[Joe Matt]

One of the coolest and possibly the best feature is the reputation rating system. This system allows for people to see if someone is well respected in the community and also allows more direct feedback on posts. Reputation can go both ways, you can get 'good' reputation if you help people out, contribute to discussions, and are a generally overall good person. Now, if you are a butt, post things that don't pertain to the discussion, and flame away, you'll get negative reputation.

Now, the big problem is, what should I reward good/bad reputation for? While it's mostly up to you, here's what to look for...

Giving Good Reputation:
-Post helped somebody that asked a question
-Post added a new viewpoint or experience to the discussion
-Poster wrote a good reply to a statement
-Post applauded somebody for something done that's good
-Raises questions on a subject
-Anything else that would qualify as Gracious Professionalism

Give Bad Reputation to a post that seems to flame someone without and justification, is off topic with the discussion, and overall seems like a troll post.

Bad reputation SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE WHO DISAGREE WITH YOU. Remember, everyone has different experiences with things and views FIRST differently.

Remember, this isn't a constraint, but instead a guide path, and once you understand what supposed to happen, you can go out and help improve the community. Remember, reputation points are for people to recognize those who are outstanding people in the community, not friends or a popularity contest.