[the Guru]

Good question Sam. It is a fairly simply thing to grasp but then there are also a number of features to the reputation system overall which probably makes it seem more difficult than it actually is.

Every member starts off which a reputation level of 10 and a reputation power of 0.
For every 365(alterable) days you are a member you gain 1 additional point of reputation power.
For every 1000(alterable) posts you make you gain another 1 additional point of reputation power.
For every 100(alterable) reputation points you have you gain another 1 additional point of reputation power.

Now every time you give another member reputation (by clicking the little heart on the left-hand side of each post) you will give (if you agree) or deduct (if you disagree) a number of reputation points equal to your current reputation power. These points are displayed as the 'green dots' on the left-hand side of every post.

In order to prevent the reputation system being misused, every member may only give 10(editable) different reputations within a 24 hour period and may not give the same member reputation until they have given 10(editable) other members reputation - this is called the reputation spreed.

So how should you use reputation?
If you read a post that you think is very well worded or knowledgable to the subject or any other such reason which makes it 'reputable' then you should click the little heart on the left-hand side of the post, add a quick comment and select that you agree. This will add your current reputation power to the posters reputation points and therefore increase their reputation. Likewise if you disagree or consider the post to be irreputable, then you should select that you disagree and your reputation power will be deducted from the posters reputation. The more reputable you are (in forum terms), the more influence you have on others reputation and so reputation is very similar to 'real life' reputation ... it takes time to gain but can carry some major influence when used correctly.

[CuriousGeorge]

So, the more green dots (little squares) you have in the lower left corner of your post, the more "powerful" the reputation points you give or take away from the person you are commenting on. I have to spread rep of some sort around to 10 people before I can give it to someone twice. Almost like some of the video games my kids play.

[the Guru]

Yes ... and to even complicate things further the darker the green dot the more powerful it is. This is simply a 'real estate' issue.

[CuriousGeorge]

Seems like we could have a bit of fun with that. Some sort of "range" of graphical figures or phrases that could show near the dot totals.

[the Guru]

Yes. The phrases already are there ... just hover over one of the dots to see a description.

[CuriousGeorge]

Cool, all this time and I had no idea!

[Garage Logician]

"CuriousGeorge is a glorious beacon of light"? OK, I can buy that!

BUT:

"Garage Logician is just really nice"? Oh come now! Somebody has been telling stories here!

[CuriousGeorge]

Originally Posted by Garage Logician

"CuriousGeorge is a glorious beacon of light"? OK, I can buy that!

BUT:

"Garage Logician is just really nice"? Oh come now! Somebody has been telling stories here!

Yep, we ALL know what you are like when you get up!

[comsmart]