This topic is both common and controversial today. Here is an interesting article concerning this on chessbase.com :  http://chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=5608 

Interesting!  I'm not sure, here.  With the introduction of powerful software as a study aid, and the huge advancement in opening theory, the rules changed a bit.  30 years ago, they did not have a 2700 plus rated Grandmaster on their PC to help them figure out where they went right or wrong in a game.  They also could not sign into sites like the ICC and simply mingle with the top players, watching them play and even receiving lessons. 

The Internet and other technological advancements is making information that used to be difficult or impossible to find, available to anyone who has the interest to find it.  I'm sure that this factor is going to help increase the average rating, but probably the top rated players, as well. 

I like the subject.  I will have to take a few notes and write an article myself, because I'm not sure I actualy believe a lot of what the Chessbase writer was saying.  Course, I am not a statistics expert, or even good at math.  I am just using logic coupled with common knowledge to come to a reasonable conclusion.

Skwerly, that doesn't make sense. If EVERYONE improves, their ratings relative to each other would remain the same. Therefore, their ratings would not change. You have to bear in mind that rating is a statistical comparison with other players in the pool, it isn't a measurement on a scale like height or how far you can jump.

Everybody can improve. But not everybody has the same capacity. So at some point, people stop improving. 

What are you talking about, Catalyst_Kh? I think you misunderstood my post. And, indeed, perhaps you also misunderstand the rating system? You can't "cut extra rating", there isn't a block of rating which we all have to share.

Ah, just as I thought, you DID misread my post. I didn't say that everyone improves. Skwerly was the one who said that. I merely said that if it WAS true that everyone improved, ratings wouldn't actually inflate due to it.

Reb, does this mean that all I have to do is just wait and my rating will just go up to 2300 FIDE?