How do we earn reputation points?

I have got no reputation points but I am new to ehelp. I found some answers really helpful and I want to rate it. The computer won't let me because I don't have anyreputation points! Please help!

You have rep points now.

The following is an explanation that Ryan, the site founder put up:

EHelp.com is a reputation based community. You can gain reputation scores by asking quality questions (clear and useful) and posting helpful answers. When other users vote your question or answer up, you will receive 5 points of reputation, but when they vote it down, you'll lose 2 points. If your post gets removed by the moderator/reputable users, you'll lose 20 points.