You must spread some reputation around before giving it to...

[daiquiri]

Hello, how about doing something about it?

Let's face it - we have something like a dozen of people (not more, imho) on this forum which contribute by continuously and generously sharing their deep knowledge about boat design and building. I think it is unjust that I cannot give them my rep points again, just because I already did it a month ago. Or just because I have given to only 6-7 other guys in the meanwhile.

Why are we required to give rep points to other XX persons which have written something that we find 10 times less valuable (no offence, ok?) before giving it again to those who we consider more helpful contributors? It is a system which rewards mediocrity, not the excellence, imho.

No intentions to offend anyone here, let's make it clear. I'm just meditating over the fact that (the most recent example) I was reading Eric Sponberg's thread about the center of flotation, where he is really doing an excellent job in explaining the principles of boat design and I would love to give that man what he deserves... But I can't. I need first to give a load of reps around, to anyone and for whatever, just to build up a number which will allow me to reward what I consider the really good stuff. It is unfair, imho.

[masalai]

You could put a link?

[Jeff]

This can be frustrating - for myself as well.

However, it's a simple system at the moment. The reason a rule was put in place that you can't give rep to the same person too often was that it was deemed there needed to be something in place so a small group of members would not end up (innocently or not) giving each other positive rep, back and forth, and back and forth, and ending up with a small group of people with so much reputation that they then totally dominated the forum.

The idea was also that reputation would be more meaningful if it represented being appreciated by a larger number of members, rather than being extremely appreciated by fewer members.

I agree though, a much more sophisticated system would be advantageous as there are definitely limitations and frustrations with the current system. I don't have an ETA though on when this will be improved - first will be the vB4 upgrade.

[daiquiri]

Thank you Jeff. I realize how difficult task must be the elaboration of a new strategy for rep points. It has to deal with many bad aspects of human psychology too...

Masalai, the link is here:
center of flotation calculation and implications?

[masalai]

Thanks, an interesting discussion... I will refrain from posting there, in case the "rabids" follow me...

[kistinie]

Rep tool....a lot to say about it ...
-80 Rep certified answer