No idea, even in this very topic, I present my own opinions on the matter and the reason I can't stand anjohl's posts is that he just can't accept any other standpoint than his own. I think that's why others don't agree with him as well, as I have seen many unpopular opinions on these boards being discussed without the person standing for them getting downrepped or attacked. Hell, I have been on the 'minority' side more than once and seldom does something like that happen to me, unless I'm the aggressor.

Also, you are correct that when an opinion on which most others agree with is presented in ... Well any way, it won't get downrepped. And it is understandeable, don't you think? When you go amongst the friendly shovinist Ku Klux Klan community of violent rapists, no one is going to argue with you when you say "It's the best thing ever to slap and rape black bitches!" But when you go to say that it's not the ideal solution, well, you've got to be careful with your wording, or your're going to offend someone. (or, you know, you will die) You always need to be more careful with unpopular opinions.

I said in general - I treat every post whoever makes as his opinion. Because it's what this is. Even if it was scientific forum, it still would be an opinion.

Facts are stated too, of course, but I don't feel the urge to "correct" anybody, because everybody has right to be wrong too.

I would treat your every post as your opinion, sometimes backed with facts, sometimes not, but opinion nonetheless.

Forum posts are not scientific thesises to treat them otherwise...

Me too, and until very recently it was possible to have such arguments. But lately, downrep mosquitos feel the urge to buzz in every controversial topic and make a real mess, because most people don't disable hiding posts feature. Agreed. But as I've said, it wasn't a big issue on this board until recently. I feel like I shouldn't start any controversial debate here, because there won't be anything good out of it. (like it was 2 years back for example)

Downrep mosquitos do more harm to this community than trolls. (yes, this is my OPINION)

Oh, the irony.
That is true. GOG has become somewhat of a cult.

When was that? 12:00:00-12:00:01 on the first day a forum went up?

I've never down-repped anyone. I never would unless someone was making an utterly offensive or racist remark or a totally uncalled for personal attack.

Stackoverflow has a system were downrepping a post also costs the down-repper a reputation point. Stops habitual downrepping - I only use it when it is really called for.

Absolutely great idea. :)

Just to add i think you can also see who down-repped you

I vote Republican (though I am more Libertarian), and I have expressed my views in numerous topics about politics without getting down-repped (at least none that I have noticed). I have occasionally been blasted and ganged up on for it, but that is what happens when a person voices an unpopular opinion; I don't take it personally. The challenge in this case is to just keep a cool head and answer the legitimate arguments ... or just politely excuse oneself from the topic and move on with your life.

Exactly.

Sadly, I totally agree with this. However, I think it is pretty common with internet communities to become less and less inclusive as time goes on. I don't think it is right or just, however it seems to be human nature to try to form clubs or tribes, or whatever you want to call them.

I agree, one should generally assume something is opinion, people shouldn't have to put "imo" after everything. If you express disagreement and they start acting like their position is "fact" that's the time to assume they're deluded between the fact and opinion.

Unless someone says this is a fact, I generally assume they are either stating their opinion or stating their interpretation of a fact.

Whew! That took a while but I just gave everyone who posted on this thread +rep! Even the total wankers! I decided I should counter the repeated downrepping with some repeated uprepping. Enjoy the internets, lads, you've earned them!

It's very nice of you, but actually, it doesn't change much, because it would be few people to uprep to change somebody's rep ;-(

But thanks for your effort anyway... :P

I really, honestly dont see the point of the whole "rep" thing in the first place - its not like get banned from gog even if your rep got voted down to zero and below...

Or someone honestly thinks its got some big, deeper meaning that being just virtual willie?

Rep hunting (or that of lowering others) is like getting achievements in games, you ultimately accomplish nothing at all.

Just my 2cnts.

Easily circumvented by creating a second account used only for downrepping. Malicious downreppers who aim at destroying someones reputation use multiple accounts anyway.

Another solution could be to unlink the minus from the reputation counter. Means: Downrated post will be flagged, burried in the worst case, but it doesn't cost the poster reputation points. You can only gain rep, not lose it.

That's nice of you, a little pointless but nice :)

I tend to upvote posts that I don't think deserve the negative rating even if I completely disagree with the comment. Pointless? Yes, but just for the principle of it