Again, bar12bars makes some excellent points. I would defend reputational systems by saying we don't know what sites like The Huffington Post, CNN, etc. would look like if it wasn't for the safety features in place.
Reputational systems are not very good at filter out dissenting opinions. Where they work best is in more "directed attacks" like the very example that has surfaced in this vey thread: TheatreDiva90016 and ghostlight2 have a very real and serious - at least to them - disagreement. A reputational system would very effectively bring this discord to the surface and in front of those who could arbitrate - the moderators.
And, this should happen. What is going on between them is hurtful and best cleared up, or at least stopped.
Anyway... all of this is moot. We're getting an "Ignore" button and I'm very curious to see how it works out. Mostly, I started this because I wanted at least some of the "nasty" to stop. My own feelings have been hurt here and I don't wish to have that happen again.
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.