What rep has done to us???

[UID=0]

I didn't read every page here, so I'm sorry if anybody else has brought this up, but most of the people here, saying that the entire reputation system is meaningless,
or complaining about it, seem to have no, or few rep points at all.

I believe that the reputation system is valid, because it can serve as an indicator,
especially to newer members here, as to what what sort of person you may be.

If nobody had any rep points, then how could anybody be able to tell, who to trust or not, when given advice about anything?

It's like in life in general, if you need advice about something in particular, which may be important, you don't just randomly go up to somebody
in the street and ask them a question, you go to somebody who you think may be experienced and trustworthy and seeing any various awards,
displayed at their place of busineess, may help you feel more confident about being able to trust them.

Even when it was allowed elsewhere, I never added something like 'Please give me a +Rep, if you found this to be helpful',
into my signature at all, and would never do that if it were to be allowed, as I don't believe that it is a good way to 'earn' a good reputation at all.

I don't think that you should expect a +Rep, if you help somebody out,
but when it does happen, it can be a good feeling to know that your efforts in trying to help were appreciated.