Not understanding what exactly "Karma" and "Reputation" is here

[Rellwood]

Having been on this site for over 10 years I am only JUST NOW seeing "Karma" buttons (they've been there, Im just now seeing them).

I have always heard of "Karma Farming" and never understood how it worked or what it was about.

I figured you just got "points" for participating in threads and posts, and it someone wanted to give an emoji, Great! I think I got one "award" once, but I have never been on this site to just chat or peruse, it's always a technical bent.

So, Im embarassed that I clicked on the button for the Karma the other day for the first time and was trying to figure it out, but ended up giving "reputation" to a couple of people for no really good reason, with no comments.

The I found my own area and discovered that a few people over the years gave it to me - and left comments - which I now understand what that was all about - and Im terribly embarassed to not have thanked or aknowledged this.

Am I making it out to be more than it is?

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FML I need to take my ADHD meds....and get my eyes checked.