Khalaq: Well, that certainly wasn't how I was using it.
I know it may sound alien to some people, but hang out with adult
males. You know, the kind who speak their minds when they don't like something. If I have a problem with something you've written, I will respond with words, telling you in what way I think you're out of line and explaining how your presenting yourself. I do this with the intention of letting you know in clear terms what you did to offend my sensibilities. For all I know, it could all be a misunderstanding. Perhaps I'm misinterpreting your attitude or intentions. It's not like I can read your mind....
If someone didn't like what I posted, I would expect them to say, "Dude, you're coming across as being rude and unappreciative, and here is why." I would expect that I would be allowed to respond to the criticism, all parties would make it clear where they stand, and everyone would end up at least understanding one another even if they didn't necessarily agree.
Personally, I use the "rep" button to reward postings that are unusually helpful and/or outstanding in content, and I use it to punish those who abuse the community in some manner, such as people who spam advertisements in our forums. I do NOT use the "rep" button to carry out a social vendetta against an individual who may have posted an opinion I disagree with or a diatribe I found annoying. That is because, as an adult male, I allow people to be anti-social or stupid if they wish to be. That's called "toleration," and it is a necessity in any society where people are allowed to speak their mind.
As for anonymously trashing somebody's "rep" because "he/she talked mean to me," that is the behavior of young
girls who have serious character flaws and I abhor such behavior.
-Khalaq
Remove the boldfaced words, and add a 's' to adult and a '-sters' to young, and I agree with Khalaq.