Doug Holland (better known as Big Doug in the forum world) has perfected the art of sucking vast amounts of reputation points from fellow users in the forum community. With over 5 years of progressive tactics and ruling most forums, the king himself has decided to let you in on his top ten tips, so that you can start sucking up rep for yourselves.

While holding the title of ‘Ultimate Rep Whore’ for the last year, he has now set his sights on a new territory that he has not yet
explored. That territory is the digg.com website where users drive content. When asked if he could meet the new challenge with the same incredible success he has in the forum world, his answer was a resounding ‘yes’!

Yes, it looks like Doug is on his way to being a ‘digg whore’, but only time will tell. As for his ten tips for being a great whore of the rep world…well, see them for yourself:

1) Be sincere (that is the most important part at creating a giant sucking sound). People know if you’re blowing smoke up their tailside.

2) When joining a forum introduce yourself in a way that will get you solid rep from those with high power in the community right from the beginning. I have had major jumps in rep from the starting line.

Example of what your first post should look like under the board ‘New Members’:

“Hi my name is Mary and I would like to thank you for having such an informative site. It has held my interest for well over a month (and that’s saying a lot). It has gravitated to the point that I have been skipping on chores. Even though I do not have the distinguished background as so many of you here, I feel like I can relate to your opinions and theories in a mirror like way.

An example of this would be the thread started by Johnx (internal link) in the blank board (make sure he is a top poster). His viewpoint and thoughtful approach made me take time to reflect on my own shortcomings in this field. I also think it saved me a lot of time in the school of hard knocks.

I hope to get to know some of you in a more intimate way.

I am a 27-year-old single female who enjoys sports, surfing the net, uploading naked pics of myself (joke) and think challenges as well.

Thanks again for creating this community,

Mary.”

3) Make sure your avatar matches YOUR personality and is not just a picture you like. Changing small aspects of your avatar brings a sense of playfulness while major changes can create a quick defensive reaction. Remember this: it would be easier for the community to pick you out of a police line up using your avatar rather than your face. Your Internet face and identity is your avatar.

4) Trust in your linking out. If people lose faith in your linking out, you will lose rep.

5) Be playful when appropriate. Some days you get the unnerving sense that everyone is in a poo-poo mood. Don’t post that day unless you want to see if men can be catty too.

6) Be generous in your rep giving. If you see someone who has put effort into a post - make sure to rep him or her. Especially is rep given if you started a thread by asking a question! People put in a lot of time and effort into answering some of your questions, so rep them and they will remember it.

7) Never insult the owner or moderators of a board. If I strongly disagree with them I will still post, but it will be very respectful and with humility. If it is a real problem that must be handled, keep it out of the public’s eyes and simply PM them. I learned this from owning my own forum. You better not tell me in a mean-spirited way what to do on my forum in an open thread.

8) Know whom you are answering. Some people are analytical (less emotional and more analysis of things) therefore, if you are answering someone who leans towards emotion (example would be if they say things like – “…makes me feel…” or “…I’m pumped…”) then answer in a way they can relate to (’I feel what you say, bro’). Analytical people generally like clear facts and less small talk (get to the point fast and clearly).

9) Find interesting slants to arguments and stories that appear to be outside the box. People love a good challenge if it is meted out in a logical way.

And finally, when all else fails…

10) Beg! I have gotten down on my knees and begged for rep to maintain the lead. Your good friends know what you are up to and they will succumb to your pitiful puppy-dog face. You can see a pic of me here.

Now, whoever posts this story link on their forum or digg should be given rep,

Sincerely,
The Rep Whore

His blog

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