Ok, ill try my best to explain it.
Let's say your Karma level is at 0(default for a new member). You go into a forum, and someone needs help with something. You give them the perfect solution, and they give you a +4 Cool.
Now, let's look at your Karma gauge. The bar is empty. When it gets full, you move up one rank. Every time you get a positive point, it goes up, and it goes down for negative. How much is determined by your current rank, and how much you were Given. In a way, its similar to Halo 2's ranking system. When you're a level 1, and you own in a slayer game with 37-0, youll probably go up at least 2 ranks. But if you were a level 30, you wouldnt rank up at all. Your bar would fill up partly, but not all the way.
Giving points doesnt lower your rank. Rank only changes when you receive points, either good or bad.
Do you get it now?
I know it seems really confusing and too complicated to use, but once you get used to it, its really easy. if you can, sign up for an RvB account. The link is in my sig.
[Edited on 8/31/2005]