How do you get the stars with the numbers

Star w/ a number - This is an example of what the stars i'm talking about look like
June 18, 2007 2:23pm CST
I don't get how you get the stars with the numbers beside your name. How do you get this reputation? By earning a lot of money, getting good responses??
2 responses
@sarah22 (3979)
• United States
18 Jun 07
the more you respond and make discussions, best of luck to you
18 Jun 07
thank you...i seem to be getting more fast.
• United States
21 Jul 07
Hey I was just wondering about this. Good to know!! Guess I better get my butt posting then lol