How does one get the stars filled in?

[509th Bob]

Perhaps this was discussed in ancient forum messages, but, how does one advance from "recruit" to more advanced status? I've posted 18 messages/replies. In some, I've displayed my ignorance (calling an A-36a an Invader). In others, I've displayed a fuller grasp of historical reality than I've seen posted (effect of Japan attacking Pearl Harbor). I generally don't post often, I generally get my chuckles from other people's posts (especially the cutting responses to 'identify this' posts, or the recent "I only dropped in to insult somebody" thread! THAT was hilarious!).

So how does one advance in "rank"? Playing PBEMs? Number of posts (which would only seem to encourage meaningless verbosity)?

I am genuinely curious. Should I gratuitously drop in and insult others? Should I (as is my preference) withhold my remarks unless I think that others have missed the mark? Or do I have to PBEM? I'm getting to that point (trying a PBEM), but don't I deserve at least "one" star?

I fancy myself as being at least "VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE" about Pacific War history, but I am frequently humbled by the depth and breadth of knowlede displayed on these forums. I even usually manage to spell words correctly (which does not appear to be a necessary strength in these forums).

By the way, what does IIRC and AFAIK mean? I can figure out what "IRL" means, but not these. [8|]

Please enlighten me!

Thanks, 509th Bob

[rogueusmc]

It is strictly post count...I just comment when I have something to add ...or if I just wanna be a smartass...[:D]

BTW, AFAIK=as far as I know
IIRC=if I remember correctly...I had to ask those too ...[8D]

Welcome to the community by the way.

[CapAndGown]

You go to your local Walmart and purchase them in the school supplies section. Most people prefer gold ones, but you can get all kinds of other colors as well. Them simply paste them to your screen. [:'(]

[tabpub]

ORIGINAL: cap_and_gown

You go to your local Walmart and purchase them in the school supplies section. Most people prefer gold ones, but you can get all kinds of other colors as well. Them simply paste them to your screen. [:'(]

I was going to suggest crayon....but it's such a pain cleaning the screen when company comes over...oh, wait....that's why I'm on this board, because no one ever COMES over...

[pasternakski]

ORIGINAL: 509th Bob
So how does one advance in "rank"? ...

Should I gratuitously drop in and insult others? ...

I fancy myself as being at least "VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE" about Pacific War history, ...

Just keep up the good work.

[Halsey]

Ask harrer. He posted over 400 in 4 days.[;)]

[Naskra]

Filling the stars is an odd but common ambition.
Here's a breakdown of the community's preferences:

Gratuitous Insults 21 %
Throwing Gasoline on Flamewars 12 %
Idle Speculation 5 %
Whining 8 %
Whining about Whining 16 %
Repetition, Repetition, Repetition 14 %
Irrelevancy 8 %
Astounding Trivia 13 %
Helpful Information 2 %
Wit 1 %

[tsimmonds]

100% of my posts are irrelevant.

[Naskra]

Now watch everyone add categories.

And don't you mean "irrelevance" not "irrelevancy", you moron!

Correcting One's own Mistakes 7 %

[rogueusmc]

ORIGINAL: Naskra


And don't you mean "irrelevance" not "irrelevancy", you moron!

He didn't even put a [:D] after that?!?!?!

[tsimmonds]

I think he was talking to himself.[:D]

[Naskra]

I was. Simultaneous posts by me and Irrev.

Trying to Get the Last Word 51 %

[String]

You just post something here and there [:D]

[33Vyper]

or there and here

[pasternakski]

But that's neither here nor there.

[Terminus]

Tsk...

[Terminus]

Tsk...

[Terminus]

Tsk...

[pasternakski]

ORIGINAL: Terminus

Tsk...

Buy a vowel, Terminus

[acrosome]

I feel for you, 509th Bob. I joined 8/8/2001 and I'm still just an FNG, too.