The points we receive: a suggestion

[Xray]

We all receive points for posts others like. Why? What is the purpose for these points. I have 4,233 points. So what? Maybe we could come up with something like a reward for the points, like you could use your points toward something on the site. IDK what, but maybe we could come up with something. What is anybody else's take on this?

[Head_Monkey]

The purpose of Rep Points to help avoid the usual "post crap until I reach the minimum to access the good stuff" from happening. I know of other sites that use this method, and yer guaranteed to have 5-10 "crap" posts on random threads that let's be honest, are meaningless and detract from the effort the poster went to to post the article / pics. The fact that people come here to access the goodies and not contribute back is not what this community is about.

The Rep Points are supposed to show members appreciation for the time and effort you put into the site by posting articles and pics, and contributing to others posts. Those who have high rep points are generally considered "outstanding contributors", and the site would not be this good without them.

As for what the points can be used / traded for is a good question. Not sure if Chief has any thoughts on this topic, but the moment there are monetary based rewards for rep points, the back-door dealings of giving rep points for the sake of the rewards and not for the content will start. I guess you could trade the points for custom titles, avatars, etc. I've seen that work on other sites.

[Xray]

We avoid the "post crap to get a minimum of points" because the members give out points to other members and we don't usually give points to crap posts.

[Head_Monkey]

Originally Posted by Xray

We avoid the "post crap to get a minimum of points" because the members give out points to other members and we don't usually give points to crap posts.

True, but I was eluding to sites that have a set number of posts that people must make before they can access the good stuff.

[WatUpDawg]

maybe we do need a trade in system...it sounds good to me.........

[intarwebs]

On some forums (e.g. lime-light.org is one I think) you can use points to buy yourself colours in your name, personalized group names, custom images under their names, etc. You get posts from posting and winning contests.

I'm not exactly sure what sort of options there are, but maybe the first contest we could have here is a suggestions thread for spending points Top 10 best suggestions get points. Of course, that presupposes somebody is willing to program those features. If they aren't, then I'm guessing this idea is a no-go.

[DarkManX]

how about having the knowledge that you are an outstanding contributor to this site and the world at large

[computer2slow]

Originally Posted by intarwebs

On some forums you can use points to buy yourself colours in your name, personalized group names, custom images under their names, etc.

Ideas are being kicked around something may or may not happend.

[kisinkiet]

well,

it seems difficult to manage points. in fact a beginner can give by example 2 reps points when he would say 10 and a former member gives 15 when he want to set 8. at least, you can give less points on a topic than your reputation gaves you.

cu

[Donnhw]

I used to be able to see who gave me rep pts. I can still see that I got them, but can't see who gave them to me any longer When did that happen; did I pass out again?