new forum function - User reputation

[andy]

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/repsystem.jpg

And what is this all about? You can read up on how this works here (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/faq.php?faq=bmwlt_faq_specific#faq_site_faq_reputation)

And also right underneath the symbol for giving the reputation you'll find the repuation itself, in the form of green or red squares.

As always, your moderators and admins hard at work.

[andy]

And you can also sort the user list by reputation! This will give you a 'feeling' of what the community over all thinks of a particular user.

A negative rating means that many other users do not approve or agree with the views of a particular person, whereas a high positive rating means that many others agree with this particular user and (s)he is generally in high respect.

Now what does this mean to YOU? I guess that is something you have to decide for yourself. :)

[zaphod]

While rating a user to determine f they are giving accurate advice seems like a good idea, I wonder if it is really such a good thing. I just did a sort based on reputation and only 2 names show red, Kbandit and Messenger13. I am guessing the reputations they have gained are more for their political/religious views and not their technical accuracy. Kbandit may ruffle a few feathers with his views and Messenger13 with his “village idiot” rants, but I think they both bring value to the community. To ostracize them because of their personal views is wrong. If you don’t like what they say and them to you ignore list. I personally think that screening post is a mistake. I may not agree with all of the views/info posted here, but the amount of knowledge gained is worth it.

Messenger13, Kbandit – Keep the posts coming.

[DaveDragon]

While rating a user to determine f they are giving accurate advice seems like a good idea, I wonder if it is really such a good thing. I just did a sort based on reputation and only 2 names show red, Kbandit and Messenger13. I am guessing the reputations they have gained are more for their political/religious views and not their technical accuracy. Kbandit may ruffle a few feathers with his views and Messenger13 with his “village idiot” rants, but I think they both bring value to the community. To ostracize them because of their personal views is wrong. If you don’t like what they say and them to you ignore list. I personally think that screening post is a mistake. I may not agree with all of the views/info posted here, but the amount of knowledge gained is worth it.

Messenger13, Kbandit – Keep the posts coming.

Hey somebody had to be the test cases :) Just kidding http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

[zaphod]

You state, "You may view reputation information by accessing your User CP area". I went to the CP and didn't see this info. Am I missing it, who do you access it?

[andy]

You state, "You may view reputation information by accessing your User CP area". I went to the CP and didn't see this info. Am I missing it, who do you access it?

If someone left feedback for you you will see it right there on the Main page page of the User CP. You might not have any feedback yet.

[zaphod]

I can't say I'm surprised to see them there, but I have gotten good technical advice from Joe. I just HATE censorship in any form. It seem like, "The many have spoken, now the few can shut up"

[andy]

While rating a user to determine f they are giving accurate advice seems like a good idea, I wonder if it is really such a good thing. I just did a sort based on reputation and only 2 names show red, Kbandit and Messenger13. I am guessing the reputations they have gained are more for their political/religious views and not their technical accuracy. Kbandit may ruffle a few feathers with his views and Messenger13 with his “village idiot” rants, but I think they both bring value to the community. To ostracize them because of their personal views is wrong.

Like I said earlier: What that means to you is purely a descision you have to make for yourself.

[dshealey]

I have to say that I just don't see how this is an overall "good" thing. To me it seems like a polarizing tool, to what purpose?

I think we are mostly pretty smart people here (we own (or owned :( ) LTs, don't we?). :D So we should nearly all be able to judge for ourselves without a "tool" to do it for us.

If it was for "technical" uses only, and not able to be swayed by political, religious, or other views, then maybe. Otherwise it can be a damning tool for little good purpose.

I have been a member of this great group for over 5 years now, and in that time can only remember 2-3 posters who were problems. They disappeared, either because they could not continue getting the attention they craved after we learned to ignore them, or from peer pressure. A few started out on the wrong foot, but quickly changed into valuable contributing members after they got the lay of the land. I would not want someone like that to be carrying a "demerit list" into the future.

I would vote to remove this "feature".

[bharrisjr]

I sure am sorry that our community has reached this level. I choose not to participate in this activity; all I wanna do is ride my LT, and enjoy the company of others that like riding as well.

[DaveDragon]

I can't say I'm surprised to see them there, but I have gotten good technical advice from Joe. I just HATE censorship in any form. It seem like, "The many have spoken, now the few can shut up"

I checked the system and you have received no feedback.

Question: Just how is the use of this feature "censorship"?

[zaphod]

From The Columbia Encyclopedia: (in part)

…restriction of any type of expression believed to threaten the political, social, or moral order. It may be imposed by governmental authority, local or national, by a religious body, or occasionally by a powerful private group. [I guess we are a powerful group http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif]

…Censorship may be either preventive or punitive, according to whether it is exercised before or after the expression has been made public.



Now I know turning someone’s reputation icon red isn’t much of a punishment, but if they get the feeling that people think they are a not wanted they might just stop posting. Peer pressure. I just like a free flow of ideas and don’t like any barriers to their exchange.



Our world of bmwlt.com may be just a speck in the big scheme of things, but I think this is typical of the polarization that has become so prevalent in the world. If you think differently, you must be wrong, and should not be heard, and maybe worse. A lot of bad things have started that way.



OK I’ll get off my soapbox now. I wouldn’t want to get a bad rep.

[Randy]

Visit the Surveys and Polls area and let your feelings be known in a poll (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2275) on this topic.

[black1200lt]

Gang,

I have to agree, I do not think this is a good idea.

Sure there are a few real pills here, almost everyone knows who they are and I will promise you that the good guys are all smart enough to skim over, skip, or have them placed on an ignore list. Also the trouble makers know who they are and how a lot of people view them. I have noticed the bad ones usually buy a clue and slow it down or drop off all together. ( I promise I could name them all...but of course that would not be polite!) Sometimes not as quickly as many would like, but all and all I just don't see the need for score keeping.

I think that this is something that is truly unnecessary.

One thing I have enjoyed about this list is the friendships that have evolved and *then* meeting them face to face at CCR. Anyone that has been to CCR know what I am talking about. I think if we start playing Madame Defarge, I'm sure we will all regret it.

[Tallyho]

I guess we know why Joe hestitated to make his 5000th post now. :(

[DaveDragon]

It seems that all here responding only see a POTENTIAL down side to using the reputation systems as if their was any real down side at all.

What about the positive uses?

A lot of info is passed back & forth here and perhaps some would like to know if the person offering the info is actually ''in the know" or full of it.

jm2cw

[gulfxray]

Wading in...

Dave I think that is an excellent point. In the past, one (myself) learned who knew and who didn't by observing who responded, whose responses were similar, whose responses were followed (and generally received a glowing thanks), etc...

Maybe if this reputation thing was focused on that aspect alone, it would be better received. Or perhaps even a 'list', compiled by the community, of who those technical go-to guys & gals are - I have my list and I bet others do as well.

With the reputation implemented as it is now, I wouldn't know what someone's reputation was based on (technical, humor, chit-chat, RTE scheduling, etc...).

Regardless, I appreciate the chance to express a view point...

[meese]

Well, I suppose that I can see the use of such a function, especially as things build up over time to help alleviate any skewing caused by too few points having too much impact (anyone familiar with Google-bombing?). But overall, I'm not sure any of it should be taken seriously, especially this early into the game.

I'd have to say that I don't think there's anyone that I would purposefully give a negative mark. There are those I disagree with on certain issues, but that's bound to happen in any reasonably sized group. I'd rather just be glad that we have the diversity that we do. In fact, since the eGroups days, I can only think of a small number of people that I would even consider marking down, had we had that opportunity since way back when. But like others have said, they tend to get weeded out eventually, or more often they adjust themselves to fall more inline with the group dynamic.

I'm also not the type to get all worked up over whatever reputation I may collect, regardless of what color it may come out as. I am who I am, and doubt that a few anonymous comments would change that.

I think it may be useful if it was based purely on technical merit, as this is a technically-based website (though it has grown into a much larger and more social community as well). However, it's pretty clear that those who know the most and are willing to give the most of themselves stand out already, both in the consistent qualities of their posts and in the way they are respected by other members.

I also think that the feature of rating particular posts or threads might accomplish this a bit better than rating individuals. If there is truly useful or unique info posted, then it shouldn't really matter where it came from. Heck, a lot of what I pass on to others is just stuff that I've gathered over the past few years, thanks to the hard work and contributions of others.

So overall I'd have to say that this particular system is pretty irrelevant, at least as I currently see it. Some may agree with that, and some may not. So be it.

[KBandit]

of all the stupid $hit i've seen pop up on the internet this is without a doubt the most lame. a popularity contest based on your point of view. i graduated from this crap when i entered second grade

oh ... was that politically incorrect? yikes. please paint my post completely red. while you are at it you can put a red X on my forehead.

don't even try to sell this as technical expertise because you know damn well it's not. it aims to cajole those who hold views outside the mainstream into toeing the line.

how utterly childish.

[jayz9705]

:D :D Gary, would you mind if we used scarlet instead of red???? We promise to use only one letter, tho!!:yeah: :yeah:

[mwnahas]

I would have to agree this smacks of immaturity. I'd give you plus points for that but I don't think I'm going to participate either way (giving plus or minus).

We should all be grown up enough to judge who we have interacted with, who you agree with and who you don't. I don't think I need to see red or green indicators. All those say was that someone didn't like what someone posted. You don't have to tell me with an indicator, I can tell by reading the posts, if I like what that person posts or not. Well, that's my opinion anyway.

[BkrK12]

This is just another way of categorizing people, like the user titles. Why do the admins feel this is a good idea? I'd like to hear an explanation from whoever started this as to why they think it's necessary.

[jpalamaro]

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/repsystem.jpg

And what is this all about? You can read up on how this works here (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/faq.php?faq=bmwlt_faq_specific#faq_site_faq_reputation)

And also right underneath the symbol for giving the reputation you'll find the repuation itself, in the form of green or red squares.

As always, your moderators and admins hard at work.
I voted in the poll that I had NO OPINION since I didn't know what it was. I WAS INCENSED by the thought that this could even or that anyone could even harbor such an idea. A reputation could be trashed? GMAFB!

[Bruce_Yates]

Gang,

I have to agree, I do not think this is a good idea.

Sure there are a few real pills here, almost everyone knows who they are and I will promise you that the good guys are all smart enough to skim over, skip, or have them placed on an ignore list. Also the trouble makers know who they are and how a lot of people view them. I have noticed the bad ones usually buy a clue and slow it down or drop off all together. ( I promise I could name them all...but of course that would not be polite!) Sometimes not as quickly as many would like, but all and all I just don't see the need for score keeping.

I think that this is something that is truly unnecessary.

One thing I have enjoyed about this list is the friendships that have evolved and *then* meeting them face to face at CCR. Anyone that has been to CCR know what I am talking about. I think if we start playing Madame Defarge, I'm sure we will all regret it.

I agree (that this is a bad idea) for all the same reasons Coni so eloquently stated.

[mintaka]

I click on a posted link (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2782) that did NOT go to the product mentioned) so I posted the CORRECT link.

I visit my User CP and see "somebiddy" left a comment on my corrective action, to wit,

"Nobody disses Bruce and gets away with it! Consider yourself "on notice".

Disregarding the typo… WTF !

N.B. the typographic error is that the period belongs INSIDE the closing quote. See… http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_overvw.html (scroll down) and http://programs.northlandcollege.edu/owl/Quotation%20mark%20rules.htm

[DaveDragon]

I believe the comment is nothing more than a good natured Ohio leg-pulling. :)

[early1]

I sure am sorry that our community has reached this level. I choose not to participate in this activity; all I wanna do is ride my LT, and enjoy the company of others that like riding as well.
come on man dis me
Hit me with some o them neg points

[tnk12lt]

Apparently the comments are not anonymous. If you comment on the post of a moderator they have the ability to find out who made the comment. I'm not saying they all do this, but they apparently can if they want to.

Just in case it matters to anyone.

[bob_menton]

Why haven't the folks who dislike this feature gone to "UserCP", "Edit Options", and turned off "reputation" ?????? Why so many green boxes ???? Why don't we see more black boxes ????? Show us the courage of your convictions !!

- Bob

[tmgs]

Why haven't the folks who dislike this feature gone to "UserCP", "Edit Options", and turned off "reputation" ?????? Why so many green boxes ???? Why don't we see more black boxes ????? Show us the courage of your convictions !!

- Bob\

prolly for the same reason many won't or don't use any form of killfile or ignore list?

JMHO

Tom

[sanjaun2]

Good idea, I am now disabled. Just because I think this site is to good for such BS.