[generalbrando]

It's been a while since I actually sat down and read one of these long threads. In just two days there have been 112 (now 113) posts and after reading it all I don't feel like I've wasted my time at all (for once).

Now I want to skip past flattering you all and make my few comments. I think that the people on here who feel there is something not quite right about this system have information or opinions about someone and they just aren't saying it. I would guess in most cases it's for obvious reasons. We don't like to bash people on these forums - we follow (or at least try) the concepts of gracious professionalism. With no exceptions, I believe everyone has been gracious here. Sure, there have been some posts that weren't, but please don't let that disrupt your train of thought. No one is out to get anyone (with the exception of John's friend ).

Popularity does play a roll in this system. Now I have many people on the edge of their seats, ready to post or send me a good/bad rep. Let me continue: I'm not trying to say that anyone on the top is there because of popularity. I don't feel that way at all. However, popularity inevitably plays *some* roll in this. I think that's just a fact of the way we are and it's nothing to get upset about, be ashamed of, or attempt to fix. Don't let that diminish you in any way. If you are feeling envy then admit that to yourself and work on dealing with it or fixing it. (And please don't assume I'm saying anyone here is envious!)

I think the system could be improved. I am all for requiring a comment. As for showing others these comments, I have a twist to add. What if I was able to go into my profile and check off the comments I want others to be able to see? Of course, your first thought is that they will just show the positive. But don't forget this is FIRST. I'm willing to bet that a great number of people would be willing to show their negative comments. This could also potentially solve the problem of repeated negative points for one post because users could look at the negative replies that have been made public for that post.

Am I making sense? I hate to bring back the fight of spelling and grammar, but I'm in a typing mood, so I will. Of course the way someone communicates with you affects your perception of them. This is true by definition because the only way to communicate with someone is through your senses (i.e. you see them, hear them, read their words, etc) (unless of course you're telepathic like me!). As for how much you take that into account in a first impression or with someone you sort of know - that's all up to you. I make the worst first impressions. They aren't always bad, but my friends tell me of their first impressions of me which are so far off from who I am that I can't stop laughing. I guess because of this I give others a lot of slack. I'm not a very formal person, but I try to show respect for those who prefer formality. I guess what I'm leading into is a general statement which is a play off of what others have said. You don't know the tone of voice someone is using and sometimes it's hard not to read into someone's words. I suggest just not taking offense in what someone says. If you disagree, you could (and should) post your opinion. That's one big reason for having these forums, right?

I should also say directly how I feel about the reputation system since I've gone this far. I don't know how many dots or points I have. I never pay attention to it. Once in a while I remember that the system exists and I go to my profile and check to see what people have said about my posts. When I get a negative reply, I PM them and ask to discuss the matter further (unless their comment was clear). Maybe they are just being sour and there's nothing to talk about. But maybe, just maybe, they will be professional about it and talk about why they gave that reply. The result is positive.


I almost want to say that in a perfect world we wouldn't be having this discussion. Then I remember this is a perfect world because it's not perfect.