*Peeks out from under the hat....again*
While I applaud the bandying of fresh ideas on how to alter the current course, I cannot in good conscience sit back on this particular piece of the discussion either. Doing away with the reputation system, temporarily or not, for any reason would be a monumental step back, in my not so humble opinion. Here's why I think so.
1> The proper use of the reputation system is not in actual jeopardy, a small number has mentioned that they've been given props for being a dick (Oooo, I used a cussword) and we who are not moderators need to keep in mind that this is their perspective on why they received props. The props are given by a third party for that individual's reason and it may say "I'm glad you said that" but whose to say the individual meant to applaud being a dick or the point that was being made? Also, from a statistical standpoint, the rep system is by and large used appropriately so if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Focus.
2> Limiting the usage to IC only would sooner turn the system into a waste of bytes than it would promote IC writing and damage the communities open, transparent ability to appreciate one another.
3> Some folks have been here for a long time, some have made a significant impact on the community in a short period and that is currently obvious with the rep system. Removing it to "level the playing field" is tantamount to stripping all level 50s of their gear in game and mailing everyone on every server i55 gear so no one is better and we're all the same. Those who have made the effort to engage, to inspire, to plan, to implement, and sometimes even to bring a bit of rationale back to an irrational issue, have nothing to show for it. The rep system is not elitism, it's recognition for a job well done and a clear indicator of movers, shakers, and positive members within the community. Doing away with it to placate anyone is, essentially, wrong on a level I cannot even accurately describe without using the term "rude".
While I applaud the bandying of fresh ideas on how to alter the current course, I cannot in good conscience sit back on this particular piece of the discussion either. Doing away with the reputation system, temporarily or not, for any reason would be a monumental step back, in my not so humble opinion. Here's why I think so.
1> The proper use of the reputation system is not in actual jeopardy, a small number has mentioned that they've been given props for being a dick (Oooo, I used a cussword) and we who are not moderators need to keep in mind that this is their perspective on why they received props. The props are given by a third party for that individual's reason and it may say "I'm glad you said that" but whose to say the individual meant to applaud being a dick or the point that was being made? Also, from a statistical standpoint, the rep system is by and large used appropriately so if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Focus.
2> Limiting the usage to IC only would sooner turn the system into a waste of bytes than it would promote IC writing and damage the communities open, transparent ability to appreciate one another.
3> Some folks have been here for a long time, some have made a significant impact on the community in a short period and that is currently obvious with the rep system. Removing it to "level the playing field" is tantamount to stripping all level 50s of their gear in game and mailing everyone on every server i55 gear so no one is better and we're all the same. Those who have made the effort to engage, to inspire, to plan, to implement, and sometimes even to bring a bit of rationale back to an irrational issue, have nothing to show for it. The rep system is not elitism, it's recognition for a job well done and a clear indicator of movers, shakers, and positive members within the community. Doing away with it to placate anyone is, essentially, wrong on a level I cannot even accurately describe without using the term "rude".
What a colossal waste of time and energy.
