[KenWittlief]

I think a lot of people need to stop and read the text next to the little box before they give someone rep points

it doesnt say "I agree" or "I disagree"

is says "I approve" or "I disaprove" of what you have posted

thats a world of difference that many people miss.

I use the rep system alot to send one sentance messages to someone for many reasons - its better than having several "me too" posts show up in a thread that dont really contribute anything to the conversation - but it allows you to acknowledge a simple fact

its a act of courage for someone to go on a public forum and communicate information, feelings, opinions, or even something as simple as a joke - to post a message you have to believe that at lease one person out there is interested in what you have to say

the rep system is a great way to tell someone, hey I read your post and it connected with me on some level - thats a pretty cool thing

as for negative reps? think about the quality and character of most people involved with FIRST teams - you would have to search pretty hard to find anyone who really deserves to have a 'bad reputation' in this virtual community

I have popped off a few - you gotta really be dragging the forum into the mud to get a neg rep from me - hopefully if someone starts getting a few for a post they will seriously consider going back and editing what they said, that others are finding unacceptable.

I have also given people pos rep when I disagree with what they have posted - we can have opposite opinions on something, but I still approve of your posting your side of the issue, and I appreciate you taking the effort to do so.

and since I am human myself, I have received neg rep from several people - when its someone I really respect it makes me stop in my tracks and reconsider what I have posted - we all get out of line once in a while and need a little 'negative feedback' to get back on track. Much easier than someone having to compain to the forum monitors, have the monitor look into the situation and play babysitter.