[Oak]

[img]http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/3216/72790879ed9891cm3.jpg[/img]

Welcome
Philosophy. Noun. The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. Throughout our daily lives, we acquire an intangible, incalculable reputation from the thoughts and opinions of our peers. We are judged by the mistakes we make, the color of our skin, and the opinions we take. We. Are. Judged. From the moment of our conception, to our last breath and conclusion, the world has an opinion of us. An opinion that is difficult to alter and impossible to erase, especially when including current technological advances and social media's continued globalization. Only by starting anew, among a torrent of peers just alike ourselves, are we able to be as we truly are. To be ourselves. Outside of closed and anonymous communities, we are at the mercy of stereotypes and misconceptions; however, when the physical world has melted away, leaving only the reality of a person, the mind, are we able to move beyond such petty and orthodox views.

This Doesn't Seem Like It Belongs Here?
Believe me, it does. The Lounge is not a reasonable location for the Philosophy of our Reputation System. I am not telling Omniscient that doing this is a bad idea, yet, rather, philosophically examining the possible outcomes of movements towards this choice. Namely by explaining how the reputation system is important, what gives it meaning, and how continuing with these plans could destroy an integral component of Hack Forums. Please take the time to fully read and understand what I have written below, as this issue is near and dear to my heart.

---

The Value of Online Communities
Ever since self-awareness awakened within humanity, self-image and self-esteem have developed and become integral components to life. While we often judge ourselves by our intentions, others judge us by our actions. Thus is the meaning of our appearance, both physically and mentally. Jokes told within a circle of friends are not told for the humor, yet rather for strengthening a positive opinion of said comedian. We all want to be accepted, yet actions made during our youth and mistakes revealed within confidence, all affect our self-image and self-esteem. During times of self-conscious thought, we take self-image to a whole new level: instead of defining ourselves by our own thoughts, we define ourselves by the supposed thoughts of others. Do you see the possibilities for error? I hope so. When trying to decipher unknown thoughts, we view ourselves from the same destructive, judgmental standpoint that should never be present, especially within internal thought. Online communities solve many of these issues. Provided an individual is true to their character and opinions, free from the fear of a physical presence, true feedback can be achieved on who he or she really is. Said process works for both parties involved, people are able to give their thoughts on others, freely, as well as receive criticism or compliments on the content of their character. While it is true that such as system can be abused, such is the nature of freedom and choice.

The Meaning of Reputation
I will agree with anyone at any time that the real number of one's reputation is insignificant and arbitrary, yet that is not the whole construction and meaning of the reputation system. The reputation system allows for feedback and original opinions on another's character. Regardless of the actual wording of the short message, the inherent meaning is what counts on a personal level. One who gives to the community, shows their true character--good or bad--and cares about the community itself, will receive substantial returns. True, the reputation system is not always used in such a way, but there are other key elements to its proper use. Even if the message is not specific feedback about oneself, there are other substantial and essential components to the reputation system. Such as, a short note or message relating to experiences shared with an individual or group, likely reminding them of times of acceptance and moments shared with peers. Every message, no matter how simple or short, has an underlying meaning for both sides of the exchange.

Flaunting and Abusing Reputation
Flipping the switch between physical life and cyber life can often create holes in the stability of one's mind. Where in physical life, no measurable form of reputation and public appearance is readily available, online communities advocate the anonymous utilization of free speech. The effects of these instabilities can follow one of two courses, either to flaunt one's reputation--to feel secure in his or her self-image--or to abuse the reputation system--so as to feel as if they don't need it. Each and every human being is self-conscious and cares about their appearance, there are no exceptions; as aforementioned, it is an integral component to self-aware life. Essentially, one will either fully embrace the reputation system for its true merits, flaunt it for personal security, or completely disgrace the system--denying it as a feasible access to feedback and interpersonal connections.

Reputation and Hack Forums
Reputation must be taken for both the good and bad, as removing a calculable and meaningful form of connection to and feedback from peers will inhibit the luster of online communities. No longer will actions be publicly replied to through both a number and message, yet rather an unoriginal, stock reply. Hack Forums has truly had success with the reputation system, as long as it is watched, so as to remove the meaningless abuse. Real, tangible benefits can be made to one's self-image/esteem/actualization with the correct implementation and moderation. Hack Forums has its own hierarchy of importance, and as long as the foundation of the reputation system is left on reasonable grounds, the abuse of the reputation system will minimize. What do I mean by reasonable grounds? I mean that the current state of regulations for reputation should remain the same and continued to be monitored with care. Each member should be given an available amount of reputation, as they are now, and no more. Having a number tied to the meaningful message allows for the building of a calculable image by reasonable increments, while tying it to a beneficial message through either criticism or commendation.

Reputation's Supposed Salvation
Removing the ability for directed feedback completely corrupts the foundation and meaning of the reputation system. More often and than not, the issues revolving around reputation are due to the number involved, rather than the message conveyed. Just as I mentioned before, the potential for abuse creates the complications involved with reputation. When one is worried about either flaunting their reputation or partakes in its abuse, the number is the target, not the message. No positive outcome will come from the removal of the message, aside from the lack of need for its monitoring. While that may sound wonderful, the true meaning of reputation is what gives this online community substance. Removing it will not only destroy the benefits of an online community, but also cause a downgrade into caveman-like perceptions.

Other Benefits of the Reputation System
As was somewhat touched upon during the section "The Meaning of Reputation," the message within a reputation allows one to remember the connections he or she had with the peer leaving the reputation. If maintained correctly, one could have a full history of their account just by starting from the first reputation and climbing to the last. Having these stock, impersonal messages removes the personal connection with the account itself and the ability to remember members from times long ago. Repfucks are examples of how this history can be wiped out, yet to be left without any meaning to the reputation system from the beginning, leaves this online community with a useless accessory that no longer carries importance. The reputation system will just become baggage.

---

TL;DR
While I wish you would read the thread, as I have put a lot of effort and thought into its creation, I will provide a short summary:
Reputation only carries meaning within the accompanied message. Removing said message destroys the foundation and benefits of reputation, both in the possibilities of truthful, anonymous feedback from peers, and the removal of physical misconceptions. Reputation allows for calculable, meaningful feedback on the content of one's character and connections between anonymous people from across staggering physical barriers. The message accompanying the reputation is not the issue. The only issue with reputation is its potential for abuse, which can be solved with minimal support. The benefits of a fully-working reputation system far outweigh the negatives. Continuing with the plans to remove the message literally demolishes any importance whatsoever to the reputation system.

Why Do I Care?
One of the only reasons I am still around today is because I care about the community. Sure, I run my business on the side and utilize the multitude of opportunities on Hack Forums, it's the community that has kept me around and enthralled me from the beginning. While it may not seem like much, every time I read a positive or negative reputation that has meaning, I take it to heart and recognize how others view the real me. Hack Forums has had a heavy hand in controlling who I am today. This community has allowed me to mature and evolve to a state that would never have been possible in the physical world. Here, the physical composition of one does not control how others perceive an anonymous member, unless said member abuses their physical composition for stereotypes present within the physical world. This has made a monumental difference in who I am today, as I am able to associate with like-minded people and develop my own opinions. My real age comes as a surprise to many, as the truth surrounding me, is that all I want is to be free and achieve the acceptance of others. I can be bull-headed and stubborn, as well as enjoy a joke or two, but my real personality is shown in the pages of Hack Forums. Reputation has meaning to me in the message, not the number. With reputation, I can see what people truly think of me.

[Jay‌‌‌‌]

Great looking article, I'm going to read through it now.

[Lads]

Always high quality Sir. Still reading however.

[iDuL]

Very nice quality thread you got here Sir.

[Stay Plural]

I agree, I won't like the new reputation options where we can't write our own feelings.

[Huskers]

Great article, some users take rep too seriously. & think it is everything. But honestly having a nice productive community is what matters! But every one scams now a days :/

[Terry A. Davis]

I like this whole thing, I am glad I read it.

I agree with you, taking away the option of what you can put it a rep is like taking away someones personality or choice in the matter. I look forward to reading some more replies from this.

[Wonders]

Awesome read, you've put a lot of effort into this and it shows.

[Oak]

I like this whole thing, I am glad I read it.

I agree with you, taking away the option of what you can put it a rep is like taking away someones personality or choice in the matter. I look forward to reading some more replies from this.

This was essentially my core idea. The message within each reputation carries meaning, while it may not be meaningful to the public, it carries meaning--no matter how small--between both parties.

---

@Everyone Else: Thank you for taking an interest. This took most of my night to put together, so it's wonderful to see people read it with such vigor.

[Terry A. Davis]

This was essentially my core idea. The message within each reputation carries meaning, while it may not be meaningful to the public, it carries meaning--no matter how small--between both parties.

---

@Everyone Else: Thank you for taking an interest. This took most of my night to put together, so it's wonderful to see people read it with such vigor.

Indeed, people give you ones for doing the news and being HQ in stuff like this, if the new change finishes it will now just be "I like this user" not leaving anyone understanding why.

[Oak]

Indeed, people give you ones for doing the news and being HQ in stuff like this, if the new change finishes it will now just be "I like this user" not leaving anyone understanding why.

Quite exactly my point.
Part of the reason I continue to compile the HF News and manage the HF News team within the Writers, is because of the feedback I receive from the community via reputation. It means more to me than many may think.

This is the same case with other users. People who provide a service will not get recognition for what they have done. Someone who wins a giveaway will not be able to properly thank the host in a public manner. There are all sorts of ramifications to this movement.

[DaFreak]

I agree with this man.. Very nice thread!

[Terry A. Davis]

Quite exactly my point.
Part of the reason I continue to compile the HF News and manage the HF News team within the Writers, is because of the feedback I receive from the community via reputation. It means more to me than many may think.

This is the same case with other users. People who provide a service will not get recognition for what they have done. Someone who wins a giveaway will not be able to properly thank the host in a public manner. There are all sorts of ramifications to this movement.

This is also true if you have loads of reps saying "I like this user" they might not know the give away is legit unless he gets his previous winners to vouch on his thread which might be unlikely.

But I must say for the news you do also get feedback pm's correct? Rep only plays a minor part in the feedback for your news.

[Cryptography]

I read the whole thing and I must say... that was good. I agree with your said points.

[Oak]

This is also true if you have loads of reps saying "I like this user" they might not know the give away is legit unless he gets his previous winners to vouch on his thread which might be unlikely.

But I must say for the news you do also get feedback pm's correct? Rep only plays a minor part in the feedback for your news.

True, the reputation doesn't play a large role in my continuation with the HF News, but it does make a difference. To see my reputation bounce back after my repfuck was a wonderful experience, especially when in my time of need, the community I had provided such a dedicated service for, returned the favor to me.

I do also enjoy the private messages. I take the time to reply to each individual message as best as I can. My main point is, each component makes a difference. Reputation does play an integral role in the HF community.