Building a good reputation can't really be artificially hurried. It will occur over time as you post photos, ads, participate in threads as an adviser, as well as a thoughtful, helpful, respectful, member in various debate or opinion threads. Numerous such posts over a period of time will allow other members to see more of your character than a simple number given by a limited number of other members.
I should mention that I have been reading the BOI for many years. I rarely look at the trader ratings, but I read interesting or relevant threads quite often. What other members say about the "suspect" may be important, but the MOST important reason I would decide whether or not to deal with a person in those threads is the words of the person themselves. Some under attack there have handled themselves so professionally that I would love to do business with them, regardless of what others say. OTOH, some (both the defendant and the prosecutors) have handled themselves so UNPROFESSIONALLY that I wouldn't touch them with a 10 ft. pole.
Your words in each post you make will remain for posterity (or as long as this site lasts) to judge you by. I like to review each post I make with an eye to how it reflects on my character and my business. I assume that everyone I know (and many unknown to me) will read it, and post accordingly. It is one thing to verbally discuss something with friends, and possibly say something you will regret later to one or two people. What is posted on a forum could be read by hundreds (or more) people for a long time to come. So it is worth some extra time and thought to make sure your are portraying yourself the way you really feel is true to your character.
I like a good debate myself. And sometimes my opinion has been changed by a good, logical, presentation of another perspective. As long as the debate stays civil and doesn't degenerate into personal attacks, I can enjoy it. But most of the time, the debate doesn't change opinions if they were pretty solid to begin with - it just helps people see the subject with a new point of view. And if they were undecided, the debate may help them make up their mind.
I could probably think of a couple things to change about this site to make it more to my liking (can't think of any right now, but could probably come up with something). I think in the past, I might have had a suggestion or two. However, if it is something I would like, but something the majority don't want, or don't care about, then I would accept that it isn't going to be changed just to suit me. If you push too much for something unpopular, ESPECIALLY if you are new, it won't change anyone's mind, it will just brand you as a new person who wants everyone to change to suit their needs. OTOH, once you have been around for many months or years, and everyone knows and loves you, then you could probably push for something a little harder, and other members might be more tolerant of your suggestions. Of course, by that time, you will already have built your reputation and will probably feel little need for the change.
