I don't see the "comments" portion to which JonNYC refers. Unless he is talking about the "Report Bad Post" feature, which is probably an excellent idea, if it's a shortcut to obtain moderator intervention.

As for the reputation square, I think it's an unfortunate mistake. Do we really need FTers evaluating one another in such a manner? Do we need some FTers giving each other a pat on the back, while others are left in the cold? Let's not create further class division within FT.

As far as reputation goes, I think most of the regulars can make their own subjective determination by looking at a user's tenure, post count, and by using the search feature. And the real FT diehards probably already have a fairly decent appreciation of the reputation of their friends and acquaintenances by virtue of having read many of their posts. To me, the explicit reputation thing, however it's calculated, will likely open up a Pandora's Box. So I suggest jettisoning it before the problems arise.

Other than that, the new FT looks great. I can't wait until its back up to speed.