just keep ignoring it as we have done thus far.

I say let us be grateful and impressed with one another based solely on our personal interactions and the helpfulness of comments, etc. As said in the Consideration thread, the rep system is not a true indication of someone's helpfulness as it can be manipulated, plus it fails to take into due consideration all the good that happens over in the social groups - all the morale boosting and support and entertainment we give each other over a very wide array of subjects and situations. I've lost count of the times I'd loved to have thanked someone with a button for something they've said to me or someone else in a social group, so have generally just posted my thanks and that gesture has been appreciated and was sufficient. Go figure!

Anyhow, let the people of LBPC have their say and let the mods decide in their wisdom. Either way, I shall remain and do my part to keep LBPC friendly.		2010-04-13 04:33:00

Author:
BabyDoll1970
Posts: 1567

I've been thinking about this, and here's what I've got in mind: ... make rep a thoroughly positive system [by doing away with manual rep and leaving just thanks] This sounds like a perfect compromise to me. As I posted in the consideration thread, and another thread a while back, neg rep is a horrible thing than serves no good purpose. I still don't think it will make any noticable difference to the way people behave towards each other on the site, but I certainly won't be sad to see it go.


I don't really mind that, but I would really miss the ability to give an extra huge attaboy to someone really deserving. Maybe if there were another way to do that? Super Ultra Thanks or something? I know what you mean jww as I like to give rep boosts here and there, when a post is deserving, but in honesty it really does skew the system quite a lot, when we take into account rep power. Having just thanks makes the whole thing a lot more level, and a lot fairer IMO.


also, i'd like to repeat the idea of having the 'rep gems' only visible on a user's profile. i think it would prevent at least some good posts from getting overlooked. Who overlooks people's posts based upon someone's rep counter? Surely the same people who overlook posts based upon the displayed rank, or join date, or whether or not they recognise the name of the user... If someone is mindless enough to skip over a post because of a rep counter then they will just skip over it for other reasons anyways. This is just another one of those things where the attitude of the user is the issue, not a particular feature. If someone has a mindset of "I'm just gonna ignore that n00b", then that attitude will continue, regardless of they identify those they consider to be in the n00b category. Again, as per my previous post, I'm not saying that I'd be against this happening, but it's really not going to make any difference when it's the attitudes of certain people causing this perceived problem. You can't just tweak a couple of settings in the admin CP and fix ignorance in the world


I like that... however, is it possible to remove all rep not from repped posts? That may sound weird, and I'd probably loose a lot of rep, but I think it'd make things balanced... in it's own way. Something tells me it ain't possible though ;o At least without manually wiping out all rep not from thanks... I would have thought the quantity of rep awarded to each user would stay as it was, just remove the ability to actually manually rep from a given date forwards? Seems the most logical solution.



I've lost count of the times I'd loved to have thanked someone with a button for something they've said to me or someone else in a social group

Actually, this is a good point, it would be nice if rep extended out to the blogs and to the social groups, although I'm guessing it's not there ATM as having it in the social groups is far less visible (i.e. you could end up with social groups being rep farms, without anyone realising...)		2010-04-13 10:39:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

I've been thinking about this, and here's what I've got in mind: I would like to integrate the Thanks button and rep more closely. I was thinking of doing away with the ability of adding rep manually altogether, so that the only way to affect someone's rep was through the Thanks button. This would make rep a thoroughly positive system - since rep could only be used to "reward" others, there would be much less tension surrounding the system. It would also simplify things - since there would be only one way to affect someone's rep, the system would be much more streamlined.

Let me know what you guys think about this - I'm considering putting the changes into effect soon (within the next week or so), so I'd like to get a feel for what your thoughts are on this before I make a final decision. (And, yes, I have read over the previous replies, so I have a rather good grasp on how each of you will respond, but I'd like to see what you think now that you know what's been going on in my head specifically.)

I've been meaning to ask for a while but is what CC said here the same as this "Remove the rep, but keep the Thanks!"?		2010-04-13 10:58:00

Author:
SR20DETDOG
Posts: 2431

I've been meaning to ask for a while but is what CC said here the same as this "Remove the rep, but keep the Thanks!"?

Yes, it is.

I like the idea. Although I do think we should remove all rep gained from repping except 'Thanks'. Otherwise, people will never be able to get as much rep as the others...		2010-04-13 11:18:00

Author:
Doopz
Posts: 5592

Yes, it is.

I like the idea. Although I do think we should remove all rep gained from repping except 'Thanks'. Otherwise, people will never be able to get as much rep as the others...

Ok that's good then, thanks Doopz for clearing that up. And yeah that would keep thingd fair for everyone.		2010-04-13 11:21:00

Author:
SR20DETDOG
Posts: 2431

I think that's a good idea - being able to give rep only via the Thanks button. Keeps it simple and fair and seems like a good compromise.. although I don't like that word as it has negative connotations, but I'm sure you know what I mean. Go for it, CC.2010-04-13 12:25:00

Author:
BabyDoll1970
Posts: 1567

I don't see your problem. I get lot's of negative rep... I don't even know how to give it back.

I'm a ****, i get negative rep, i live with it. If someone neg reps for revenge, ban their ***. I like having green blobs. And i want the post count back. Because i like seeing how many posts i have.

I don't see the point of removing it though, at the end of the day so what if you get negative rep? People who know you will know if you do/don't deserve it... I just like stats...		2010-04-13 16:47:00

Author:
Unknown User

I wouldn't even notice it when I get negative rep. Is it displayed anywhere? Or do you have to check each post you make?2010-04-13 16:48:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I wouldn't even notice it when I get negative rep. Is it displayed anywhere? Or do you have to check each post you make?

Click settings. It shows you the most recent rep you gained.

Green is plus rep, red is negative rep.		2010-04-13 16:52:00

Author:
Doopz
Posts: 5592

heh, whaddya know, i don't have any negative rep in the last 20 or so things on there... I have 8/9 infractions, they are red... But no neg rep.


Can we do away with infractions instead?

Of course there is an easy solution.

spam can.

You know i'm correct.		2010-04-13 16:58:00

Author:
Unknown User

Who overlooks people's posts based upon someone's rep counter? Surely the same people who overlook posts based upon the displayed rank, or join date, or whether or not they recognise the name of the user... If someone is mindless enough to skip over a post because of a rep counter then they will just skip over it for other reasons anyways. This is just another one of those things where the attitude of the user is the issue, not a particular feature. If someone has a mindset of "I'm just gonna ignore that n00b", then that attitude will continue, regardless of they identify those they consider to be in the n00b category. Again, as per my previous post, I'm not saying that I'd be against this happening, but it's really not going to make any difference when it's the attitudes of certain people causing this perceived problem. You can't just tweak a couple of settings in the admin CP and fix ignorance in the world
whoa words words words
okay, i don't think anyone actually believes there is a total solution to every problem. i'm just saying the green bars are big and bright and right there, i don't think it would hurt at all to follow my suggestion.		2010-04-13 21:43:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

i don't believe it will solve anything, people will always naturally do things of the sort for some reason, i mean when used correctly it's a good tool so i say keep it, but what ever happens, happens.2010-04-13 22:09:00

Author:
Frank-the-Bunny
Posts: 1246

Actually, this is a good point, it would be nice if rep extended out to the blogs and to the social groups, although I'm guessing it's not there ATM as having it in the social groups is far less visible (i.e. you could end up with social groups being rep farms, without anyone realising...)

I don't think it'll be a good idead actually. People can abuse this feature, including new members who don't know the rule of "no rep groups".		2010-04-14 02:22:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

I like it, but it has never been kind to me.
I've been on here quite a bit longer than a lot of others, yet am kept to a measly 2 BARS OF REP.
Take Doopz for example. A great guy, has been here since November 2009, and has twice the rep. I don't get this, but he is a great guy.

/ragerant

Although this is degrading, but I still like the system as a whole.		2010-04-14 02:26:00

Author:
chezhead
Posts: 1063

I don't think it'll be a good idead actually. People can abuse this feature, including new members who don't know the rule of "no rep groups".

People can abuse pretty much everything. It's foolish to destroy all forms of bonus fun because some people may abuse it.		2010-04-14 02:31:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

People can abuse pretty much everything. It's foolish to destroy all forms of bonus fun because some people may abuse it.

I pretty much agree. ^^
I kinda like the rep system.		2010-04-14 02:33:00

Author:
blanejoyner
Posts: 59

whoa words words words
okay, i don't think anyone actually believes there is a total solution to every problem. i'm just saying the green bars are big and bright and right there, i don't think it would hurt at all to follow my suggestion.

Haha. Don't worry, I absolutely agree with you that it wouldn't hurt. I just don't think it would make any difference whatsoever, for the perfectly sensible reasons I posted - "it wouldn't hurt" isn't really a good enough reason to make a change, really...

And the last line of my post was pretty much tongue in cheek, hence the smiley. Why don't people get the smilies?? Aya, I told you the smilies don't work!!!		2010-04-14 12:31:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Why don't people get the smilies?? Aya, I told you the smilies don't work!!!

Meh. You're just using them wrong. 		2010-04-14 13:05:00

Author:
Aya042
Posts: 2870

And the last line of my post was pretty much tongue in cheek, hence the smiley. Why don't people get the smilies?? Aya, I told you the smilies don't work!!!

Maybe they feel Ninja's can't really smile?

Kinda strange though, that purple flower always makes me smile. 		2010-04-14 13:13:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

yes, remove the rep but keep the thanks.
I mean, what does reputation on the internet mean? besides, we know who the good people are and who are the spammers etc, even if there wouldn't be rep.		2010-04-14 13:25:00

Author:
oldage
Posts: 2824

Kinda strange though, that purple flower always makes me smile.

Yes, but it's that creepy smile that made me take out a restraining order, remember? 		2010-04-14 13:26:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

yes, remove the rep but keep the thanks.
I mean, what does reputation on the internet mean? besides, we know who the good people are and who are the spammers etc, even if there wouldn't be rep.

You know because you've been here a bit. But speaking from the point of view of someone who is relatively new, I didn't understand how the rep system/thanks worked. I concluded that the green bars must have represented posters with a) experience and b) positive feedback to their posts. This, more or less, is correct.		2010-04-14 16:34:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239

I wasn't terribly opinionated either way, but I am now in support of removing the positive rep feature along with the negative rep (as is the plan, methinks). My reason for this is that I just positive repped someone for continued positive posting. It had been a while since I had done so, so I was curious as to the effect I had. Due to my +rep, this user gained 79 reputation points. That is downright insane. Not to say he didn't deserve it, of course.

I can't knowingly support a system where one user, even myself, can have such an effect, even if the whole system is rather meaningless at the end of the day.

Cheers.

2010-04-14 18:23:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Aha! So it was you. Thanks.

This thread feels like we're all in parliament and CyberSora's the one with the Judge wig. Metaphorically of course. 		2010-04-14 18:43:00

Author:
AgentBanana
Posts: 511

Sounds fine to me, we're all equal, just some of us are more equal than others

No wonder Aya shot to such a high level of rep so quickly - I think I repped at least 2 of his tutorials. I knew the rep power was skewwed, but not THAT skewwed, it's completely messed up that there is no cap. Do I have the same amount of neg rep power as positive rep power? Cause that would just be ridiculous.		2010-04-14 18:45:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Yup.... I noticed this too. I positive repped someone yesterday just for saying they didn't have much rep... and raised them a full bar instantaneously.... I was thinking "WOW! What power! Now.... I just need to use this responsibly!" I wish I had known this before the feature was going away...2010-04-14 19:07:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Normally I try to do my own research... in this case I guess I missed what's really at issue here? It's been 2 days, only 56 people cared enough to vote, keep things the same... It's just my humble opinion but I really do not think this site needs any more changes for the sake of change... We still haven't recovered from the last batch of change...

or is that just me?		2010-04-14 19:10:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308

I'm with ya on this Gravel. I don't think it's a problem of the system. I've just been really careful about reping knowing it's weighted. I much prefer the thanks for the regular nice stuff and save the "big gun" for above and beyond posts, threads and helpfulness. I figure if you've been around long enough for your rep power to be weighted you've proven you can use it responsibly.... just my opinion on that though.2010-04-14 19:14:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

We still haven't recovered from the last batch of change...
If there wasn't change, we'd all still be playing "Space Armada"

(notice clever and smug reference to an Intellivision cartridge)

Actually, I think this sort of originally came from my "Consideration" thread, where some felt that rep was being some nasty behavior on the site. Not sure myself, but for simplicity I definately think most people use the "Thanks" button nowadays anyway.

Wow... I just added rep to Gravel and once again I FEEL POWERFUL! Went up a full bar. Just.... wow!		2010-04-14 19:16:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Oh I see... yeah 'thanks' is great! It's a polite way to interact within the community... however, I still use all the features that this site sees fit to bless me with... that includes the negative rep button also on occasion. Sometimes a perceived poor-behavior may become the norm... that doesn't make it right, and a simple nudge in the right direction is all that's required.

Of course, all that's really required is open and honest communication... but to be frank, how often does that happen? Anyway, in both cases, giving & receiving negative rep, a window of dialogue was opened immediately and in both cases my 'friends list' increased. Since 'open & honesty' left the building via the back door... what's so bad about opening a window now and again to clear the air?		2010-04-14 19:29:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308

I'm with ya on this Gravel. I don't think it's a problem of the system. I've just been really careful about reping knowing it's weighted. I much prefer the thanks for the regular nice stuff and save the "big gun" for above and beyond posts, threads and helpfulness. I figure if you've been around long enough for your rep power to be weighted you've proven you can use it responsibly.... just my opinion on that though.

These are my feelings as well. Saved me quite a bit of typing too! 		2010-04-14 19:33:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Why not just scale down the amount of rep given?2010-04-14 19:42:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239

Keep the rep!
I like the rep, because it shows who is helpful and has been active here 		2010-04-14 20:02:00

Author:
Alec
Posts: 3871

Due to my +rep, this user gained 79 reputation points.

I make it 89, but, meh.



No wonder Aya shot to such a high level of rep so quickly - I think I repped at least 2 of his tutorials.

You flatter yourself, sir.

You haven't repped any of my posts, according to my research, but it really doesn't matter.

FWIW, of my 363 points, 79 were from 4 pos reps, leaving 284 from thanked posts.

If you had've repped me, it would've added close to 100 points, which basically means that you can max out someone's rep bar in about 10 reps.

Should your opinion really be worth as much as the thanks of every active user on LBPC?



Do I have the same amount of neg rep power as positive rep power?

Seems that neg repping only knocks off half as many points as pos repping would put on.



It's been 2 days, only 56 people cared enough to vote, keep things the same.

That's harldy in the spirit of democracy. Still, I suppose no-one ever said that LBPC was a democracy. 		2010-04-14 20:15:00

Author:
Aya042
Posts: 2870

If you had've repped me, it would've added close to 100 points, which basically means that you can max out someone's rep bar in about 10 reps.


Good point.. that might be a bit overly weighted.

However, to be totally fair, he would have to spread it around a bit before he could give another to you. Another minor detail to note is that the first 5 bars are 100 each, but after 5 or maybe 6 bars, it takes quite a bit more to raise to the next bar.		2010-04-14 20:28:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

I don't know.... I'm REALLY getting into giving people a whole chunk of rep all at once now. Can I change my vote? I want to leave it the way it is! I just gave about 6 unsuspecting people each an entire bar of rep. I feel GREAT! This is quite possibly the most fun I've ever had on LBPCentral!2010-04-14 20:47:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I don't know.... I'm REALLY getting into giving people a whole chunk of rep all at once now. Can I change my vote? I want to leave it the way it is! I just gave about 6 unsuspecting people each an entire bar of rep. I feel GREAT! This is quite possibly the most fun I've ever had on LBPCentral!

I just got another green bar :eek:
umm, lol, if it was you thanks. 		2010-04-14 20:51:00

Author:
Alec
Posts: 3871

You haven't repped any of my posts, according to my research, but it really doesn't matter.

Really? I was sure I had. Probably a good thing I didn't eh?


Should your opinion really be worth as much as the thanks of every active user on LBPC?
Do you really want me to answer that? Lol, of course not, I was against the rep power disparity before I knew how big it was, see how forward thinking I am? 		2010-04-14 21:12:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

I don't know.... I'm REALLY getting into giving people a whole chunk of rep all at once now. Can I change my vote? I want to leave it the way it is! I just gave about 6 unsuspecting people each an entire bar of rep. I feel GREAT! This is quite possibly the most fun I've ever had on LBPCentral!

lol - you're cracking me up CCubbage.		2010-04-14 21:14:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Really? I was sure I had. Probably a good thing I didn't eh?

Exactly. By using "thanks" instead of rep, you're publicly admitting that I'm more awesome than you.



Do you really want me to answer that? Lol, of course not, I was against the rep power disparity before I knew how big it was, see how forward thinking I am?

It was more rhetorical and aimed at everyone, although I was a little curious to see what sort of humorous reply you might have given. 		2010-04-14 21:24:00

Author:
Aya042
Posts: 2870

Wait, wait. I didn't know there was a way of increasing rep other than the thanks button. Haha, wow.. I was wondering how other people all managed to amass so many hundreds, thousands of thankses!

whoever just repped this post for no reason gave me almost 100 rep points. i feel kinda dirty now. i wasn't trying to beg for points

whodunnit		2010-04-14 21:31:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

Lol, this thread's about removing the system, but is seems that people are using more than ever!

But on a serious note, the rep isn't balanced too well. If a new member got rep'ed up so high, mainly because of "cheating the rep system", and negative rep'ed someone else who's actually earning their rep, then that would result into an injustice removal of a bar (but then again, who cares about the bar, it's more of a personal thing).		2010-04-14 23:40:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

whoever just repped this post for no reason gave me almost 100 rep points. i feel kinda dirty now. i wasn't trying to beg for points
Awww... I'm sorry, buckaroo! I was only trying to make people happy, but now I've made someone sad with my incredible rep giving power.... I feel bad now.

Here, let me give CyberSora a bit a rep to make myself feel better.... there we go!		2010-04-15 00:00:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

CCubage, what you're doing is against the rules:


Abuse of rep is not allowed. Head to the Reputation section of this guide for a summary of what is considered "abuse".

I think that comes under "abuse", giving or taking rep for no good reason...		2010-04-15 00:02:00

Author:
Doopz
Posts: 5592

Awww... I'm sorry, buckaroo! I was only trying to make people happy, but now I've made someone sad with my incredible rep giving power.... I feel bad now.

Here, let me give CyberSora a bit a rep to make myself feel better.... there we go!
hahaha!
with great power, comes great responsibility...		2010-04-15 00:09:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

I make it 89, but, meh.

Geeze, what am I? A mathematician? Oh right... :blush:

---

Either way, the point remains valid. Some people just have too much rep power, myself included. CCubbage, you're not exactly setting the best example there...		2010-04-15 00:11:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I don't know.... I'm REALLY getting into giving people a whole chunk of rep all at once now. Can I change my vote? I want to leave it the way it is! I just gave about 6 unsuspecting people each an entire bar of rep. I feel GREAT! This is quite possibly the most fun I've ever had on LBPCentral!

Well then come on, man, throw another bar my way if you're being the Daddy Warbucks of repping!.. I've been on three forever!

JUST KIDDING! Actually, I just wanted to say to Gravel that my thanks was mostly for that dash of Ziggy Stardust Cool.		2010-04-15 00:20:00

Author:
BabyDoll1970
Posts: 1567

Well then, come on, man, throw another bar my way if you're being the Daddy Warbucks of repping.. I've been on three forever!
Already took care of that earlier


CCubage, what you're doing is against the rules:

Abuse of rep is not allowed. Head to the Reputation section of this guide for a summary of what is considered "abuse".
I think that comes under "abuse", giving or taking rep for no good reason...
Boy, I am SO sorry. My face is really red right now. I had no idea I was breaking rules by using the rep button. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'm going to go right now and read that section carefully so I don't give out rep for any wrong reasons and continue to offend people. I added a bit of rep to you to show my heartfelt thanks.


CCubbage, you're not exactly setting the best example there...
You're right... gave you a bit of rep for bringing that to my attention. But, keep in mind - I only gave rep to people who gave thoughtful posts, and who I really felt deserved it. And I didn't rep the same person more than once (mainly because the system won't let me).

EDIT: Whew. I checked all the rules, and apparently I haven't broken any rep abuse rules. I may have to negative rep Doopz479 for scaring me.... 		2010-04-15 00:23:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

No offense Ccubbage, but this isn't [entirely] like you. What's up?2010-04-15 00:51:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

maybe it would be better if you just went and neg repped everyone instead.

make amends for your wrongdoing!		2010-04-15 00:55:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

Whew. I checked all the rules, and apparently I haven't broken any rep abuse rules. I may have to negative rep Doopz479 for scaring me....

Through an error, the portion of the site rules that contained acceptable uses of rep has been soft deleted. Thus, we cannot technically hold you to what you can't see. It states that:

"Repping for things that have nothing to do with the site. We won't do anything if you rep because someone helped you in LittleBigPlanet, for example, but giving rep for something completely unrelated can be considered abuse."

Now, the rule is not clearly defined, nor is it visible, but we will ask you to refrain from giving reputation in a care-free manner in the future.

As I predict, though, you are doing this because you presume reputation given manually will be negated when we modify the system. If I'm wrong, then your motivations confuse me.

2010-04-15 01:16:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Man, this topic has gone from debateful, to plain out weird. 2010-04-15 02:01:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

I was going to post a witty comment about free rep but I couldn't submit my reply because LBPCentral crashed (wouldn't load) for 15 minutes. Apparently, my comment was so amazing that it crashed the site and for that, I apologize.

Anyhow, I'll re-type the second part of my original post. It looks like the LBPCentral community is split in half about this issue. 22 votes for keeping the rep and 20 votes for removing it but keeping the "Thanks!". Interesting.....		2010-04-15 02:35:00

Author:
Silverpanther
Posts: 156

Ya, that's what I was wondering. Why did the site crash?2010-04-15 02:42:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

As I predict, though, you are doing this because you presume reputation given manually will be negated when we modify the system. If I'm wrong, then your motivations confuse me.
Just trying to spread some fun to some helpful people.

Most rep is earned because people help other people have fun. It's having fun that keeps people coming back and enjoying the site.

Sometimes you just feel like laughing about something.... a little lump of green bars seemed like a good target (although, keep in mind - the comments I repped were really good comments, so I still don't think I abused it.... even though I'm making light of it in my comments. I just hit the rep button instead of the thanks button for a change... because I still can)		2010-04-15 02:44:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

ccubage whats happening to you :O

lol but yeah i think the rep system should stay the same nothing is really wrong with it...not many people abuse it too much 		2010-04-15 03:56:00

Author:
rseah
Posts: 2701

I don't know, I don't think it's balanced. Ccubbage just proved it (sorry, but I'm making a point here, so please don't flame me!).

Some member can waltz in here, go to the Spotlights or something, and post what appears to be a nice post. If people with high rep thank the guy, but then find out the guy was a D-I-... well, you know already, then we're going to have some high rep hot-head running around the site!

I'm not an expert on human emotions, so I can't be 100% positive on this. But what I am positive about is the poll. It's a close race here!		2010-04-15 04:28:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

I don't know, I don't think it's balanced. Ccubbage just proved it (sorry, but I'm making a point here, so please don't flame me!).
I, personally, think it's a completely valid point. I was STUNNED to realize yesterday that it was weighted.

The interesting thing about rep is that for the last year we've had the "Thanks" button, and just about EVERYONE on the site hits the button for things they enjoy, things that are useful, things that make them laugh, someone saying some "odd-ball" thing. This is great, because it gives people immediate feedback that people enjoyed their post. But since it raises rep, it also means that rep itself is a bit arbitrary.		2010-04-15 11:47:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Speaking of rep Ccubage, how did you give a whole nother bar of rep(I need a guide on rep)?2010-04-15 22:47:00

Author:
X-FROGBOY-X
Posts: 1800

Speaking of rep Ccubage, how did you give a whole nother bar of rep(I need a guide on rep)?

Here ya go!

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/faq.php?faq=vb3_user_profile#faq_vb3_reputation

Basically, the more rep you have, the more rep is given out when you use the add to reputation button. Because of CCuabge's incredible repuation, he can give out an incredible amount of rep, a whole bar of rep to be precise .		2010-04-15 22:55:00

Author:
Doopz
Posts: 5592

Yes.... BUT DON'T DO IT! I got a bit carried away the other day because I searched for the rep rules and apparently.... the correct ones weren't there.

It was fun while it lasted, though....

I'm harnessing my incredible rep-giving power. Obey the rules, and stay in school kids!		2010-04-16 00:02:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Now that I think of it, the system should balance out the rep equally. Just look at everybody with "epic" rep power. They can't Thanks! people without distributing too much power. It's no wonder why not many high powered members don't thank much. The systems rep weighing is keeping people from thanking much.2010-04-16 00:45:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

thanks aren't affected by rep power. Everyone is equal when using thanks2010-04-16 00:47:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Thankses just add one each I believe

I think that's okay. Get rid of adding rep, keep thanks. yay.		2010-04-16 01:20:00

Author:
monstahr
Posts: 1361

Yes.... BUT DON'T DO IT! I got a bit carried away


Won't negative-repping everyone you positive-repped cancel it out?		2010-04-16 01:24:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

Won't negative-repping everyone you positive-repped cancel it out?

Yes, but that'll look mean. It's like taking candy from a guy you gave the candy to. Now don't get me started with the guy's beer.		2010-04-16 01:41:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Won't negative-repping everyone you positive-repped cancel it out?

Actually, I believe the amount is weighted quite a bit less for a negative rep. So it really wouldn't cancel it out. However, you would still have to spread it around before you could do that to one particular member.		2010-04-16 01:52:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

No more rep, when i had a red bar i felt really bad about myself. And before someone bad reps you, they wouldn't know if you were joking or not if you said something mean2010-04-16 06:38:00

Author:
Charlemagne
Posts: 513

There have been quite a few annoying trolls at this site as of late, but I don't think that getting rid of rep would get rid of the trolls.2010-04-16 10:40:00

Author:
qrtda235566
Posts: 3664

Ya, so far the Thanks! button was the most used, so I guess the rep system should go, but the Thanks! can stay.2010-04-17 00:49:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551


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