I see the launch of the reputation system has caused a bit of a stir.
There really isn't anything to worry about with this system. It simply allows the community to show their opinion in a measurable way.
There are two distinct differences...
Reputation Power and Reputation Points.
Reputation Power is the degree of influence you can have on someone elses reputation LEVEL. You amass reputation power from being a good, solid user. Power is related to the length of time you have been a member, how many posts you have made, what your reputation level is and all manner of things... You can see your reputation power beside your posts in the forums, accompanied by a green blob(s).
Reputation Level is basically your reputation... according to the community members. EVERYONE started on this new forum with a reputation level of 10 points.
If you think somebody made a good or a bad contribution to a particular thread you can assign them with positive or negative reputation. When you assign reputation, your reputation POWER is added or subtracted from the users reputation LEVEL. You assign reputation points by clicking the 'balance' symbol at the side of forum posts.
You can VIEW your reputation level in your user control panel. You will also see the last ten reputation rankings that you have been assigned (if any). You will be able to see if you were awarded positive or negative reputation points.
You will not be able to see who left the points but if applied properly a message should hav ebeen left, so that you know why you were awarded positive or negative reputation points. (If you dont leave a message, you're more than likely abusing the system!!)
THe reputation system has many complex rules, which have been setup behind the scenes. It is not possible for people to continually receive reputation (good or bad) from the same members. You can try, but it wont be aplpied to the score
NEW members are not able to assign reputation until they have made a certain nuber of posts (I think its 50 currently), so that new members cannot sign up and try to cause havoc. (I should also mention that email verification is now incorporated to stop WASTERS registering to cause grief).
If you have LOW/negative reputation you are not able to assign negative reputation points, as usually this would be an abuse of the system whilst you try to 'get someone back'.
Members with low/negative reputation levels should ask themselves why this could be. Is it really possible that you are doing something that the rest f the community don't approve of? After all, the majority rule... If you fall into this category, then consider your posting style and behaviour and maybe your reputation will rise.
I think thats all I will say for now... if you have any further questions regarding the REPUTATION SYSTEM please post them in this thread... as they are getting dotted here, there and everywhere currently