i suddenly noticed i have a star and number 6 in it before my user name!

I would suggest reading through the Guidelines http://www.mylot.com/o/topguidelines.aspx Terms of Use http://www.mylot.com/o/terms.aspx and FAQs http://www.mylot.com/o/faq.aspx before starting a discussion, especially the part of the FAQs here http://www.mylot.com/o/faq/faq11.aspx#3 where it talks about your myLot reputation and here http://www.mylot.com/o/faq/faq17.aspx where it explains the Discussion Rating System.

That is the rate your comments were given by other mylotters. I am sure that you noticed so far that there is a '+' and '-' signs near each comment, your reputation is represented in percents of your total comments' rates. 6 is a good start, I started with a star of 3 and raised to 5 in few days. it is being updated daily like your income,I usually give '+' to every comment I see, yes even in this discussion;) Why is the star so important? it indicates how much you will earn for your contribution on mylot. I give a fast guess that it if a person has 50/100 like me, he gets 50% out of the 100% credit for contribution. Try to watch from commenting everywhere, for example: I wouldn't post in a discussion when I hold a negative position to the subject of it, I might end with '-'. I really do not know why people are doing this, its kind of immature because we are just trying to make a mature conversation, and hurting others' earning would be a low step;( So for conclusion, comment wisely and your star shall shine;)

it means you pissed some people off.

it has something to do with your user ranking - It will rise the more active you stay on the site and the more discussions you start and respond to.

good for you....i guess you are pretty much a commentator...LOL