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Originally Posted by JosephM
I've recently been finding out that some people have been giving me a bad reputation because they don't agree with what I'm saying, not that I'm misbehaving or doing anything wrong. I think we might need a clearer explanation behind the Reputation system and how it should be used.
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There is always some advantages and disadvantages with any system we use. I see them in the new reputation system as well. On the plus side, people can really recognize who contribute to the forum in a positive way or a negative way. People can potentially follow these reputation to enlightening messages. On the negative side, people can abuse the system to give reputation to friends they like, or people they don't like.
It is up to us to set an example to the rest of the community on what's appropiate and what's not. I always think teaching by example is one of the more effective way of teaching. So look at what Brandon saids in his post in here. When you come across messages, try to stay objective, as you always should, and look at what the people are trying to say and where they are coming from. Stand your ground when it comes to a difference on opinion, but be profoundly understanding of the other person. And don't react base on your emotional responds.
Once you do that, than it's not too difficult to give an objective rating on other people's message. And it's nice to tell people you appeciate their effort in posting a message. It's nice to let them know you learn from them. Those are easy to do. Then remember only to give bad reputation points if you think the person is messing around, or intentionally causing headache to other people, or totally irresponsible of what they post, or wasting people's time. Anything beyond those reasons should be evaulated carefully before your urge to judge someone take control of your behavior too quickly.
In the end, I guess it doesn't really matter if you have a good or bad reputation. What really counts is if you have confidence in yourself, and if you think you are doing the right thing. Be open to other people's criticism and see if you can learn to be better, otherwise there is no need to care too much about reputation.