I tend to agree with that. Forum-specific repping would avoid the social forums diluting the effect.
Not sure if the forum software permits that level of specification though.
i just had a look at the 'User Reputation Manager' (yes, it's really called that
) and i can confirm that it doesn't have that level of granularity, it's all or nothing.
but, just like Jim Bowen out of 1980s UK quiz show 'Bullseye' - instead of showing you the speedboat you COULD have won - here are the default descriptions of the reputation levels that you could have had if they were switched on. :D
User is infamous around these parts
User can only hope to improve
User has a little shameless behaviour in the past
User is an unknown quantity at this point
User is on a distinguished road
User will become famous soon enough
User has a spectacular aura about
User is a jewel in the rough
User is just really nice
User is a glorious beacon of light
User is a name known to all
User is a splendid one to behold
User has much to be proud of
User has a brilliant future
User has a reputation beyond repute
oh, and just to be clear about this - they are not being switched on.