[Tetraman]

The reputation system is like a text message while the messages system of the form are like phone calls: When you want to just say something like "I agree" or "good call, I like your style" or "Oh man, good catch" and want to make sure that person reads it but it's not really that important to prolong a conversation, use rep. When you want to share a conversation, use the messages system.

The majority of the people who I give rep to have full or near rep anyway, and the way I feel about Rep is the same way when someone Likes something on facebook. "Oh look, ThisPerson404 liked what I said. Yay me." I have a bunch of Rep statements from some posts I made, like the one in the Dodge Dart thread or from the comic I made, and while I got a bunch of "oh wow awesome" comments in the thread, I find the Rep comments better since they are more personal. I guess, thats how I see and use the Rep system - to send a little personal "I agree" or "Thank you" or whatever.

I do not give out neg rep - Not even to those posts that deserve it. I simply ignore the post.

Rep is a private form of "Liking something".