I think one very good useful aspect of the reputation system is for new/newer members...especially if that newer member has a question that they need an answer to RIGHT NOW! Lol
Newer members being "new"...don't exactly know how things work...thus seeing veteran members with decent amounts of reputation will invariably steer new members into trusting these members a bit more. Not to say that veteran members with less reputation don't post equally accurate & trustworthy info. It's just human-nature.
I still occasionally join other internet forums. And when I join...I'm now the "newbie"
If I have a "burning" question that I would like an answer to ASAP...even with all of the experience I have here at Mac-Forums...I'm still much more likely (at least initially) to "trust" a member on a new forum I've just joined with more reputation (again...human nature). Of course if I'm active on that forum...I will get to know who are the more active & knowledgeable members are...and then I will rely less & less on the reputation system.
I should mention one other aspect of internet forums. Not all internet forums are the same...and not as well policed & managed as Mac-Forums. Some internet forums are like the "Wild, Wild, West":
- Almost anything goes.
- The forum may not have established community rules.
- Forum staff may not be as involved.
- The reputation system may be abused.
- etc.
Here at Mac-Forums we have:
- A clear & established set of Community Guidelines.
- An awesome & knowledgeable great bunch of regular veteran members.
- A great bunch of newer members who also bring new points of view & experiences.
- And we have a forum staff that really takes managing the forum seriously...has lots & lots of experience...and really knows their stuff technically.
In a really well-run internet forum with lots of knowledgeable members and a very active staff...the reputation system may not seem as useful. But it still serves an important purpose...to keep track of all the quality/awesome effort that each member has contributed over the weeks, months, and years they've been a member. Also some members prefer to give positive feedback in a more anonymous manner...which the forum reputation system allows for.
And hey...it feels pretty darn good to occasionally get some positive feedback & comments from fellow forum members we respect!
- Nick