In-Game Reputation

[samthedagger]

On the forums we have a rep system. It has been met with mixed reviews of sorts, but it serves a purpose. At the very least it shows who has contributed to the community in one form or fashion (even if it is just adding some levity and humor), and it isn't really worth the time to abuse. I think a rep system in-game would be far more useful as far more players actually spend time in game.

It doesn't have to be an overbearing sword-of-damocles kind of thing. Maybe something you can see by clicking "examine" on someone or by right-clicking a toon's name on the chat. But a positive point could be rewarded by players for any reason, successful completion of a quest, useful advice, being a good old chap, whatever. A negative point could be applied by those players who have earned a high rep to those players who contribute in a negative environment in the game or are considered griefers. Only one point per account would be allowed, and some reasonable limitation on accounts should be considered. Perhaps free-to-play accounts wouldn't be allowed to add negative rep. Perhaps only premium and VIP accounts would be allowed to add rep at all, or maybe theirs would count for more (although I could see some pitfalls to the latter).

An in-game rep system wouldn't have any ramifications beyond those the player viewing it wanted it to have. It would only be positive and negative points. Points would apply universally to the entire account. Like eBay, players would be able to see a % positive rep rating if they wished, but it wouldn't have any in-game mechanical effect. Most importantly it would show new players which players are worth paying attention to when advice is solicited. When Barkilar with a rep score of 7 (85% positive) says to buy the Catacombs adventure pack while TombRaider with a rep score of 415 (99% positive) says to buy Delara's, the player asking which pack to buy would have a good idea of which player is more likely to give better advice. Encouraging good advice encourages player retention, which is good for the game. And the players don't have to visit the forums to find out (which most don't do anyway).

[Vellrad]

/signed
We need more easily abusable griefing tools, and we need less new players.
/sarcasm off

[justhavinfun]

/not signed

As was stated above this would only turn into a griefing tool. Players in large guilds would be able to quickly gain a large amount of positive rep. Now they would be the ones that could pass out negative rep. Die in one of their quest, blow up a trap, not know a quest by heart, or make any little mistake and you get neg rep.

Now with all of the neg rep you are getting by not being a member of one of the large guilds you get declined from every party you try and join. Isn't hps, and gear enough to get you declined now you want rep also.

This would also lead to some major problems between guilds that don't like each other to begin with. Same thing as before. Raise the rep of everyone in your guild. Now run out and neg rep everyone from the other guilds.

Now you have to bring Turbine in to moderate this. I would rather have them fixing bugs, finishing Pre's, and making new content.

[Jendrak]

And while we're at it why not let the GM's have some fun too. After they receive 5 tickets for harassment they can put something in the examination window of the alleged offender that reads:

WARNING: This player is an ***hole

/not signed

[Memnir]

No.

[Quarterling]

No.

People would abuse the system, not care about the system (making it pointless), and more drama will occur due to the system.

Also, I bet there would also be "rep buyers/sellers". People would simply buy and sell reputation points making it even further pointless since those with the money will have all the rep. Due to this, they will obviously be the "best players" (which of course, is completely false).

[Musouka]

No.

Agreed.

[Airgeadlam]

After seeing how reputation system is used in forums, and how many people behave in game...

/Not signed

This would be the worst idea ever, sorry.

[~jradnut]

I say YES!!

And let Chaos reign!!

[Kmnh]

In game reputation would be the perfect way to nurture the elitist cliques. It would do more than the guild levels abomination did, which says a lot.

[thouston]

i think that there is already a rep system in place.

people talk and word gets around.