To that end, the reputation system does not signify the importance, credibility or respect level of a member. It may reflect accurately on some members, but may not on others. (This does not even take into account members that joined before or long after the rep system was implemented in the Spring of 2005!) So, as a new member, do not worry about positive or negative rep from a 1 rep point member or a member with 4 digit rep. Remember that rep points play NO role in the moderation of the board - a new member is treated the same as a huge rep collector. It is not a status symbol - it is a fun and optional way to play "trading cards".