i quote this....tunsty said:
i totally agree with Nightfly,tunsty,9inch
either the rep system should change or completely stop...:hatsoff:
Is the rep system now almost useless?
- Thread starter member20672
- Start date
i totally agree with Nightfly,tunsty,9inch
either the rep system should change or completely stop...:hatsoff:
Hello All,
I know I'm fairly new here, but I think the idea of a Rep system is a good one. I believe that it makes the individual feel good about his posts( It does for me anyway). I also believe that it would be relatively easy to make the system work a little better. All that would need to be done is to base the point structure differently.
Ever play a RPG game on your comp.? Borrow a method that is similiar. Just like "leveling up" your character in a game.
100 points........1stone
300 points........2 stones
500 points........3 stones
1000 points......4 stones
etc. etc. etc....this way a new member would only advance a level when given rep by a senior member, and a senior member would need 20 or 30 reps to advance a single level thus making a new level an achievment. If any of you have ever played any DnD games you know what I'm talking about,every time you level up was an accomplishment. Maybe you can explain better than I just did........Thanks
Bear
I know I'm fairly new here, but I think the idea of a Rep system is a good one. I believe that it makes the individual feel good about his posts( It does for me anyway). I also believe that it would be relatively easy to make the system work a little better. All that would need to be done is to base the point structure differently.
Ever play a RPG game on your comp.? Borrow a method that is similiar. Just like "leveling up" your character in a game.
100 points........1stone
300 points........2 stones
500 points........3 stones
1000 points......4 stones
etc. etc. etc....this way a new member would only advance a level when given rep by a senior member, and a senior member would need 20 or 30 reps to advance a single level thus making a new level an achievment. If any of you have ever played any DnD games you know what I'm talking about,every time you level up was an accomplishment. Maybe you can explain better than I just did........Thanks
Bear
BNF
Ex-SuperMod
It's fine as it is. In the beginning, I think, most people took it seriously and awarded rep based on posts or agreeable comments. At some point it became in vogue to simply rep your friends, or maybe anyone. I don't think that it is a gauge of real board reputation, by design and by actual practice, it probably never could be.
I look at it from a few points of view: It is entertaining and fun - and simple. If it becomes a complex tool, with half points, adjustable points, whatever, I think the fun (and certainly the simple) aspect is gone. I do not think that my reputation (whatever you think it is) is based on my rep points. I work awfully hard to make this board function and live as best as I can. If I had 1 point or 300, I would do the same job. A real Reputation is built over time, clearly unlike rep points. A real reputation can also be destroyed in a matter of seconds (in our cases, a matter of posts).
I can't possibly judge, and judging I often must do here, a member based on rep points. I know most active members visually by sigs and avatars first, their most visited threads second, and by what they do in those threads third. (Order not important) There are some members with 100+ points that imo do not do very much at all. There are some members (and a prominent mod AJ) that are under 100 rep points and are imo essential to the daily life of the board. I realized a long time ago (board time) that the old fashioned method of knowing someones history was the best way to judge them and develop for them in my head, a reputation.
So, I don't want to complicate the rep points issue. It's fun and light and not so serious from my moderators POV. I don't want to see it disappear. (From a mod POV it is often the only way that we can instantly reach a member that is breaking the rules - many disable PMs, email and such.)
OTOH It may be a good idea to ease up on the Congrats threads for each quicker approaching rep point benchmark. FWIW I have always been a vocal (behind the scenes with Admin) supporter of the Congratulatory, Celebratory and Birthday threads. They add a nice, supportive and friendly atmosphere to the board.
Our board is an entertaining, fun, easy going place. Let's keep things simple too - rep points are fun. They are not who we are and more importantly, they are not what we do on the board.
I look at it from a few points of view: It is entertaining and fun - and simple. If it becomes a complex tool, with half points, adjustable points, whatever, I think the fun (and certainly the simple) aspect is gone. I do not think that my reputation (whatever you think it is) is based on my rep points. I work awfully hard to make this board function and live as best as I can. If I had 1 point or 300, I would do the same job. A real Reputation is built over time, clearly unlike rep points. A real reputation can also be destroyed in a matter of seconds (in our cases, a matter of posts).
I can't possibly judge, and judging I often must do here, a member based on rep points. I know most active members visually by sigs and avatars first, their most visited threads second, and by what they do in those threads third. (Order not important) There are some members with 100+ points that imo do not do very much at all. There are some members (and a prominent mod AJ) that are under 100 rep points and are imo essential to the daily life of the board. I realized a long time ago (board time) that the old fashioned method of knowing someones history was the best way to judge them and develop for them in my head, a reputation.
So, I don't want to complicate the rep points issue. It's fun and light and not so serious from my moderators POV. I don't want to see it disappear. (From a mod POV it is often the only way that we can instantly reach a member that is breaking the rules - many disable PMs, email and such.)
OTOH It may be a good idea to ease up on the Congrats threads for each quicker approaching rep point benchmark. FWIW I have always been a vocal (behind the scenes with Admin) supporter of the Congratulatory, Celebratory and Birthday threads. They add a nice, supportive and friendly atmosphere to the board.
Our board is an entertaining, fun, easy going place. Let's keep things simple too - rep points are fun. They are not who we are and more importantly, they are not what we do on the board.
member20672
Closed Account
BNF said:
So basically the rep system is useless. I believe that we all know each other by posts/sigs/avatars, content, and the rep system just seems to be something there.
To quote Tunsty:
tunsty said:
I understand your liking of the rep system BNF and it is almost fun to see that somone liked your post or you rep because you like a post, but don't you think its time to establish something new? That means more. :2 cents:
[edit] I also understand that it seems to take a lot to get something changed around here and I don't really expect any difference to the rep system in spite of this thread. I know that I am a younger member with less experience than some of the guys/girls that have been here a year+, but I felt I had to get my opinions out. I'm just saying it would be nice to refresh the system or establish something a little better, but like I said, I'm sure that my position/thoughts on the system means little to those in charge.
Last edited:
wise words from a wise and dedicated member/moderator of this boardBNF said:
I think BNF's post said it all about the spirit of freeones board and the use of the rep system. :hatsoff:
that's all I wanted to say....
:dunno: i can write what i want, i only get a few reps. maybe i don´t understand this system!! :dunno: but in that way :glugglug: to everyone
mcrocket said:
juballs said:
You know...I've thought the same thing... At some point I could end up spending most my time on the board just congratulating people that reach 100, 200, 300 etc. But like Juballs says, when it's a person that I like, and really makes the board a better/more interesting place...I guess it's not such a big deal.
BNF
Ex-SuperMod
The rep system is far from useless. As many have said here, everyone likes getting green squares. And those green sqaures mean more when someone attached a note that your post, comment or link was the reason. But.... it also is nice to have a rep hit from someone just because. The useful part has changed from the original (Vbulletin developers) theory of "good post" = rep to something better, "good member" or "good post" or "just because" or "nice sig" = green rep. Better so! Better to promote that warm and fuzzy feeling. (The devils advocate members could care less and they don't have to participate)
I don't think that there is an effective bulletin board tool to measure reputation, short of starting a "What do you think of BNF?" "What do you think of Hotrod" thread(s). And we all know what would happen in those threads!
Juballs talking about congratulating is exactly the spirit that we (almost) all like on the board, isn't it?
Stockfish (two up) has a comparitively small amount of rep points and posts, but his input is no less worthy than anyone elses. I think that the call for abandonment of the rep point feature will lead to a similar call for abandonment of the post count indicator. While they could both be eliminated without affecting the board skeleton, I think there is an element of both fun and value in both. A difference between the two may be that rep points are (fairly) independent of board pure activity. While post count is a completely dependent activity (Who's doing 20+, 30+, 40+ posts a day? Is there that much worthwhile really to type?) Both cases also share the fact that noobs may get tempted to spam (20,30+/day) in order to try and "catch up" or simply be frustrated with "catching up" with rep. It is my job, and I think maybe your responsibility, to tell them that neither is truly important. The important part, is that they enjoy themselves here, follow the simple rules, and give us a hot babe link or a laugh once in a while.
I don't think that there is an effective bulletin board tool to measure reputation, short of starting a "What do you think of BNF?" "What do you think of Hotrod" thread(s). And we all know what would happen in those threads!
Juballs talking about congratulating is exactly the spirit that we (almost) all like on the board, isn't it?
Stockfish (two up) has a comparitively small amount of rep points and posts, but his input is no less worthy than anyone elses. I think that the call for abandonment of the rep point feature will lead to a similar call for abandonment of the post count indicator. While they could both be eliminated without affecting the board skeleton, I think there is an element of both fun and value in both. A difference between the two may be that rep points are (fairly) independent of board pure activity. While post count is a completely dependent activity (Who's doing 20+, 30+, 40+ posts a day? Is there that much worthwhile really to type?) Both cases also share the fact that noobs may get tempted to spam (20,30+/day) in order to try and "catch up" or simply be frustrated with "catching up" with rep. It is my job, and I think maybe your responsibility, to tell them that neither is truly important. The important part, is that they enjoy themselves here, follow the simple rules, and give us a hot babe link or a laugh once in a while.
Although I like Nightfly's idea about giving chosen amounts of rep (and was about to suggest the same thing), BNF's words won me over. I really apreciate every positive rep I get, be it worth 200 points or 2. I don't care that much about my rep point total but about the fact that people tell me they like what I have to say. Let's leave it at that. Maybe different color rep stones is a good idea and maybe it's also to cap rep you can give but not the rep you can earn. For example, even if jod skyrockets to 1,000 (which he'll hopefully do soon), he cannot give more than 100 rep points (or other fixed amount). This has the added advantage of the regulars having the same "rep power" after a while.
SeraphiM
Retired Moderator
The Rep system is not useless.
It's human nature for writers to need an outlet to socialize, make friends and reward each other, even online.
I myself have given more than a few "fun" Rep Points, for 1) some one being funny and making my day, and for 2) being helpful and informative.
I think a few "fun" points are good for morale and it's really not a bad thing to brighten someone's day. I love reading what people have to say about me when they give me a rep. It makes me feel good to be part of this community, and I'm proud and glad to have "friends" on here. And if rep points encourage people to participate, I think it's a useful and very good thing.
I do think people are getting carried away in the manner they are giving out Rep Points. IMO We should encourage people to use rep points as a way to encourage others to participate and contribute to the board, and to help others, to support one another. I think we should do it in that spirit, and not just
"ask and you shall receive."
We cannot control how people are going to use it, once you open it up for them to use. Some people are still going to use it to "give my friends a pat on the back" (and there is nothing wrong with that) and some of the most helpful people are still not going to get reps. Aces&Jacks, has been an outstanding Mod and has done more than his share to make this board a better place to visit and he is still behind some members who have only been on board for less than 6 months.
So relax, enjoy it, and try to use it in a positive, contributing way. :2 cents:
It's human nature for writers to need an outlet to socialize, make friends and reward each other, even online.
I myself have given more than a few "fun" Rep Points, for 1) some one being funny and making my day, and for 2) being helpful and informative.
I think a few "fun" points are good for morale and it's really not a bad thing to brighten someone's day. I love reading what people have to say about me when they give me a rep. It makes me feel good to be part of this community, and I'm proud and glad to have "friends" on here. And if rep points encourage people to participate, I think it's a useful and very good thing.
I do think people are getting carried away in the manner they are giving out Rep Points. IMO We should encourage people to use rep points as a way to encourage others to participate and contribute to the board, and to help others, to support one another. I think we should do it in that spirit, and not just
"ask and you shall receive."
We cannot control how people are going to use it, once you open it up for them to use. Some people are still going to use it to "give my friends a pat on the back" (and there is nothing wrong with that) and some of the most helpful people are still not going to get reps. Aces&Jacks, has been an outstanding Mod and has done more than his share to make this board a better place to visit and he is still behind some members who have only been on board for less than 6 months.
So relax, enjoy it, and try to use it in a positive, contributing way. :2 cents:
I wouldn't necessarily say that the rep system is useless, but rather that it has no serious use on the board.
My first impressions of the rep system were that it was to 'congratulate' people for their contribution to a thread (which it does..to an extent).
Unfortunately it has now become something more of a ritualistic backslapping exercise (not that I should complain..I'm guilty of some of that).
I'm sure this was not what the admin envisaged for the rep system when it was first thought of.
BNF..let me throw this question to you (and other mods)..is/does the rep system, as it is now, work in the way you expected it to?
FWIW..I think that the amount of rep that can be given should be limited to say 5 points..regardless of who the member is..
Those who make valuable contributions would still get their 'reward' without all this 100,200,300 point business.
My first impressions of the rep system were that it was to 'congratulate' people for their contribution to a thread (which it does..to an extent).
Unfortunately it has now become something more of a ritualistic backslapping exercise (not that I should complain..I'm guilty of some of that).
I'm sure this was not what the admin envisaged for the rep system when it was first thought of.
BNF..let me throw this question to you (and other mods)..is/does the rep system, as it is now, work in the way you expected it to?
FWIW..I think that the amount of rep that can be given should be limited to say 5 points..regardless of who the member is..
Those who make valuable contributions would still get their 'reward' without all this 100,200,300 point business.
member20672
Closed Account
Very interesting opinions. I thank you guys for sharing your opinions, but like I said before, I don't expect it to change. But its ok. I just hope that serious thoughts for improvements are in the minds of the admin.
In case I haven't mentioned it, I do thank all who have ever repped me.
In case I haven't mentioned it, I do thank all who have ever repped me.
member20672
Closed Account
Basically what I was thinking, but I still wanted to address the issue. Of course to better my feelings you are all permitted to +rep me. j/k:tongue:tunsty said:
BNF
Ex-SuperMod
I was a mod before the rep system came along. Honestly, the only change it's made to my workload is that is has added another element - members complaining about neg rep - and asking it to be investigated, corrected or deleted. It doesn't influence any decisions I make regarding the board rules - I decide based on the literal written rules, my interpretation of gray areas and member history. Rep points in that respect, do not play a role in my moderation. 200 rep point member flaming, spamming and sharing pay site only content gets the same treatment as a noob in my eyes.
BNF, You've made some wonderful posts in this thread
member20672
Closed Account
Ok, I've done some thinking about everything and reread everyone's post.
As sad as it proabaly sounds I believe I've finally found what all of the more experienced members think of the system and more inner meanings. Thinking back, it was cool getting those first rep and it sill makes me happy to see a new rep message. Pretty soon the numbers are going to be pretty big, but it's not hard to understand why. This is a great online community with almost a ****** setting.(a very scary and odd ******, but a ****** none-the-less)
Like I mentioned above, being a noob it was cool getting the rep and now it feels great to get messages from newer members that thank me for help or repping them.
I'm still thinking that a little hold on the total number is in order, especially as top members like Jod, BNF and Foxy make their way to 300:eek: But either way its alright cause I as well as other members know that they deserve it.
As always, here's to the great members at FreeOnes:glugglug:
As sad as it proabaly sounds I believe I've finally found what all of the more experienced members think of the system and more inner meanings. Thinking back, it was cool getting those first rep and it sill makes me happy to see a new rep message. Pretty soon the numbers are going to be pretty big, but it's not hard to understand why. This is a great online community with almost a ****** setting.(a very scary and odd ******, but a ****** none-the-less)
Like I mentioned above, being a noob it was cool getting the rep and now it feels great to get messages from newer members that thank me for help or repping them.
I'm still thinking that a little hold on the total number is in order, especially as top members like Jod, BNF and Foxy make their way to 300:eek: But either way its alright cause I as well as other members know that they deserve it.
As always, here's to the great members at FreeOnes:glugglug:
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