I just noticed this repuation system today, and while i *think* i can understand why Neal put it in, past experience tells me the negatives outweight the positives.
On the plus side, it encourages people to behave themselves. But i think thats the only plus there is.
What happends longterm is you'll get "gigged" when anytime someone disagree's with you. Presentation of thought will have little to do with it. People like to lash out at things contrary to their personal view. Post anything that is not inconformity to mainstream acceptance and you'll get dinged for it.
What will also happen is "popularity contests", possibly even clicke's forming that may go beyond the GW and NYGM rivialry. This system will also accentuate any personality conflicts that exist between any forum users. Not to mention a situation which i can only describe as a covert forum war.
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