It is to give some feedback on how other people react to your submissions and comments. When you click on the up triangle next to a comment the person who made

It is to give some feedback on how other people react to your submissions and comments. When you click on the up triangle next to a comment the person who made the comment gets one karma point. The down triangle takes one away. Up-voting can mean: I hope more people see this story. I agree with the comment. I enjoyed the comment. Thank you. I think your comment helped this discussion. Yes, lisp is wonderful - Or Apple products. Down-voting can mean: I disagree. Please go somewhere else. You aren't helping the discussion. You suck. You hurt my feelings. I can't believe anyone could say something that stupid. Microsoft sucks. Basically, don't be a jerk and don't take the karma too seriously.