Suggestion for a database.

I suggest making the strength of reputation increase/decrease (reputation meter) dependent on:

1. The number of reputation points (e.g., +1 for each "badge").
2. The number of posts (e.g., +1 for every 200 posts).
3. The time since registration (+1 for each year).

For example, if a new user has fewer than 200 posts, a negative or zero reputation, and hasn't been registered for a year, they CAN give a positive or negative rating, but the strength of their reputation meter will be 0. In other words, they can express agreement or disagreement with a forum member's post, but they won't be able to influence the reputation until they become more familiar with the forum. P.S.: With this system, it would be better if authors received their first "badge" not for +1 reputation, but for at least +10, because it's currently too easy to get one. P.P.S.: Of course, all of this needs to be refined. :)