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forums status and point system

overview
The IT Resource Center introduces a new feature to the forums: User Status! The vehicle for obtaining status in the forums is a points-based feedback mechanism. Original Question Authors "grade" (on a Scale from 1-10) users who answered their questions. The higher the score, the more effective the response was in solving the question. This new feature is HP’s way of turning the reward mechanism over to the community. All contributors can be more effectively noticed for their participation, and Hewlett-Packard will continue to recognize those who contribute time and advice to others. And it’s FUN!
points system definition
Each response to a question is eligible to receive feedback for its success in solving the user’s problems. The Question Author rates the responses on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high). A N/A grade is available as well and would apply, for example, if a user gave a response that did not answer but simply asked the Question Author for more information.
When a response is graded by the Question Author (and Question Author alone), two things happen:

The specific response reflects that score for the community to see. Users can then see how effective each response was.
The points earned for a response are associated with the author of the response. Each user’s points earned are stored and totaled, and users have a new way to establish their prowess in a given Discussion Area or across the entire range of Forums (for example: HP-UX).

how to earn points
Users earn points when they participate in answering others’ questions. Only the Question Author can give feedback on the answer provided. (See Assigning Points.) The more questions you answer, the more points you’ll be eligible to earn, and the more status you’ll earn amongst your peers (as well as recognition from HP). You don’t have to do anything to earn or activate your profile to acknowledge points. Simply participate in the Forums, and the system will keep track of your value to the community.
HP will store and tally the points that you’ve earned at 3 different levels:

Overall (this is across all discussion areas in the Forums at the ITRC).
By Discussion Family (for example: HP-UX, Linux, Servers, Workstations)
By Category (this is smaller section inside a Discussion Family)

The Question Author is not required to assign points, but every effort is made to encourage that behavior. In the future, if users are not consistent in assigning points, HP will make visible to all the frequency with which a user assigns points.
assigning points
Only the Question Author can assign points to a given response. When you return to your question and are logged in, you’ll see an "Assign Points" button next to each answer. Click that button and you’ll see an easy mechanism, all captured on a single screen, for assessing the value of the answer. After you’ve rated the response, the "assign Points" button will disappear from that given response.
PLEASE NOTE: You must be logged in order for the "Assign Points" to appear next to each unrated answer.
Points are assigned on the value that an answer provides in helping solve the problem. Use the following scale, and then deviate inside the bands for answers that add more or less value:
N/A: The answer was simply a point of clarification to my original question
1- 3: The answer didn't really help answer my question but thanks for your assistance!
4- 7: The answer helped with a portion of my question, but I still need some additional help.
8-10: The answer has solved my problem completely! Now I'm a happy camper!
Each response you receive is eligible to earn between 1-10 points based on your judgement of its value. You won't need to worry about running out of points and not having enough for when a truly awesome response rolls in that deserves a 10.
Although message rating is not mandatory it is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. Others have taken time out to help you, so please take a moment to give them credit for the assistance they have provided. Also, your rating will not only help your peers earn points toward their Forums status, but your feedback will validate the quality of the solution you've received. Others will therefore be able understand which answer best helped you solve your problem, making the community knowledge being shared here that much richer.
status and accumulation of points
Hewlett-Packard will recognize users who accumulate the most points. The IT Resource Center team will acknowledge Forum leaders at 2 different levels: Overall (this is across all discussion areas in the ITRC Forums); and by Discussion Family (for example: HP-UX, Linux, Servers, Workstations)
Forum stars receive the following recognition:

Users with the most points at both the Overall level as well as within a given Discussion Family will be displayed in the "Top Users" areas within the Forums. These scores are displayed and updated real-time, so users can be striving to see their name "in lights".
Users who reach a pre-defined level of points in the community will be identified as leaders in the IT Resource Center Forums. The following tiers of Forums status are available:

250 Points Overall: Recognized as an ITRC Pro, and that status and image (baseball hat) is attached to their name and Forums public profile.
500 Points Overall: Recognized as an ITRC Graduate, and that status and image (graduation mortarboard) is attached to their name and Forums public profile.
1,000 Points Overall: Recognized as an ITRC Wizard, and that status and image (magician’s hat) is attached to their name and Forums public profile.
2,500 Points Overall: Recognized as ITRC Royalty, and that status and image (crown) is attached to their name and Forums public profile.

These points are not a cash equivalent and are not intended for use as a means of bartering or exchange among members. Hewlett-Packard may, but is not obligated to award gifts to participants that reach the various tiers. Employees of Hewlett-Packard, its subsidiaries, affiliates, agencies and members of the immediate families are not eligible for gifts in the result of participating in the forums.

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