You can add or subtract from someones respect by the + or - located next to the "Quote" button on the top right of someones post.
You gain forum ranks, such as jr. or senior member with post count.
Some helpful tips so others aren't annoyed by your attempt to raise post count
- Don't reply unless you feel you have to
- Always have something meaningful to say. Don't just reply with "LOL" or "UMAD?"
- Try not to post in old topics unless you have a very good reason for doing so, such as you are the Original poster, and want to give a status update. Consider a topic old if it has been more than two weeks since it's had a reply.
- Please, don't reply to ten topics in less than five minutes. It's very annoying to see your "Unread posts since your last visit" all have posts by the same person.
Try to make meaningful posts. Not spam.