[BostonCard]

First, I wouldn't worry too much about the reputation system.  Perhaps it is a helpful shortcut for infrequent posters, but for any regular, I can't imagine it makes much of a difference.  If you read a poster enough times, you get a sense for how much insight they provide, their tone, biases, cobatitiveness, etc.  I don't give two hoots what my favorite posters' reputations are, I will read their stuff.  On the other hand, for people I know will provoke an eye-roll in me, if I read them, it will be knowing the context of their earlier posts.  In theory of course, I ought to read every post for its own sake, but it would be silly tho pretend that I am completely unbiased.

I have often said that the old system, which allowed people to vote on individual posts, rather than posters, was more helpful, and encouraged debate over the substance of a post rather than the poster him (or her)self.  My understanding is that the moderators agree, but the add-on software is not available for this version of the board software.  I hope it someday is added.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about your karma.  You make an important contribution to the board, even when you post a controversial opinion.

[BostonCard]

First, I wouldn't worry too much about the reputation system.  Perhaps it is a helpful shortcut for infrequent posters, but for any regular, I can't imagine it makes much of a difference.  If you read a poster enough times, you get a sense for how much insight they provide, their tone, biases, cobatitiveness, etc.  I don't give two hoots what my favorite posters' reputations are, I will read their stuff.  On the other hand, for people I know will provoke an eye-roll in me, if I read them, it will be knowing the context of their earlier posts.  In theory of course, I ought to read every post for its own sake, but it would be silly tho pretend that I am completely unbiased.

I have often said that the old system, which allowed people to vote on individual posts, rather than posters, was more helpful, and encouraged debate over the substance of a post rather than the poster him (or her)self.  My understanding is that the moderators agree, but the add-on software is not available for this version of the board software.  I hope it someday is added.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about your karma.  You make an important contribution to the board, even when you post a controversial opinion.