newbie here...hi

Welcome to myLot! When yuor number reaches 100 you will have your star too. The colour will depend on how others have used the +/-/! to rate your posts. The number is made up of - the discussions that you start that receive at least 2 responses (or 1 response + 1 comment) - the first response you make on a discussion started by others - the first comment you make on a response on a discussion started by others. It decreases if any of your posts are deleted because of violations. ALL your other activity will earn for you but will not cause it to increase. Here in the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) you can find the answer to many other questions too : http://www.mylot.com/o/faq.aspx

Hello, anyabee... :) Glad to see you on mylot!!! Welcome! The numbers after your name represents the number of posts you have made... it is a user reputation thing. The stars before you name are what you get after you have made a minimum amount of a hundred posts. After that, you will have a star. The number in the star is the reputation in the community. You see the + and - and ! sign under everyone's posts? You number is rated by that. :) The bigger the number in the star, the more you earn. Thanks, Nameless_

Yep, the star is just your MyLot reputation. I don't really pay much attention to it to be honest though. The number beside people's names are the amount of replies to discussions you post. Welcome to MyLot and I hope you enjoy your stay here :)