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Absolutely, it is damaging the discussions. It is frequently used as a manipulative process to anger posters simply because they disagree with a stated position, and nothing else. It adds nothing to the forums.
The original intent of the negative rep is a good one. The enforcement of abusers of the system is more the issue. Sometimes one needs a reminder to follow the rules without having to call a mod. A neg rep in ideal situations does this.
Removing the negative rep to reduce a mods work load seems reasonable, but not just so everyone will have a rosey view of the world.
Posts not abiding by TOS can be reported and delt with. But I too have seen some members abuse the neg rep feature. I think reporting a post is better.
Get rid of it. If somebody's doing wrong, a moderator will give warnings or infractions. As for everyone else, if someone gets on their nerves that much, there's an ignore feature.
Besides, it seems nobody's got the nerve to sign the negative rep they give out, which is cowardly, as is giving negative rep just because you disagree with a post.
Yes-I believe it should be done away with as it can be used (and has been) on innocuous, innocent posts/posters. The mods do a wonderful job and if something is really offensive it can be directly reported to them.
The original intent of the negative rep is a good one. The enforcement of abusers of the system is more the issue. Sometimes one needs a reminder to follow the rules without having to call a mod. A neg rep in ideal situations does this.
Removing the negative rep to reduce a mods work load seems reasonable, but not just so everyone will have a rosey view of the world.
Very well said.
I've never used negative reps, but I always thought it added balance to have them there.
However, it sounds to me as if they rarely if ever are used correctly, and do more harm then good.
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