Hi All,

Whether you like it or not, your rep level on BHW is a sign of how trustworthy and knowledgeable you are. Compared to a lot of forums, the reputation system is actually very good. The longer you are here and the more you contribute, the more rep power you have. This, however, can lead to problems...

Whilst the system is generally a good indication of contributions to BHW, it is not foolproof. If you are new to BHW, do NOT automatically trust someone because they have rep.

After doing some "research" the other day, it came to my attention that there are a number of members with a very high reputation level, but little to no justification for that (in terms of shares and contributions). It also came to my attention that there are a group of you who mutually rep each other and game the system. You know who you are... and we know who you are

To all of those who rep people for no reason and hope to get rep back in return: STOP. Mods can see a history of rep and it's quite obvious who's been up to no good. Keep it up, and you'll get banned.

To all those who blindly trust people with high rep: be careful. It is a good system, but it can also be gamed by unscrupulous members.

Let's all play fair and continue to keep BHW as the best marketing forum out there.

Thanks!

I like this... I have noticed some shady users with some outrageous rep. Thank ... And dare I say +rep?

This should be pinned.

We'll be keeping a close eye on this in the coming weeks/months - sticking this warning for now.

Thanks for that helpful and useful information meathead , +rep given hah

Glad this is being looked into - it annoys me to no end how some of us work very hard to contribute and yet you see people with 4x the rep who have done nothing :P

good point! thanks @mods

Have you guys thought about removing the ability to give rep in the lounge? Sort of like how posts in the lounge don't count toward post count? Not sure if it's possible but I think it would correct a lot of the problem of people with high rep for doing nothing useful at all.

Originally Posted by LBrown

Have you guys thought about removing the ability to give rep in the lounge? Sort of like how posts in the lounge don't count toward post count? Not sure if it's possible but I think it would correct a lot of the problem of people with high rep for doing nothing useful at all.

I'm not sure if this is possible so I would have to ask.

The thing to note here is that the problem is a GROUP of members repping each other in a "circle". So I'm not sure if removing the ability to give rep in the lounge would solve this issue.

Hopefully, however, this post will be a warning to those who are doing it to stop. Repping the same person 17 times in 2 months (yes, one person has done this) is clearly ridiculous and we're on to you

Originally Posted by meathead1234

Repping the same person 17 times in 2 months (yes, one person has done this) is clearly ridiculous and we're on to you

Damn, that's pretty excessive. I'll admit, I rep people a lot. I think it helps motivate people to post better quality content. I think maybe if there were a lesser amount of being able to rep a day that might help. Also, what if you were only able to rep someone once a month? I'm not sure how the VBulletin rep system goes. Those are the only things I can think of that might help.

I give this thread a WinScore of 93%.

Good step making BHW more clean. Also some people asking REP and thanks in there thread after there contribution, hope its not allowed now. It would be good if mod's warn them or ask them to remove that on the same thread so that others can know that's not allowed.

I say remove the reps that are not deserved ... i.e "spreading some reps"

Good point man, +rep!
(Don't forget mine in return )

Originally Posted by bdtyrone

This should be pinned.

says the guy asking for thanks in his sig... lol

Originally Posted by Kickflip

I will continue to rep as I see fit, and would invite the mods to continue to watch my account if they please, as I obviously know there are many members on BHW who dislike me and don't like seeing my rep so high, but I truly love being a BHW member, and I feel like I know how to use my "power" responsibly so I have nothing to hide.

Thanks for your input.

I'm not going to name names. That was not the purpose of the thread. No-one has been banned and hopefully it won't come to that.

It was just a warning for those who mutually rep each other as a group. Obviously, once or twice a month is fine, but literally repping someone every other post is a little excessive. I would sometimes rep someone for an "in joke" or based on a conversation we've had on Skype, but certainly not that much. It should be used when you feel a contribution deserves more than a "thanks".

Well, isn't that a black hat method to get rep? haha

Originally Posted by tharako

Well, isn't that a black hat method to get rep? haha

Yep, but bear in mind the mods are blackhatter's too... and are probably smarter than most people like to think... so it's not going to work for long before we catch you

Originally Posted by meathead1234

Yep, but bear in mind the mods are blackhatter's too... and are probably smarter than most people like to think... so it's not going to work for long before we catch you

Indeed, I still don't know a bh method which last forever :P

well its about time. so Shit List would be less populated.

Originally Posted by meathead1234

I'm not sure if this is possible so I would have to ask.

The thing to note here is that the problem is a GROUP of members repping each other in a "circle". So I'm not sure if removing the ability to give rep in the lounge would solve this issue.

Hopefully, however, this post will be a warning to those who are doing it to stop. Repping the same person 17 times in 2 months (yes, one person has done this) is clearly ridiculous and we're on to you

It is possible, it's just a modification based on category.

Code:

<vb:if condition="$forum[forumid] != x"><rep button code></vb:if>

With the forumid set as X it means rep button would show in every forum except X

Originally Posted by mudbutt

I give this thread a WinScore of 93%.

most of the noobs there begging for thanks and rep , especially when they are posting any crap lol , most of the time they just copy/paste from other sites ...

rename "Rep" to "Derp"

all problems solved

Yeah... not only is it getting out of hand.... the abuse is running rampant.

It's like there are inner circles and inner clicks on BHW.

All it takes is some controversial post in the lounge....
then two groups of people get into it with each other...
then next day---- everyone has mega reps added...

People rep each other for supporting some BS post they did...
and of course the other person pays back the favor.

glad this is being looked in to BHW has become more and more rampant with 'reputable' members running scams.

I think it would help alot if REP can only be given to the ORIGINAL POSTER.

That would stop a lot of BS.

Reps not that important anyway. I look more at people's post count and account age.

If I'm looking for trustworthiness, I just check people's post history and see what they've been talking about/doing.

Rep does not necessarily make anyone reputable.
I have my home, business addresses and telephone
numbers on my websites.

I'm gonna be nervous about giving anyone rep now

Originally Posted by Kickflip

Finally, do remember, if you ARE consistently giving rep to the same person, make sure you would "vouch" for them up to $5,000 or so. If you wouldn't personally put your own money up, or your account on the line for them, do they REALLY deserve your repeated +reps? I trust some people on the forum that much, and I have never met any of them in real life before.

Kickflip,

While I appreciate your interest and feedback on the thread, please refrain from giving advice that isn't actually a formal rule. If you would like to become a mod, feel free to fill in a staff application.

There is no requirement to be able to "vouch" for someone up to "$5000 or so" in order to give rep. Nor is there any requirement to give someone rep regularly, just that YOU feel it has added value to the FORUM itself. There are people here with 0 rep I'd vouch for a lot more than $5k, and others I might rep from time to time who I wouldn't vouch for at all, I just like their contributions.

And to reiterate: the problem here is a circle of people repping each other. Nothing else. It was just a public warning to those people that are doing it to stop. We know who you all are, so no-one needs to come in here and make justifications, nor excuses.

Thanks!

Fair enough meathead. I'm gonna be as tight as ... Well I'm gonna be conservative with the rep deliverance from now on

Originally Posted by davids355

Fair enough meathead. I'm gonna be as tight as ... Well I'm gonna be conservative with the rep deliverance from now on

For the record... you aren't one of them and I would actually feel confident vouching for you anyway.

Please continue giving rep as you feel fit. I am NOT telling anyone to stop giving rep.

Just don't get a bunch of friends together to "return the favour" in order to continuously increase your own rep

Originally Posted by meathead1234

For the record... you aren't one of them and I would actually feel confident vouching for you anyway.

Please continue giving rep as you feel fit. I am NOT telling anyone to stop giving rep.

Just don't get a bunch of friends together to "return the favour" in order to continuously increase your own rep

Ah cheers meathead I was just getting paranoid!!

Originally Posted by Toro2

ewwwww!

To all:

This is a prime example of a post that deserves neg rep

Originally Posted by Toro2

ewwwww!

Originally Posted by meathead1234

To all:

This is a prime example of a post that deserves neg rep

That's just a knob post.
I de-rep for disinformation, abuse and spam.
You got to post some good shit to get some rep out of me.

Originally Posted by oxonbeef

You got to post some good shit to get some rep out of me.

Now, THAT would explain why I never get any rep!!

yup agreed OP. I usually hit report if I feel that might be what's going on, or at least if it seems the person is getting rep unfairly. remember we can help the mods by reporting. although its hard to be a snitch =| sometimes it's the right thing to do, and this isn't your usual snitchin.


i'm more worried about giving neg rep appropriately really. i've only done it a few times. makes me nervous though

Originally Posted by Kickflip

That isn't the point of the reputation system, and that isn't the point of this thread. The point is that the mods feel that people are repping for no other reason, then to increase their reputation themselves through a "rep for rep" system. Whether spoken or unspoken, it does feel sometimes like its respectful to "return the favor" when someone reps you, and you don't want that person to feel like you ignored their "+rep".

Sure, the appropriate thing to do is probably PM them and say "Thanks for the rep. I really appreciate that", but sometimes I use it as an opportunity to browse that persons recent posts, and if they have been answering a lot of questions by noobs, or recently made a very long post to help someone out, and I notice their rep is quite low, then yes I think they deserve a legitimate rep at that point.

If I browse their posts, and don't see many worthwhile contributions, I might stalk them for a bit and wait to see if they do something good. I want people to be encouraged to post more, and giving them a monster +rep is a great way to do it. Anyways, I have said my bit, and I just don't want this thread to scare people. If you can justify the rep you are giving, keep giving it. I would rather people make quality shares and posts TRYING to get rep, then not make any quality posts at all. As long as they don't blatantly ask for it, and don't threaten to stop sharing due to lack of rep, I have no problem with "rep bait" posts.

Edit for more clarification on my thoughts:
My personal philosophy is, when you find yourself repping the same member repeatedly, think about how that reputation looks to other members of the forum. That rep could be misconstrued as you vouching for that member indirectly.

I disagree.

Yes, that is the point of this thread. Abusing the REP system.
Because we can rep anyone for anything... it opens itself to abuse.
It would lower the abuse if only the original poster would get the rep.

I personally do not rep anyone because they repped me.
That defeats the whole purpose of having the rep system.
I do not feel that I owe them anything.

I rep people because I feel they went far and beyond with what they posted......
what they posted helped me and I know will help other people reading it.
When I rep them I do not feel they owe me anything either.


On a different note:

No disrespect intended, but please stop phrasing your posts like you are a MOD.

Virus & Kickflip -

Please keep the thread on topic and stop flaming each other.

The purpose of this thread was to WARN those who have been participating in this rep-circle bullshit to stop. It was not to start a discussion on where/when/how to use rep.

Don't need it to turn into an endless discussion about the merits of the rep system and your opinions on how it should be used. If you want to talk about it and how the system can be improved - feel free to open your own threads.

Originally Posted by Virus1

I disagree.

Yes, that is the point of this thread. Abusing the REP system.
Because we can rep anyone for anything... it opens itself to abuse.
It would lower the abuse if only the original poster would get the rep.

I personally do not rep anyone because they repped me.
That defeats the whole purpose of having the rep system.
I do not feel that I owe them anything.

I rep people because I feel they went far and beyond with what they posted......
what they posted helped me and I know will help other people reading it.
When I rep them I do not feel they owe me anything either.


On a different note:

No disrespect intended, but please stop phrasing your posts like you are a MOD.

The Rep system would be worthless if only the thread starter could be repped

Say for example someone starts a thread stating oranges are blue and gives you all the reasons why oranges are blue

then someone else comes on and gives a step by step with pictures showing oranges are orange and ways to prove that, then they would deserve a rep as the responder as they had clearly inputed

Under your system the responder may decide not to respond and start a new thread on the same subject as they may then get a +rep

The system as it is appears to work apart from the abuses that have been highlighted here

no neg rep please

"Game over"

Does anyone really care about the rep system? I mean, what does it really mean other than being a gimmick. The rep system cannot determine the person i really am. I could be a great person and loved by anyone who meets me. Does that mean im always going to post postive posts just to keep it that way? No, it does not mean that at all. So if im the type of person who has opinions and nobody likes it my rep is going to be low? But that doesnt mean i am a person who is not loved and a great person. It simply means im outspoken and people may not appreciate it.

The system is flawed and nothing but a gimmick in my opinion. Those of you who are going around rep'ing each other just for the hell of it, i ask, dont you have anything more important to do? I mean, whats the point? Its childish and stupid. I cant believe there are people who are still thinking like "kids".

Originally Posted by mikie46

Does anyone really care about the rep system? I mean, what does it really mean other than being a gimmick. The rep system cannot determine the person i really am. I could be a great person and loved by anyone who meets me. Does that mean im always going to post postive posts just to keep it that way? No, it does not mean that at all. So if im the type of person who has opinions and nobody likes it my rep is going to be low? But that doesnt mean i am a person who is not loved and a great person. It simply means im outspoken and people may not appreciate it.

The system is flawed and nothing but a gimmick. Please dont bad rep me.

Again, not here to argue the merits of the system. A lot of people use it as an INDICATION of trustworthiness and knowledge - there's no denying that.

It's not perfect - but I do think it's a good indication of contributions to the forum (not always, but mostly).

So, anytime people are gaming the system and trying to get their rep up artificially, that's a cause for concern. Would be quite easy to open an account, start a rep circle and then rip a bunch of newbies off for their hard earned cash. It's not uncommon to see "highly trusted (e.g. highly repped) members in the shit list. By ensuring people only get rep through legitimate means, I'd hope this growing trend will decrease.

Originally Posted by meathead1234

Again, not here to argue the merits of the system. A lot of people use it as an INDICATION of trustworthiness and knowledge - there's no denying that.

It's not perfect - but I do think it's a good indication of contributions to the forum (not always, but mostly).

So, anytime people are gaming the system and trying to get their rep up artificially, that's a cause for concern. Would be quite easy to open an account, start a rep circle and then rip a bunch of newbies off for their hard earned cash. It's not uncommon to see "highly trusted (e.g. highly repped) members in the shit list. By ensuring people only get rep through legitimate means, I'd hope this growing trend will decrease.

This is exactly what im talking about;

Before posting the above, Reputation: 38
After posting the above, Reputation: 31

Thanks Kickflip, your the man!!! Ditto!

Originally Posted by mikie46

This is exactly what im talking about;

Before posting the above, Reputation: 38
After posting the above, Reputation: 31

Thanks Kickflip, your the man!!! Ditto!

so kickflip neg repped you... for this thread??