<h1>Reputation--the Number</h1>
<p><img src="https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/03/c36c383eed89d71d19264726e97cb186.jpg.63a31bce974bd281b2bfb93bdf1f9fd7b2046.jpg" /></p>
<p>@dantheman surprised us yesterday with the new update with the reputation update.</p>
<p>First things, first.  As you can see.  I'm an 8.</p>
<p>Apparently that's good.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/03/Reputationranking2cea8.jpg" /></p>
<p>(<em>Image taken from @dantheman's post.</em>)</p>
<p>Only one person has the perfect 9.  @stella-belle</p>
<p>So, I admit, to being happy for that.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how I earned it.  </p>
<p>But I am thankful for it.</p>
<h2>This is what I know.</h2>
<ol>
  <li>You earn a good reputation number when you are upvoted by someone else with a better reputation.</li>
  <li>I try to comment on a lot of posts and reply to as many people on my own posts.</li>
  <li>I've had a couple of posts hit the bottom of the trending page, and according to Dan on a comment I read.  Getting on the trending page will help.</li>
  <li>I know if you have a very poor reputation your comments and posts will be shaded or whited out.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Questions I have</h2>
<ol>
  <li>According to @dantheman's post people with weaker reputations cannot hurt the reputation of those with higher reputations. </li>
  <li>Not sure what that means if I were to turn evil and decide to become a troll.  Does that mean only@stella-belle can vote me down?  </li>
  <li>Does it effect payouts?  (I don't think it does, but I'm not 100% sure.)</li>
</ol>
<h2>Seriously! Stop the complaining</h2>
<p>Of course I've already seen the complaining.</p>
<p><em>I have a poor reputation!  I wanna better one!  Not Fair!</em></p>
<p>Ugh!</p>
<p>Here's the thing.  If you have a poor number, guess what?  You already HAD a poor reputation.  </p>
<p>With or without the number, you have reputation.  The number just puts it out there very, very quickly.</p>
<p>You have reputation in the real world.  </p>
<p>You have a reputation at your work.  </p>
<p>You have a reputation in your family.</p>
<p>You have a reputation.  </p>
<p>So work to keep it a good one.</p>
<p>With or without this number, how you interact with others on Steemit is your reputation.</p>
<h2>Here are my suggestions for a good reputation on Steemit:</h2>
<ol>
  <li>Write interesting, original content.</li>
  <li>Interact with others.</li>
  <li>Be nice.</li>
</ol>