What is the rep meter?

The rep system works quite well on smaller message boards, where everyone knows everyone. This message board is much bigger then the other ones that I have frequented that use positive and negative rep.

Some problems:
Some people just don't like each other and will give each other negative rep daily. People are afraid to post what they wan't to say in fear of having their rep tarnished, although after a few months people just stop caring about their reps and start saying what they want to say again. Then you have other people which pride themselves on getting as much negative reputation as possible which becomes quite aggrivating after a while. Constantly trying to stir up the nest. Then you have your other group who say whatever they need to say to get positive rep.

One thing that I have noticed on this board is the speed and fairness of the moderators. I'm sure when things begin to get out of hand the mods will set things straight. Maybe a sticky should be added about the "etiquette" of using the repuatation feature. It may help out a bit.
Just my thoughts.
~Matt