User Reputation System

In general, do you think the "User Reputation System" helps or hurts a forum.

I noticed the system is enabled on this forum. Does anyone else use it?

I use it and my members go crazy for that stuff. hehe. I did rename them to "Frubals" and it caught on really quick. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal but they seem to thoroughly enjoy it. As long as it's not being abused :)

As long as it's not being abused :)That's my concern.

Well, there are limits set in place so one person can't effect your entire reputation. They could, however, create multiple accounts and give someone bad rep, but you can tell if multiple users with small post counts are giving one member bad rep. It's not that easy to abuse, and I've never had a problem with it and I've been running my vb forum for well over two years now.

eh - I dont use it. Its too prone to abuse and really - means little IMO - Im sure there are forums where it would be worthwhile, but I dont own any

I'm not using it on my newest forum and don't plan to.

I kinda like, it has grown fun. Its not as easy to abuse if you custom some of the settings for it. I made mine where you have to get 250 rep points before your power goes up 1. So I'm keeping the power down to make it more friendly. And its even better b/c you can only give out so much every day.

Yeah reputation will usually lead to abuse when site becomes very large so most large sites do not use it. However it is great for smaller communities who can correctly handle the system and keep it balanced. I usually reset every year to keep the playing field level:)

Yeah reputation will usually lead to abuse when site becomes very large so most large sites do not use it. However it is great for smaller communities who can correctly handle the system and keep it balanced. I usually reset every year to keep the playing field level:)

How does one reset it?

change the values via vBulletin Options and then run the maintenance tool for rebuilding reputation. i usually decrease the amount of points for posts and stuff each year so its harder to get to the next lvl.