what in the heck are??

It's youre rank. You'll have one too when you'll reach 100 posts. It depends about how much you wrote, how relevant is your writing to the topic etc...

A member is provided with a star rating after reaching 100 points on this site . The points are given in brackets after our user names . At present your points are 13 . The points increase as we participate in other members discussions . This number within star denotes the user reputation system of Mylot web site . More details about this can be seen at the following discussion started by Mylot administrating staff : http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/573319.aspx

It's a rating guide based on your activity within the site and how other members rate your responses and discussions etc. You get one when you reach 100 points (the number in the brackets beside your name)