Question
What does the word "Newbie" or "Intermediate", etc. under my name mean?
Answer
That is your current ranking on the forums.
Question
What are rankings?
Answer
Your rank is a meter showing how many posts you have made. It also gives some clue about your computer knowledge, though this is certainly not in any way accurate. The reason for this is the simple fact that most posts made are questions, and posts made while troubleshooting. However, if one has a lot of posts, though it doesn't prove one is intelligent, it can help suggest it. This is not to say, however, that people with few posts are dumb. In fact, there are usually several experts in computer knowledge that are infrequent visitors, and so are considered a "newbie" but only in posts.
In short, you should not judge a post by the poster's ranking. Judge instead by how helpful the information included is, and how well it works for you.
Question
When will I reach XYZ ranking?
Answer
The short answer is that you will reach that ranking when you have made the required number of posts.
*Note these may change on days such as April Fools day (see below post for info).
Mastermind = 15000 and above
Genius = 10000 and 14999
Sage = 7600-9999
Prodigy = 6000-7599
Hacker = 4700-5999
Guru = 3700-4699
Egghead = 2800-3699
Expert = 2000-2799
Specialist = 1400-1999
Leet = 1337-1337
Mentor = 1000-1399
Adviser = 650-999
Apprentice = 400-649
Hopeful = 225-399
Intermediate = 125-224
Beginner = 50-124
Rookie = 10-49
Greenhorn = 5-9
Starter = 3-4
Newbie = 1-2 posts
Newcomer = 0
Question
How can I achieve XYZ ranking faster?
Answer
Think rather: "How many people can I help?" It's a much more healthy attitude. People who post for post count alone have a name: They're called spammers. Spam posts have no real content, and do not add to the forum. It is general practice to avoid making such posts. Make your posts actually count. Not only will the other members appreciate this, but you will feel much more satisfaction out of helping a score of people than simply getting a rank. Besides, those who spam often get their posts removed, thus destroying the whole point of spamming. So don't do it. The occasional joke is perfectly fine, but don't do this very often. Off-topic comments are better reserved for Private Messages, which do not count towards your post count.
In summary...
Your rank is a symbol showing how much time you dedicate to the ComputerHope forums. You should be proud when you get promoted, it is a good feeling, but don't spam the forums to get there. That path leaves no winners. Happy posting on the forums.
