Within forum threads you'll see the quotes:

"GiveCookie" & "StealCookie" under a users name.

This feature of the forum is mostly for FUN so don't get carried away.
It's also to encourage good behavior, as your reputation can suffer or thrive from it.
i.e. - if you make a lot of enemies, your cookies will quickly be in the NEGATIVE numbers, and other users will see that and 9 times out of 10 not take any info you post as being worth reading.  They'll probably also be more apt to steal cookies as well when they read the negative comments in your profile.  If you make a lot of friends, and post information to HELP people on the forum - other members can GIVE a cookie to you to boost your rating on the forum.  This works obviously the opposite of stealing one.  New forum users will see all the cookies you have, and within your profile the positive things you did to receive them, and they'll be more apt to give you a cookie as well when you help them. 

You need to have 15 posts before you can give cookies.

Give/Take them wisely....for you will likely receive the same Karma in return!
Hating members for reasons like having a difference of opinion, will not be tolerated, and those that take advantage of the situation will likely be blocked from the site.  Get along!  It's only a Internet Forum! 

Have fun, communicate, and help eachother out!  That's what makes for a great forum.