We seem to have 2 schools of logic showing themselves. First, "rank users so people can judge their reputation at a glance". Second, "any ranking system is inherently flawed /will become popularity contest".

The first point, I'm very, very hesitant on, but am willing to discuss implementations. I don't like the idea because I don't want users modding down other users. I think it violates a mutual respect for each other I think we should all have. I agree with the second point that any ranking system is inherently flawed / will be come a popularity contest. I don't want that here, I don't think that's what the other mods want either.

I'd much rather users rate the CONTENT than each other. This keeps moderation about the content, and not about the user. But it allows new people to see what the general community thinks about someones posts. Of course, you could have roaming packs of wolves modding up their own content and modding down anyone that they don't like. Mod intervention should be able to stop this before it becomes an issue.

I spent a large part of my weekend playing and tinkering with the new forum system, on sample data (a database snapshot from our live db here). I've got some good ideas and some implementation ideas that should help with a lot of recurring concerns I see people bring up. I'd like to see more comments on this, so feel free, even if you've never posted here before, if you're this far into this thread, I'd like to hear your comments. If you don't want to post publicly, PM me, IM me, whatever.