What's with the reputation points?

[Espeefan]

I'm curious to learn more about the reputation points. Yes, I've seen plenty of other forums that have this feature too. The reputation points are those little green bars that add up, across from each member's screen name, as you make posts. Some forums let members vote on such posts or helpful replies to questions. Why is it that only mods seem to be gaining the reputation points? All us regular members have nothing. If you hold the mouse on the green bars, some say 'so and so is on a distinguished path' or 'so and so has an aurora about them'. Just curious what that is all about.