Ive given the this some though and come up with an idea.
Each Member start with rep 5 points. The maximum you can have is 10 the minimum 0. When a member post a good article or helps a fellow user other users can nominate the member to increase the reputation of the poster. A Member can only receive 1 rep point per post. So even if 20 people nominate him/her only 1 point can be awarded. The actual awarding of points is done only by the mods. So when a nomination comes in the nominating party will have given a reason why this member should get a rep point, the mod or mods can then go check the post and decide whether or not the nominated member should or should not get a rep point. The processe should be kept anonymous so that there can be no finger pointing or anything.
The same would apply for the reduction of skill points. Should a post be considered tasteless, vulgar, rude or just plain trolling, members can then designate the posting member for the removal of a rep point. Again only 1 point per post and the mods decide whether or not there is just reason.
With all members starting with 5 you have a level playing field. Members who just post and go about there business wont be positively or negatively effected. Members who go out of their way to help other user, bring new and interesting topics to the table will gain a reputation as such. Likewise members who repeatedly flame, throll or spam will gain a reputation that represents this.
Should a member reach 2 or 1 rep points remaining i think the mods will need to decide what to do from there. If problems remain a ban could be implemented. In the same sense members who reach 8 or 9 or even 10 rep points could be thanked for their commitment and service to this community. The exact punishment and reward thing i leave the our capable mods.
Lastly (Yes i know your eyes are bleeding) Like our user groups (Star Craft, Fallout and COD WAW) there should be a wording that, at a glance, will reveal the members rep. I was thinking along these lines, in keeping with our Gaming subject matter, a DnD style Alignments.
10 Points: Chaotic Good
8 Points: Lawful Good
5 Points: True Neutral
3 Points: Lawful Evil
1 Points: Chaotic Evil
There could be for arguments sake more than 1, Jedi(KOTOR's) Jedi/Sith or Mass Effect's Paragon/Renegade.
This is what i would suggest as a reputation systems. Both to keep any trolls under control but also to be able to show members who go out of their way to help or assist others , that we[as a community] appreciate their efforts.
That is all.
But I reckon the rep points system would be pretty orsome 
