what's up with this?

As far as I know starting a discussion is not good enough. You must get replies, I think it is at least two replies that you have to get that it counts. So you just must think up discussions of general interest. Then it is good for your income if you rate replys and also select best response. Your post number only goes up when you start a discussion when you get two replies to that discussion. It is much easier to answer than to start discussions. Remember, a post should be a meaningful quality post that has at least four or five lines.