To refer back to Rutslegolas' query ( and others ), while people are entitled to use the negative rep function ( I haven't yet, since I feel that an in thread reply or PM is usually more appropriate response but I would never say never!, I really think if they feel that strongly about something they should put their name to it. I think it is interesting that all my neg rep has been anonymous whereas almost all the positive has been signed . I doubt this experience is unique to me.
Anonymous positive rep is rather delightful - like a finding a mysterious bunch of flowers on your doorstep. Anonymous, bad rep without a comment can be the online version of ringing the bell and running away - it may NOT be obvious to the recipient what they have done 'wrong' (if it were there is a fair chance they would have never made it!). Anonymous negative comments could be as distressing as a "poison pen" letter. Indeed it is a power to be used wisely and on the whole it is better to encourage good posting.
On that subject, I have to admit, to my shame, that while I have been the flattered recipient of generous encouragement from the "valar and valier" of the board - it took a while to reciprocate simply because I felt I was unworthy to pass judgement on those I found so far ahead of me in intelligence and scholarship. I then realised this was grossly unfair so I got over that little hangup.
But I am nowhere near brave enough to tackle canonicity.....!!!!