I choose to enthusiastically embrace the new anonymous reputation feature and anticipate that it will have a mostly positive impact on the level of cordiality on this Board. It is a strange and pleasing wonderment how (mostly) successful and (oft-times) affluent individuals care deeply about the opinions of their peers. Apparently, I couldn’t give a rat’s what 75 employees think of me as a boss, but God forbid some gal/guy in Upper Volta disagree with my take on an Idine promo or my review in the quality of the new HHonors lounge at some London Hilton.

True, the ability to anonymously knock people has its drawbacks. But overall I think that the secret ballot is best….I reflect that when some creep on Ebay didn’t seem some small thing that I bought I hesitated (but proceeded) giving him negative feedback fearing negative feedback as payback.

I choose to use the reputation function to express my thanks for so many kindnesses shown to me by members in the past. Be it advice, meeting for a drink, some discount code, a wonderful trip report; as someone who has benefited from Flyertalk more than I have contributed, I appreciate a methodology to pay back. In fact, I have noticed that of late I have hung out with old FT-buddies, and I look with renewed interest to meet and greet (and so the tie-in to the Community forum) new (to me) Flyertalkers.

I choose to wipe the slate clean over past disagreements. I’ll confess to, at times, being annoyed and annoying, but I will never look to the reputation function as a way of addressing old grievances. Indeed, I forgive thee all thy trespasses and ask that you forgive mine. It’s a new Flyertalk day, and I won’t carry over any ill-feelings.

And finally, thanks Randy for devoting the staff time, mental energy and money to refurbish our cyber-home. I may wander over to your profile and give you a positive ding or three.