Should negative rep be disabled?

[Maverick]

In response to Lauren's thread I would just like to see what the overall consensus is.

[Bobby]

No. If people are that upset by something someone says on the internet - well, I don't know. It's not good.

[Aηdy]

I'm going to say no. I don't care too much about receiving negative rep any more. It doesn't bother me so much. And it's not currently causing any major problem.

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

I think you should. For a lot of people, it can be degrading to see that someone thought negatively of them, depending on the subject. Also, I've had people down rep me for stupid reasons, such as making a joke. As all of you may know, I don't really care what my rep is, because I know that, for the most part, people like me. Therefore, my opinion may not have much validity, however I do know that people may feel bad about what they said afterwards.

Too people who are disappointed with their bad rep: chill. It's an online site where people may disagree with you. So what if someone thought your comment was inappropriate? If only one person says something, clearly it's not a big deal.

[Mzor203]

I think we should disable it, because in the end what's going to happen is that arguments are going to be caused.

I've been on forums that have a rep system, and several of them have had only positive rep. And there are never any arguments over it. It just makes for a more friendly community, if only by a little.

[Underground_Network]

All I have to say is that if we disable negative rep, we should disable positive rep as well.

[RaisingSand]

How do you figure that? The positive rep system isn't being abused -- that is being used for it's intended purpose.

[Sugaree]

I'm in favor for this. But, Adam has a very good point. If we disable negative rep, then we'd have to stop positive rep.

[RaisingSand]

Um ... read the topic again people. NO WE WOULDN'T.

[Aηdy]

I'm in favor for this. But, Adam has a very good point. If we disable negative rep, then we'd have to stop positive rep.

No we wouldn't. Positive rep has nothing to do with this.

[Mzor203]

It is possible to have only negative rep disabled.

The thing is, all negative rep is doing is providing cannon fodder for arguments and debates over it. Who is going to argue and fight over someone giving them positive rep?

"Admins! He gave me positive rep! Help me!"

In short, only disabling negative rep will keep the rep system we so love and adore, but get rid of arguments and complaints.

[Underground_Network]

This is a balanced system and we have to acknowledge that both far ends of the system [negative and positive rep] have been [are being] abused. If anything, positive rep is abused more than negative rep. People give positive rep for the stupidest things. And to my awareness [though I could be completely wrong], if someone gives you negative rep and it TRULY isn't deserved you can get it removed. But anyways, if you take away negative rep, but leave only positive rep, the system gets fucked. Only good posts receive reputation, and no matter how you look at it, reputation does not only go one way. It should be able to go down. If someone says something out of extreme ignorance or arrogance, their reputation should be tarnished. A reputation is not always good. Keep that in mind. If you don't want to receive negative rep, be wary of what you post. There are always assholes out there. It works the same way in the real world. Someone could tarnish your reputation by spreading lies, just like on here someone could give you negative rep just because they feel like it. You've just gotta deal with it.

[RaisingSand]

http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=30118

PLEASE READ PROPERLY BEFORE CASTING YOUR VOTE.

[Sugaree]

Um ... read the topic again people. NO WE WOULDN'T.

Sorry, but who died and made you the decision maker for VT? If we only have a postive rep system then that just wouldn't make sense. We should disable the negative rep because that's what starts fights on here.

But, if we do that, then what's the point in keeping a positive system? I could see the negative rep system is taken away then that would stop fighting. But, if we disable that and someone can't give negative rep to a user, then what happens? More fighting. Users would be dumb enough to start threads on it or bash them through PM or the shout box if possible.

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

I think we should get rid of both. Do you guys who have ump-teen bars really feel special for it?

[RaisingSand]

If you don't want to receive negative rep, be wary of what you post.

Are you saying we shouldn't post our personal opinions and views? It doesn't work that way Adam, and you know it. I've recieved negative reputation for saying I oppose gay marriage. Positive rep -- that system is not being abused. This poll is about NEGATIVE reputation. Let's try and keep it that way.

[Aηdy]

Sorry, but who died and made you the decision maker for VT? If we only have a postive rep system then that just wouldn't make sense. We should disable the negative rep because that's what starts fights on here.

But, if we do that, then what's the point in keeping a positive system? I could see the negative rep system is taken away then that would stop fighting. But, if we disable that and someone can't give negative rep to a user, then what happens? More fighting. Users would be dumb enough to start threads on it or bash them through PM or the shout box if possible.

Many sites I am a member of only have positive rep. It's like the vBulletin thanks system, you can give thanks but not take them away. It would be the same with negative rep. People will then only get rep for the good they do, they they don't deserve rep then don't give it to them.

[The Batman]

I think negative rep should be abolished. It is seriously being abused and i think it should be stopped. Positive rep is good, you rep on good posts and the person gets a warm fuzzy feeling inside, but negative rep on the other hand makes you feel as if your doing something wrong, the site is out to get you, or that your just not good enough for the site. I think instead of giving members the power to virtually chastise members we should only have the power to reward each other for good posts.

[Sugaree]

Once again, another back seat mod you are Lauren :roll:

Adam brings up what we need to be thinking. People can give you negative rep just because they feel like it. That's the abuse for that half of the system. When people give positive rep for someone who has just gotten 2500 posts, then that's abusing because the post has no meaning for positive rep. Positive rep is only for posts that give advice and are helpfull and not for things like "I just got my 15th rep bar" or what ever post count accomplishment a user has.

So Lauren you can't say the positive one isn't being abused because it is. You're not looking at it the way you should.

[Underground_Network]

Also, as Matt said, negative rep is a way of taking frustration out on a user that say, insulted you or diminished something you said [without good reason] without making it public or making a scene. By ridding the site of negative rep, you're opening up more chances for arguments and obstructions to the positive VT community. With that will come more infractions, then more freezings, and possibly more bannings.

EDIT: Positive rep is constantly abused, more often than negative rep. I know I've repped people who have given me positive rep in return just for the hell of it. I also know there are people on here who rep other people for hitting milestones in posts, like 500 posts or 1,000 posts, which is not what the rep system is for. There are even people on here who rep other people for getting more rep. What kind of sense does that make? I know I've also repped certain users just because I appreciate them, even if it wasn't for a post that was repworthy, which, in a sense, is abuse of the rep system.

[The Batman]

What the hell is going on. This is like turning into a WWE rep battle.

[RaisingSand]

Adam, I am trying to get this abolished because most of the negative rep these days is mostly just for people's opinions. I doubt any of the mods are harse enough to freeze or infract someone for that. Having been in several fights on the board, I've seen what happens. Usually, the posts are deleted and you're told to take it off the board and sort it elsewhere. Getting negative reputation DOES cause more ill feeling between the members and makes the member who recieved it feel like they're not supported etc. It's not a good system, and we DO NOT need it. As I said, it has become a farse. It's no longer used for it's intended purpose and it will continue this way unless it is abolished.

[Underground_Network]

I don't understand how people think it makes sense to get rid of negative rep but keep positive rep. I seriously don't. Someone explain to me how, besides 'making people feel better about themselves', this really helps the site in anyway? I mean, since the rep system has existed on here I haven't had any major problems with it. And now because a few people are bitching and moaning about receiving negative rep for stupid reasons we're considering getting rid of it forever? What the fuck have the people on this come to? What the fuck is going on here? Seriously.

And I have only seen ONE major fight between two people because of negative reputation. ONE in all my time on this site.

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

I repeat: I think we should get rid of both. Do you guys who have ump-teen bars really feel special for it?

[The Batman]

Hey how about this if someone makes a bad post, DON'T REP THEM .

[Sugaree]

I am trying to get this abolished because most of the negative rep these days is mostly just for people's opinions.

First off Lauren, that's what people have and they may disagree with you. So don't think that we all have to agree with one person says. If someone gives you negative rep that has a good reason then I can see that. But, if someone gives you negative rep just because they hate you then that's not right.

[The Batman]

Once again, another back seat mod you are Lauren :roll:

Adam brings up what we need to be thinking. People can give you negative rep just because they feel like it. That's the abuse for that half of the system. When people give positive rep for someone who has just gotten 2500 posts, then that's abusing because the post has no meaning for positive rep. Positive rep is only for posts that give advice and are helpfull and not for things like "I just got my 15th rep bar" or what ever post count accomplishment a user has.

So Lauren you can't say the positive one isn't being abused because it is. You're not looking at it the way you should.
Hey matt I find this quite funny.
Good job. Congrats and Rep + :D
Didn't you do that because someone got 1000 posts?

[RaisingSand]

Once again, another back seat mod you are Lauren.

Oh trust me, I'm not. I was demodded very ungraciously and the Main Powers here really don't like me very much. I'm extremely outspoken and I conflict with members. I am anything but a backseat mod. What I am is a member, just like you, who sees a system that isn't working anymore and needs to be gotten rid in order to prevent further conflict and unrest.

[Underground_Network]

Okay, lets put this into a real life scenario:

You say, "I oppose gay marriage" out in public.

Someone disagreeing with you could say something that could ruin your reputation. Now on this site you say the same thing, someone out this site might disagree with you and do the same exact thing, ruin your reputation. It works just like real life. Its not like you wouldn't receive "negative rep" for your opinions in real life, quite often you do, you just don't compare it to the rep system on this site.

[RaisingSand]

Adam. Internets. Serious Business. This isn't real life.

[Mzor203]

VT is supposed to be a place where you shouldn't worry too much about what people think of you, especially as it was originally made for teens with mental problems. This site isn't real life. We should try to keep it nicer than our world is.

[-Silence]

No, it shouldn't be disabled, if we have positive we need negative as well.

[Underground_Network]

Still, I don't see why you can't just deal with it. As you said, its just the internet, and I'm not sure whether you were referring to what you said on the internet as being serious business or vice versa, but still, its the internet. Deal with it. So someone gave you negative rep, boo-hoo. If you wanna go cry, go cry. Its the fucking internet people. Negative rep, positive rep, it all means nothing when you really look into it. The entire system is flawed. Just enjoy or don't enjoy it. Don't destroy it just because it has flaws. Everything has flaws, some things just have more noticeable flaws, and in most cases they can be dealt with or IGNORED.

[The Batman]

Seriously though guys your not obligated to follow the rep system. Someone will not come to your home and force you to rep someone. If you don't like that you wouldn't be able to negative rep then don't rep at all.

edit: Then why make such a big deal about it Adam.

[RaisingSand]

Oh, another one who's not reading the facts. Welcome to the band wagon.

[Underground_Network]

It still all ties in together. I get what you're saying Lauren. I seriously do. I'm just pointing out that YES the system is FLAWED, but YES, this is the FUCKING INTERNET, and you have to understand that your reputation, be it in real life or be it on the internet is constantly going up and going down. You constantly are going to say things that people like and that people dislike. Whether reputation should be a public system is the only good question I see coming out of this. Maybe we should just not make rep public. People view different people in different ways, thus, in a sense, people have different reputations depending on who they are around/who is looking at them.

[Sugaree]

Hey matt I find this quite funny.

Didn't you do that because someone got 1000 posts?

It's on a very rare occasion that I do that.

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

I think we should get rid of both. Do you guys who have ump-teen bars really feel special for it?

Does nobody realize that this reputation system has absolutely zero impact on anything anywhere? "Oh no, I only have 3 bars instead of 4! It's the end of the world I tell you! I'm going to cry myself to sleep for weeks! I hate you person who down rep'd me!!"

Can we please be a bit more mature about this? You guys are all talking as if this system determines your fate.

And Lauren, don't say that you're not. You were the one who made a big deal about getting down rep'd in the first place.

[The Batman]

But still you contradicted yourself by saying that it's not right to rep people for post accomplishments, and yet you did it yourself just 20 mins before you posted that.

[Atonement]

Two things. One, negative rep is abused, I agree, but do I think it should be disabled personally? No.

But, then again, if you don't agree with it, just politelypost that you don't, or just don't give negative rep.

[Mzor203]

Does nobody realize that this reputation system has absolutely zero impact on anything anywhere? "Oh no, I only have 3 bars instead of 4! It's the end of the world I tell you! I'm going to cry myself to sleep for weeks! I hate you person who down rep'd me!!"

Can we please be a bit more mature about this? You guys are all talking as if this system determines your fate.

And Lauren, don't say that you're not. You were the one who made a big deal about getting down rep'd in the first place.

If you don't care, why are you posting so vehemently here? Huh?

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

If you don't care, why are you posting so vehemently here? Huh?

Because people are making a big deal out of nothing. You should all drop it and get on with your lives.

[The Batman]

Another funny thing is you tell us to drop it but you steadily post.

[Sapphire]

I think that it should be disabled because there is no feasible way that we can make sure that it is used properly. And, as has been stated before, it creates bad feeling between members (the whole "revenge rep" thing is evidence of this).

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

Another funny thing is you tell us to drop it but you steadily post.

I fail to see any humor in that. Also, notice how I am no longer complaining about the system having issues, but the members who are complaining. What I am trying to do and what you are trying to do are two completely different things: I'm trying to get people to forget about the whole "reputation thing" if they don't like it; you, on the other hand, are trying to not only get negative rep. removed, but also point out flaws in everyone else's arguments. Therefore, by me posting and telling people to drop the issue, I'm not being hypocritical.

Satisfied?

[Underground_Network]

I think that it should be disabled because there is no feasible way that we can make sure that it is used properly. And, as has been stated before, it creates bad feeling between members (the whole "revenge rep" thing is evidence of this).

How do we feasibly make sure that positive rep is used properly? I'm certain if I see someone give positive rep to someone else [they make note of it in their post or make it blatantly obvious] that truly didn't deserve rep for what the person gave it to them for, I would look at that person in a different way, and even if they made a great post, would deprive them of possible positive rep; so, in a sense, it works both ways.

[The Batman]

All I was pointing out is that if you want the subject dropped why keep bringing it up? It's like trying to put out a fire by steadily putting more wood into it. If you don't like that people are complaining about it then why make a big deal about it. I mean I'm actually having fun posting in this thread because even though i lean more towards getting rid of negative rep. I still don't care what happens.

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

All I was pointing out is that if you want the subject dropped why keep bringing it up? It's like trying to put out a fire by steadily putting more wood into it.

It's actually quite the opposite. I'm not fueling the fire, I'm trying to get everyone to just leave it alone. I too am having fun here because I personally find it entertaining that so many people are determined to bring justice to a system that has no actual impact on anything. By me simply not posting, I'm not doing my part to save people the humiliation.

[Mzor203]

Humiliation? :eyebrow:

I fail to see how having fun is humiliating.

(Because we love giant debates, and there's no way we're going to stop debating.)

[Sapphire]

How do we feasibly make sure that positive rep is used properly? I'm certain if I see someone give positive rep to someone else [they make note of it in their post or make it blatantly obvious] that truly didn't deserve rep for what the person gave it to them for, I would look at that person in a different way, and even if they made a great post, would deprive them of possible positive rep; so, in a sense, it works both ways.

You are right, there isn't a way that we can feasibly keep an eye on the positive rep. However, this thread is about negative rep so that is what I was talking about in my post.

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

Humiliation? :eyebrow:

I fail to see how having fun is humiliating.

See, it's posts like these that bring a smile to my face.

[Mzor203]

Exactly, so let's save the smiles and get on with this outrageously fun debate!

[Serenity]

I vote we go back to Zach's idea: http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22171

If you personally don't want to deal with negative rep, you can have your reputation disabled. *shrug* I'd be willing to take on the requests if you guy's will stop getting so worked up about it.

[Mzor203]

I'd go for that, if the negative rep doesn't get disabled.

[Bobby]

I think it's fine the way it is and people should stop crying over spilt milk. It's a little system on the internet - and not worth getting upset over it. If your here to help, you help and let it be. You hope you help, if someone gives you negative rep, atleast you tried.

Seriously. Calm down everyone.

[Aηdy]

I vote we go back to Zach's idea: http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22171

If you personally don't want to deal with negative rep, you can have your reputation disabled. *shrug* I'd be willing to take on the requests if you guy's will stop getting so worked up about it.

I think that will stop people from moaning :)

[Maverick]

I vote we go back to Zach's idea: http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22171

If you personally don't want to deal with negative rep, you can have your reputation disabled. *shrug* I'd be willing to take on the requests if you guy's will stop getting so worked up about it.
There actually is a user group option to allow people to disable their reputation in their user control panel. I was thinking about it while in class earlier of giving users that option.

I think allowing people to at choice opt-out of the reputation system is a good idea.

[RaisingSand]

I vote we go back to Zach's idea: http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22171

If you personally don't want to deal with negative rep, you can have your reputation disabled. *shrug* I'd be willing to take on the requests if you guy's will stop getting so worked up about it.

Whilst that is all well and good, I don't think it'll work long term. If the system is left the way it is, people will continue to abuse it as it is being abused now, continuing to create ill-feeling which will undoubtedy result in conflict, and it will be the other members of the board who'll have to deal with it, not to mention you as an authority figure.

[Aηdy]

There actually is a user group option to allow people to disable their reputation in their user control panel. I was thinking about it while in class earlier of giving users that option.

I think allowing people to at choice opt-out of the reputation system is a good idea.

I noticed that the other day on my forum actually. An opt-out thing will be less hassle for everyone.

[Serenity]

Whilst that is all well and good, I don't think it'll work long term. If the system is left the way it is, people will continue to abuse it as it is being abused now, continuing to create ill-feeling which will undoubtedy result in conflict, and it will be the other members of the board who'll have to deal with it, not to mention you as an authority figure.

Negative rep itself will only be disabled if the majority votes so. If the majority does not vote for it to be disabled, individual disabling would be the next best thing. The rep system was put in place for the members, so it's up to everyone here to decide. Should WWIII break out due to rep issues then yes, it will of course be taken away. For the moment, however, the problems are small enough for a solution to be decided by the general population. Thus, I offer another option.

As an authority figure I'm ready, willing, and expected to deal with conflicts. That's why the position is here and that's why I took it on. *shrug* everyone can't be happy.

[george]

I don't really want to read all 3 pages of this stuff....well because there a lot to read but I think you should add a "I don't care" option for the poll.

[DarkWingedAngel]

i think it should be disabled not because i got negative rep but because someone negative rept me for no reason at all
all they did for the reason was a dot like seriusly people
just my opinion

[RaisingSand]

Negative rep itself will only be disabled if the majority votes so. If the majority does not vote for it to be disabled, individual disabling would be the next best thing. The rep system was put in place for the members, so it's up to everyone here to decide. Should WWIII break out due to rep issues then yes, it will of course be taken away. For the moment, however, the problems are small enough for a solution to be decided by the general population. Thus, I offer another option.

As an authority figure I'm ready, willing, and expected to deal with conflicts. That's why the position is here and that's why I took it on. *shrug* everyone can't be happy.

Fair enough.

[iJack]

I don't really want to read all 3 pages of this stuff....well because there a lot to read but I think you should add a "I don't care" option for the poll.
There is one, dont vote.

[Maverick]

I don't really want to read all 3 pages of this stuff....well because there a lot to read but I think you should add a "I don't care" option for the poll.
I added Abstain.

[Antares]

Umm no.
I seriously think no because some people make horrible posts and deserve it. I think that in order to remain stable you need both worlds. Positive and negative.
Also, it would make everyones rep shoot STRAIGHT up and everyone will have 10 blocks by next month. This system is too popular to have things remain.
I think people should get some balls and realize that people give negative rep but it is not the end of the world.
If the poll decides to disable negative rep then I think we need to take out the system all together or reset it so everyone is on an even playing ground.
because this don't make no damn sense :P (thomas) lol

[Rutherford The Brave]

I find it stupid that a few of us got neg rep and didn't say a word about it but then some people get rep and they get the troops ready. Its little green or red blocks next to your name what does it matter? Isn't the overall point to answer people's questions? Not try to get the highest rep by making all these threads that everyone likes?

[MoveAlong]

No! The Rep system is about WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT EACH OTHER"S POSTS, not a paradise of happiness. Do both negative and positive rep get abused??? YES!

If you guys are so fuckin picky about the rep system then go ahead and get rid of the whole thing, it's only silly little blocks that get abused both positively and negatively all the time. Why don't we encourage our members to send PM's to people that you appreciate their posts? That's a more mature way of doing the same thing.

i think it should be disabled not because i got negative rep but because someone negative rept me for no reason at all
all they did for the reason was a dot like seriusly people
just my opinion

I have told people over and over again to report things like this and they just don't listen.

Somebody left a dot as a comment for subtracting rep from you??? REPORT IT!

[DarkWingedAngel]

I have told people over and over again to report things like this and they just don't listen.

Somebody left a dot as a comment for subtracting rep from you??? REPORT IT!
how can i report it if i don't no who did it

[Serenity]

how can i report it if i don't no who did it

Hi there. I'm an administrator. There are these two awesome guys who are also administrators. We can find out allllllll kinds of nifty things. If you have a problem like this, let one of us know. Mmmmmkay?

[DarkWingedAngel]

Hi there. I'm an administrator. There are these two awesome guys who are also administrators. We can find out allllllll kinds of nifty things. If you have a problem like this, let one of us know. Mmmmmkay?
ok thanx for letting me know

[MoveAlong]

how can i report it if i don't no who did it

sorry for yelling at you.

The Rep Guide has been removed.

[DarkWingedAngel]

sorry for yelling at you.

The Rep Guide has been removed.
it's ok

[Oblivion]

No Zach! Its great! :(

Anyways, if you have a problem with Rep, ask Ben, Ant or Val to check it out
I bet they can remove it, and I know they can see who did it
So just send a PM and let it be
But Zachs right, rep is about what people think about your posts
If you say something they dont agree with [like an opinion] they have every right to take rep away

[Techno Monster]

No, without some form of conduct in place, people will make bad posts.

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

I think allowing people to at choice opt-out of the reputation system is a good idea.

I'm pretty sure we have a solution. Why are we still discussing this?

[iJack]

I'm pretty sure we have a solution. Why are we still discussing this?
No we dont.

[-Silence]

I really think you guys are blowing this whole thing way out of proportion.
So, someone doesn't like what you say, they give you negative rep. Big whoop. Who cares?

I do think that the rep needs to be balanced, if there is good there should be bad. If you can reward you should be able to "punish".

But guys really, you are acting childish.

We are here to help, who cares how many blocks you have under your name.

[Techno Monster]

^ I AGREE 59367849758%
People IT IS JUST THE INTERNET, YOU CAN'T EVEN FEEL OR SMELL IT!

[Antares]

When does this poll end?

[Falk 'Ace' Flyer]

No we dont.

So giving members the option to disable it themselves isn't a good idea?

[Techno Monster]

why do so many people have disabled rep?

[Maverick]

When does this poll end?There's no set date.

Also new announcement: http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=30153

[Bobby]

Well the decision has been made. You can disarm your own rep.

I guess you can stop fighting :)

[Techno Monster]

Well the decision has been made. You can disarm your own rep.

I guess you can stop fighting :)

Wooooo!!!

[Antares]

why do so many people have disabled rep?
I think because they have never recieved or given rep so it is off...idk

Like they haven't activated the system somehow or something...

[iJack]

why do so many people have disabled rep?
I do.

[Antares]

I do.
Im pretty sure thats because you did it manually.

[byee]

Maybe I missed something here. We can disable Rep, but still see comments? What's the point in that? Why can't we choose to opt out entirely of the Rep system, so no comments can be received anonymously?

[Underground_Network]

^^ Who says you have to go into your User CP and read the comments?

And thanks Ant, what you guys did is exactly what I was hoping for, though actually, my initial thoughts were to make it mandatory rather than optional. But I think, for now, I'm not going to disable my rep. I don't see my rep as a bad thing or a good thing, just a sign of how long I've been here and how helpful I've been [since the system has been around].

[Sapphire]

Maybe I missed something here. We can disable Rep, but still see comments? What's the point in that? Why can't we choose to opt out entirely of the Rep system, so no comments can be received anonymously?

By opting out of it the rep comments aren't visible in your User CP. You can still give and recieve it, just you don't see how many points you have or the comments. Obviously, by opting back in the points and comments will become visible to you again.

[Maverick]

Carole has it right. You don't see the comments anymore unless you enable it again. People will still be able to rep you but it has no effect whatsoever and you won't even know you got it, unless you at a future date decide to enable it again.

[MoveAlong]

I think this seems like a good solution. But someday something else will pop up...I just know it.

In the mean time, I just wanna say omgosh, it matches my face!

[Antares]

However, if you receive negative rep while you have it disabled don't un-disable it and complain about it. You made the choice to disable it so in essence you shouldn't care because I can forsee that happening now.

[byee]

Not to shoot a dead horse here, but I'm not sure how disabling the visuals really addresses the fundamental problem with the system: That it lacks the fundamental accountability required for feedback to be useful or constructive in the first place. Allowing others to continue to say whatever they want, and remain anonymous, isn't at all constructive and shouldn't be allowed. It's entirely too arbitrary. The fact that the recipient can choose to not see it only addresses half the problem.

I'm not sure why those who feel uncomfortable participating in a program are forced to, esp. since it has no bearing whatsoever on the nature and purpose of the site.

[Maverick]

Not to shoot a dead horse here, but I'm not sure how disabling the visuals really addresses the fundamental problem with the system: That it lacks the fundamental accountability required for feedback to be useful or constructive in the first place. Allowing others to continue to say whatever they want, and remain anonymous, isn't at all constructive and shouldn't be allowed. It's entirely too arbitrary. The fact that the recipient can choose to not see it only addresses half the problem.

I'm not sure why those who feel uncomfortable participating in a program are forced to, esp. since it has no bearing whatsoever on the nature and purpose of the site.The reputation system is what it is. If you're not satisfied with it, then turn it off. We've given you that option.

Not everyone has a massive problem with receiving anonymous comments but for those that do, you can disable it.

There's no possible way to make everyone happy but I do believe the way it is now is the best compromise.

[Nihilus]

yes I do because when people see the negative rep sign it prbally makes them feel like their advice which got posted as bad is bad.

[Underground_Network]

^^ Well, if they got negative rep for something, they MOST LIKELY got it for a reason. And anyone with an IQ over 5 should know if their advice warrants negative rep or not. I mean, advice that isn't the greatest advice isn't necessarily something that warrants negative rep. And if someone receives negative rep constantly, they probably aren't great at giving advice or come off as cocky/arrogant/ignorant [in the sense that they don't just not know things, they don't want to know them either]/etc.

[Antares]

Not to shoot a dead horse here, but I'm not sure how disabling the visuals really addresses the fundamental problem with the system: That it lacks the fundamental accountability required for feedback to be useful or constructive in the first place. Allowing others to continue to say whatever they want, and remain anonymous, isn't at all constructive and shouldn't be allowed. It's entirely too arbitrary. The fact that the recipient can choose to not see it only addresses half the problem.

I'm not sure why those who feel uncomfortable participating in a program are forced to, esp. since it has no bearing whatsoever on the nature and purpose of the site.

Why care about something you can't see?

[Techno Monster]

I don't consider this thread a big deal...
People can opt out... why is this thread still going?

[Antares]

I agree. The administration has acted and effectively solved the problem. Unless someone has different arguments to present.

[stotty]

Negative rep. should not be disabled only because if people disagree they can give negative rep. If you do not enjoy rep. well you can now disable it. It is optional

[byee]

Why care about something you can't see?

John, you asked me a q, so I'll answer it.

Rep isn't a big deal for me, I have enough maturity and self confidence so I don't rely on the input of others for my self esteem. However, generally speaking, for feedback to be useful, it needs to be standardized, the criteria needs to be specific and mutually agreed upon. Likewise, the best sources of info are those that are held accountable. Without these (i.e. anonymous feedback) is really only gossip. Think about it. There's no common system of evaluation, and there's no discussion possible. The fact that I can choose to not read it is only half of it, the other is that it's not wholesome for people to leave comments with no accountablity at all.

Features should be included in any site based on their function in facilitating the nature and purpose of that site. At the very least, when it becomes clear that *some* are uncomfortable participating in that feature they should have the option of disabling it entirely, which means that NO anonymous feedback can be given at all. Other than the fact that this ill begotten feature is now a part of the territory, there's really no reason for it not being optional.

[MoveAlong]

Rep isn't a big deal for me, I have enough maturity and self confidence so I don't rely on the input of others for my self esteem.
mature people don't talk about how mature they are. That's bragging.

However, generally speaking, for feedback to be useful, it needs to be standardized, the criteria needs to be specific and mutually agreed upon. Likewise, the best sources of info are those that are held accountable. Without these (i.e. anonymous feedback) is really only gossip.
Dictionary:
Gossip n.
Light informal conversation for social occasions
Gossip v.
speak about others and reveal secrets or intimacies

Rep is not gossip because you're not talking to another person about somebody. Gossip is a social thing, not a one-person feedback thing.

Think about it. There's no common system of evaluation, and there's no discussion possible. The fact that I can choose to not read it is only half of it, the other is that it's not wholesome for people to leave comments with no accountablity at all.
The rep system was designed by a person on vBulletin.org who programmed it to be based on opinions, not for everyone to democratically agree on who is the best and who is the worst on a site. In that situation, I think it would be too opressive and unfriendly.
I agree that people tend to take it way too seriously but that doesn't mean that we should suspend the rep system entirely, that just means the teenagers on the site who take rep literally should grow up.

Features should be included in any site based on their function in facilitating the nature and purpose of that site. At the very least, when it becomes clear that *some* are uncomfortable participating in that feature they should have the option of disabling it entirely, which means that NO anonymous feedback can be given at all. Other than the fact that this ill begotten feature is now a part of the territory, there's really no reason for it not being optional.
Having the option to disable it gets me to not focus on rep and not take things personally, because I tend to do that. That is at least one reason that it should be optional.
Another is so that people don't go "omg you have so many rep blocks u are the greatest" because that's not really true, so people don't have misconseptions about how "good" you are based on something that is entirely based on opinion.
Besides, once someone begins to be mature enough, they might want to re-enable their reputation. There's no reason to completley douse it while you take a break from it. This is a happy medium.
right?

[byee]

Zach, you've missed my point. And I'll acknowledge your rudeness, but show the maturity you're saying you cannot appreciate by choosing to ignore it.

There are two points: First, is that for feedback to be useful, either the person leaving the feedback needs to have actual qualifications to judge the worth of the post, or in the absence of those qualifications, there needs to be some agreed upon criteria for judging it. In the absence of either, the anonymity of the feedback is very similiar to passing notes in chemistry class or whispering behind someone's back. If the purpose of feedback is to help teach something, to give someone the opportunity to learn, the current system fails in that regard, regardless of whoever developed it, or what their intentions were. For it to work, feedback needs to be transparent and the person leaving the feedback needs to be accountable for what they write. I'm not sure what you're defending here, but it's not openness or honesty (or courage, for that matter). If someone has something to say, they should at the very least be able to own up to it.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, the feedback system has absolutely nothing to do whatsoever with the nature and purpose of this site. Therefore, participation in it should be voluntary. Unless you can give me a reason for basically forcing people to be judged anonymously by others, we're done with eachother on this.

[Sapphire]

This has been sorted and you can choose whether you want to have it enabled or disabled. And Sam, if you really are so mature then why have you been guilty of misusing the rep system yourself?

[Maverick]

Yeah the main idea of this thread was about negative reputation and the solution is that negative reputation isn't going anywhere, and you can disable reputation should you no longer want to participate.

If you want the rep system completely removed or would like a new feedback system, feel free to create your own thread.