Okay… Well, I generally use how many rep points a user has amassed to determine a few things about the validity or character they display in their statements… One problem; What the hell does rep power mean??
It means how many rep points you are allowed to give to another post. So, for example, Lor, I believe is up to 16 right now, and if you post something of value or entertainment to her, she’ll raise your reppoints by 16!!
I, on the other hand can give you only four, but it’s a good four! After all, it’s not the size that matters 
When you post 100 posts, your reppower grows by one, as well as hitting every 100 reppoints. So it’s possible to be useful to this society 
, just contribute as much as you can, which you are already doing a great job at!
BTW, I asked that same exact question, too!