The AnimeSuki Forum Staff would like to announce that the Reputation System on AnimeSuki Forums has been retired.
On 15 December 2012: Reputation was frozen at then-current levels, and Forum Members could no longer issue any new rep.
On 24 December 2012: The reputation system was disabled. Any accumulated rep points no longer appear next to your posts, and the "Latest Reputation Received" section is no longer be visible in your User CP.
Why this change?
The Reputation System was introduced in November 2003. Since that time, a rather large discrepancy has formed between the rep power of certain long-time members and those of newer members, which affects the overall balance of the point system. In addition, it has been noted by the staff (and many forum members) that the reputation system as currently implemented has resulted in some behaviour that could be seen as negative, such as "anonymous coward" negative rep (including nasty or inappropriate rep comments), and a general preoccupation with the "power" some people feel reputation points represent (including the formation of "cliques" who encourage each other via rep). The intention of the reputation system was to provide a simple and fun way to give feedback to other posters (and to reward posters who made positive contributions to the Forum), but the staff are not convinced that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks at this time. This decision was reached after many months of consideration among the staff, and the current timing was chosen so that we can enter the Holiday season and the New Year with a fresh start.
How should I give feedback about posts instead?
Since the system was introduced, we have introduced other new ways to give feedback, including the Visitor Message system. We would encourage posters to provide feedback via VM, or via Private Message if you'd prefer to keep things private. Of course, you may also reply directly in the threads, but please do not post in the thread
only to offer thanks or to make trivial comments like "I agree" (please see our
Forum Rule about useful posts).
Will there be a new system like reputation in the future?
At this time, the existing reputation system will be retired, and the Forum will run without any reputation system. After the Forum has run this way for a while, the staff will consider whether there is a need to introduce a new system. If a new post feedback system is introduced, all existing reputation points will be eliminated and all reputation power reset such that everyone will be given a "fresh start" under whatever rules a new system may involve. However, at this time, there are no established plans to introduce a new reputation or post feedback system.
How can I give my feedback about this change?
While the decision to retire the current system is final, the staff are open to a discussion that may impact the future direction for possible new feedback systems that could be developed. You may leave your comments in this thread (yes, this one).
The staff would like to thank all Forum Members who make positive contributions to the Forum, and those Forum Members who used their reputation power over the years to encourage positive, constructive forum behaviour. While the reputation system is being retired, we hope that we can continue to work together to make this the most fun, engaging, and insightful community for Anime and related discussion online. We covet your feedback as we strive to reach that goal.