Why the reputation system doesn't work.

[michel dvorsky]

Suppose you are in an argument with 5 people.  Two agree with you while the other three do not.

How will you be rewarded?  Your friends vote +2 and your opponents vote -3 ==> for a total of -1.  Does this say anything about the quality of your contribution, or merely point to the fact that some people (those against whom you were arguing)  tend to disagree with what you have to say?

It is not in the interest of your opponents to reward an opinion that contradicts their own - even if your own opinion is better argued, and is inherently more reasonable to a third party.

The reputation does not do a very good job rewarding contribution.

[allthumbs]

I agree and have rewarded you accordingly.

allthumbs

[G.W.K]

Suppose you are in an argument with 5 people.  Two agree with you while the other three do not.

How will you be rewarded?  Your friends vote +2 and your opponents vote -3 ==> for a total of -1.  Does this say anything about the quality of your contribution, or merely point to the fact that some people (those against whom you were arguing)  tend to disagree with what you have to say?

It is not in the interest of your opponents to reward an opinion that contradicts their own - even if your own opinion is better argued, and is inherently more reasonable to a third party.

The reputation does not do a very good job rewarding contribution.

That is true. But why can't you tie all your questions about the reputation system into the "Reputation" thread?

But aside from that: yes, there is that problem. Also if someone just really hates you or only comes on this forum to cause trouble, they will deliberately lower your score just because they dislike you.

G.W.K

[arensky]

I agree and have rewarded you accordingly.

allthumbs

As have I 

[allthumbs]

As have I 

Oh thank you, I was at a minus number. You were too until I rewarded you for agreeing with me.

[arensky]

Actually I agreed with Dvorsky. But I found your post in "Warlock Folk Song Preludes" very helpful, so I rewarded you for that! Karma has an interesting flow pattern.