In principle, members should only give 'positive' rep if they felt that an especially helpful post had been made in any area of the forum.
Awarding another member a positive Reputation for a post that has been helpful just to the reader is acceptable.

Referring specifically to the thread topic of Negative Rep...it is possible to also reduce somebody’s rep score if it's felt they had made a particularly unhelpful post. We must all please keep in mind that what we might personally class as 'unhelpful' may well be helpful for somebody else, so please only make a negative reputation if you strongly feel that the comment can be classed as totally unhelpful for the vast majority of members, not just for you.

If a post or comment would be widely considered to most members to be rude, offensive or in breach of forum rules then negative rep may be given.
In continued severe cases forum infractions or permanent banning might be used.
Negative rep may also be given where a poster is directing personal abuse (or bullying) to another member...this might also result in a forum infraction or permanent banning from the forum.

Do please also note that for each time a positive or negative is given you must also give a reason why.
This reason will be seen in the "Settings" section of the forum of the receiving member which shows a history of reputation awards and a points total.

The Reputation feature of our forum should NEVER be abused, and should not be used simply because you personally like or dislike someone or personally agree or disagree with something that's been said.

For those who still do not know the functioning....To give reputation click on the reputation icon (small black star shape) in lower greyed area within the relevant post. This will reveal a form to complete with the reputation type and the reason for giving the reputation.

Giving 'Rep' (Reputation) (both positive and negative) is meant to be done with objectivity and respect


If any member would rather not have their Reputation score displayed under their username on forum posts then it might be possible to disable this feature.Just ask Admin if your personal account can be changed in this way.