# How Reputation and Rep Power work and are earned/awarded **URL:** \ **Category:** Introductions - New Users, Say "Hello"!\ **Created:** [April 2, 2008, 7:12pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700 "2008-04-02T19:12:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![data4](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/data4/32/272_2.png) [@data4](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/data4)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 11:36pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/21 "2008-05-29T23:36:44Z")
Thanks for this thread Mark and Andrew. Recently, I’ve been PMed by someone who shall remain nameless, that seemed a bit butthurt by getting negative reps and s/he didn’t know who did it. I know that the general consensus among the forum is that whoever gives neg reps without signing it is a coward, but I’m a bit mixed as far as that goes. There is a backlash that could occur. Some people just don’t like having their ego bruised, and will counter attack in kind. I’ve given negative reps before and I haven’t signed them. Usually, I’ll explain why in the comments and leave it up to the person to think about why they’re getting negged rather than who did it. I will say that the few times I’ve negged someone, I’ve left constructive comments in an effort to let the person learn from the mistake I discerned, and hopefully come out better in the end. The way I’ve seen it, a lot of people-- particularly the younger folks-- tend to see the rep system as a popularity or status contest, when it’s not. It should be a way to recognize people with experience, good insights, and overall positive contributions to the community. A person with high reputation should be someone who can be approached and asked questions with a measure of confidence that the advice and answers they receive are good. This is why I’ve added the rep thing to my signature. I personally don’t want reps for being a witty cool guy. I want to know that whatever advice I give, or points I make, are useful to the community. Likewise, I also want to be told when I’m wrong, because it provides a way to better myself. To be honest, there are some people with high reputations here that, in my opinion, have contributed very little to the advancement of the community, and/or have dangerously little experience with [pheromones](https://pheromonelabs.com/shop/). I say “dangerously” because the advice from these people could lead newbies astray, and said newbies wouldn’t know any better because they see this person has 800 reputation points or whatever and thinks he knows what he’s talking about. Anyway… sorry to vent, but I wanted to get that off my chest. Thanks -D4 ---
**Author:** ![renny](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/renny/32/2104_2.png) [@renny](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/renny)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 12:41am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/22 "2008-05-30T00:41:24Z")
I got a pm similar to the one you mention data4. I hope that in the future instead of neg repping a person (who may speak a different language or come from a different culture) for ettiquette faux pas, the neg repper will simply shoot the person a pm and tell them what they are offended by and give them some constructive criticism without resorting to taking away something (rep points) that someone else has given them. If the person is intentionally being disruptive or intentionally giving bad advice then by all means neg rep the bejeezus out of them. Fortunately that is a situation that rarely occurs around here because of our most excellent moderators. I agree wholeheartedly with what you say about only wanting rep points for doing things that benefit the community and the cause. The fact is though we don’t control who give us reps or why. All we can do is give them back. It’s a win -win thing. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![word-up](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/71c47a/32.png) [@word-up](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/word-up)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2008, 3:08am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/23 "2008-06-30T03:08:18Z")
what can we do with rep power ---
**Author:** ![tisha23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@tisha23](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/tisha23)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 12:54am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/24 "2008-07-03T00:54:12Z")
You cant do anything with your rep power, It just shows status, People with high rep power generally have posted alot, been here a long time and have made useful posts. The points in the store are not the same as rep power, with those you can get money off on products. Tisha ---
**Author:** ![dragua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba8739/32.png) [@dragua](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/dragua)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2008, 12:00am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/25 "2008-07-08T00:00:21Z")
Aaaaaaaaah now it make sense! ---
**Author:** ![z414a4d](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/z414a4d/32/1299_2.png) [@z414a4d](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/z414a4d)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 2:25pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/26 "2008-07-18T14:25:40Z")
> [@word-up](#): > > what can we do with rep power well my friend, I think the question is moreso.. **.“What can’t you do with rep power?”?!** You can take it for a walk, you can feed it, or even play frisbee with it. The possibilities are litterally endless…In fact, if you make sure to water them everyday, there is a good chance they will flourish into a line of green dots…Those dots then in turn reflect your knowledge and detetermines (most of the time) whether someone would accept advice n whatnot on the paticular situation. If you hover your curser over the dots it will give a brief, yet powerful description of…stuff…yep…stuff.. ---
**Author:** ![renny](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/renny/32/2104_2.png) [@renny](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/renny)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 8:14pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/27 "2008-08-14T20:14:16Z")
Aww Z, ya just taught an old dawg a new trick…I’d rep ya but I’ve given out too much…I’ll try to remember to do it tommorrow. ---
**Author:** ![Robbie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2acd7d/32.png) [@Robbie](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Robbie)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 8:37pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/28 "2008-08-14T20:37:32Z")
That’s weird, I just ran my curser over my Rep Power and it reads _ **“Owes SteveO $25…”** _ ---
**Author:** ![z414a4d](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/z414a4d/32/1299_2.png) [@z414a4d](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/z414a4d)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2008, 2:26pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/29 "2008-08-18T14:26:30Z")
> [@Robbie](#): > > That’s weird, I just ran my curser over my Rep Power and it reads _ **“Owes SteveO $25…”** _ ya…about that… ---
**Author:** ![Tenant](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/tenant/32/1668_2.png) [@Tenant](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Tenant)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2008, 2:49am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/30 "2008-09-04T02:49:00Z")
What does it mean when it says “Your Reputation in this post is Balanced?” ---
**Author:** ![mark-in-dallas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/mark-in-dallas/32/860_2.png) [@mark-in-dallas](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mark-in-dallas)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2008, 8:18am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/31 "2008-09-05T08:18:31Z")
No clue! Maybe trying to tell you that all your other posts are out of wack? JK. 😛 🙄 There are generic pop up text messages that will wppear when you hover over your reps, and they change as your rep power changes. Is that what you’re talking about? Mine says “Get a life and get the hell out of the forum” Is that a hint? 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![Tenant](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/tenant/32/1668_2.png) [@Tenant](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Tenant)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2008, 4:59pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/32 "2008-09-05T16:59:27Z")
Nope. When you go into your CP and see the latest reputation you’ve received. There’s all these green rectangles, then the date you received the rep, and maybe a comment. I have one box that is grey, and when I go to the post and click Reputation it says “Your Reputation for this post is balanced.” ---
**Author:** ![inkling](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/inkling/32/2326_2.png) [@inkling](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/inkling)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2008, 6:25pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/33 "2008-09-05T18:25:13Z")
A grey box is from a new forum member who has not yet received reps. It’s a neutral. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![mark-in-dallas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/mark-in-dallas/32/860_2.png) [@mark-in-dallas](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mark-in-dallas)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2008, 8:25pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/34 "2008-11-10T20:25:30Z")
Well, with the changes made in Pherotalk 2.0, I see I’m going to have to come back and make some major revisions to the screen captures and explainations provided in the original post. May take a day or two, but I’ll get to it. ---
**Author:** ![Lguapo22](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/898d66/32.png) [@Lguapo22](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Lguapo22)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2009, 6:35am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/35 "2009-11-29T06:35:37Z")
jeez this is crazy ---
**Author:** ![booker38](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c6cbf5/32.png) [@booker38](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/booker38)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2009, 6:05pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/36 "2009-12-01T18:05:46Z")
> [@mark-in-dallas](#): > > Many new users may be wondering what the Rep Power and Thanks are in the user profile information to the left of each posting: What are they and how do they work? Here is a little bit of information to help explain the system and how to use them. > > Rep Power, Thanks and Thanked are each shown in your profile below your username, avatar and join date in the postings, as shown below: > > [http://democomputer.com/forum\_images/rep\_explain.jpg](http://democomputer.com/forum_images/rep_explain.jpg) > > There have also been more than a few members that have have asked how to quote from a post or multiple posts when replying in a thread. The image above should help to clarify this as well. > > To quote from a single post, just hit the “Reply” button at the lower right of the posting, and a reply window will open with the post in brackets. You can delete any of the text inside the brackets that is not relevant to your reply. Make sure that you do not delete the opening or closing brackets though, otherwise the text will not appear as a quote in your reply. > > To quote from more than multiple posts in the same reply, click on the > > image at the lower right of each post that you want to quote from in the thread, and when you have selected all posts to quote, then hit the reply button and a reply window will open. You can also change the order the quotes are displayed in by by cutting and pasted or highlighting and dragging it anywhere in your reply. > > Reputation - either positive or negative can be given for any post by clicking on the little heart at the bottom of the users profile information. Most of us will provide positive reputation for a posting that we believe positively contributes to the thread, although occasionally we may rep a user for a funny posting, or just because. > > Negative Reps are generally reserved for users that have insulted another member, or are abusing the forum and most of us rarely neg rep another member. > > Your Reputation will increase anytime another member decides to rep you, and your Reputation number will increase by the number of their Rep Power. > > Thanks are often given for posts which you feel were helpful and will add 1 point to the members reputation number for each Thanks. > > For a posting that the member put a great deal of effort into, and which provided information that was very helpful or informative it is probably more appropriate to rep them. For posts where you just wish to show your appreciation for the members contribution, a Thanks will suffice. > > You can find your actual reputation number in the user control panel, by clicking on the User CP link at the top of the page. > > [http://democomputer.com/forum\_images/rep\_number.jpg](http://democomputer.com/forum_images/rep_number.jpg) > > If you neg rep another user their reputation will decrease by 1/2 of the Rep Power you have. > > Rep Power is determined by how long you have been a member of the forum, the number of postings you have made, and your Reputation number. After 100 postings you gain 1 rep power, after 200 posts an additional Rep Power is awarded, then it goes to 1 rep power for every additional 200 postings until a member has reached 1,200 postings, after which rep power is inceased by 1 point for every 300 posts. Rep Power also increase by 1 for every 100 points of Reputation, and I believe that another Rep Power is earned for each year you have been a member. > > I hope this helps to clarify how the Thanks and Reputation system works, and how to use it. I hope this is where I’m supposed to write. It certainly is a bit confoozzing for newcomers. I’m off to a great start - i sent a reply to Steve O. for the nice welcome, but it didn’t work. I’m an older guy in my 60’s & lost my wife a few years ago. Would be nice to attract some attractive ladies. I live in Northern NJ where we have the lovely reputation of having the highest property taxes in the nation. Yes, I own my own home, but getting weary of bouncing around in it all by myself. Can only hope that this reply works. Ciao, booker38 ---
**Author:** ![lauracita](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4491bb/32.png) [@lauracita](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/lauracita)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2010, 6:38am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700/37 "2010-01-06T06:38:21Z")
I am pretty computer illiterate and somewhat new to pheromones. I’ve read and purchased things but never found a sit like this. I LOVE IT. You guys make it so easy. thanks@ [Previous page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/how-reputation-and-rep-power-work-and-are-earned-awarded/10700.md?page=1)