~Brian~

@bibabyboy263
there are seven ranks. You start out as a newborn when you are a new member.  As you keep posting, and people give you “reactions“ such as a heart, or others available, the more people that give you likes, based on whether they like your post or not, this will increase your reputation. Your reputation can go from zero to infinity, and sometimes, I’ve seen reputation be in the negative. What I do is I Post information that I think would be helpful to anyone, or anything that I think is interesting that people would be interested in. I figure, that if people are liking my posts, then they like what they are seeing, what I am writing, and if I’m doing quality posts, that tells me that I am doing OK.
As my friend DAVID used to say: “you should always go for a quality over quantity when posting on a form.”  I have been inform users since 1996, and I take that information to heart whenever I try to post something. There are sometimes when people may not like your post, or they might not give you the like, And this is up to the person who is reading the post. What I would suggest is that you try to post things that you like, that you think someone else would like, or you give them information that they may be able to use.  I have been the kind of guy that always likes to help people, and I guess that is instilled in me because everyone that was in my family what is the type of person that likes to help people and give back to the community that supports them. I guess that comes from the fact that my family have all served in the military, at some point of their lives, and some service, or they end up doing community service to help those that are in need. I run a thrift store in the Trinity United Methodist Church in MONTPELIER Vermont USA. This is the type of service that I love to do, because I get to help people that are less fortunate than I am, and I get to see their reaction when I’m able to give them something that they need, or some thing that they can use. I’ve always been taught that it is not necessary to always give money to help someone: the important thing is to try to make someone happy the best you can, and provide them with the best type of assistance possible. I have been on the Internet since 1993, and have been on chat systems like IRC II, Since early 93, and ever since then I have always been on the Internet, assisting those who need help, and getting help with computer problems questions and support for my own issues. I also help people with computer issues as well, so this is right up my alley. Now, I am assisting those in this community with their questions problems or concerns, and trying to help people understand that wearing diapers using diapers leaking diapers or any other baby equipment is not a problem, and that there is nothing to be ashamed of. I guess people think of me as a “guru“ because I have been disabled all my life, and my brother used to wear diapers all through his period when you are dealing with people that are disabled, you understand that they may have to use them, so it is not uncommon. Because I have cerebral palsy I have to use them now, because I sometimes cannot get to the bathroom fast enough, or I have accidents. Using diapers ends up taking away one of the stressors in my life, and believe me because of COVID-19 and other things, there have been a lot of stressors in my life and other lives. I am glad that I am able to help those here on DD, and it is my pleasure to do so.
@square_duck @Little Christine Are correct. Your rank, and your reputation, are things that you earn as you continue to interact with the community, and you post information, and people are liking it, and responding to you. When you use the @ and then add the users name, that will put a notification in your notification panel, so that you know when someone has responded to you or something that someone else has posted that you are involved in. Reputation can be manipulated if you are liking your own posts as well as everyone else’s, but if you are the type of person who is trying to be helpful, gives good advice, and tries to help people as much as they can, while trying to help keep the community strong, then people that read your postings will respect you because they believe you are knowledgeable about what you say, based on your experiences, or your knowledge. I know for example, that there have been people that thanked me for my advice, or for my perspective on things, and I like the fact that there are so many of us that have differing experiences and differing opinions, because it gives you perspective as to each person here on DD. Each one of us is here because we have one thing in common:  DIAPERS:  it does not matter how we got here, or why we are here, but we are here because we share that one thing in common. Some of us are incontinent, some of us are adult babies, some of us are Furrys, or whatever we identify as, and each one of us has their reason for being here.  
 
what I would do is start by reading posts that are already here. If you like them, and you want to like them, just hit the heart at the bottom of the post. There are other reactions that can be used as well. As you like other peoples posts, and you post information online, other people will read your post, and they might like it as well. If someone likes your post enough, your reputation goes up.  
 
The highest rank here is “diaper royalty“ this would be obtained at about 600 posts. Once you hit level seven, you cannot go any higher that way. However, your reputation can go up higher than that. All I would suggest is that you continue to post, and you read other posts and like them should you choose to, and you should see your post counts and your reputation go up. I would not worry about it because as you start interacting and getting to know people, people like your posts, people will follow you, and once you have a bunch of followers, then when you post, your followers will get a notification up in your notification panel, that someone has posted. I check it every day, and that’s how I determine what I respond to first. If I find a post that I want to respond to, I either respond to it in a blank window, using the @ followed by the users name, and that user will then know that they have been “mentioned“ and therefore they will be able to follow it.  If someone reacts to your post you will see that in the notification panel as well.  
 
my advice is just try to be the best member you can be, and read it and respond to posts at your leisure. If you need help from anyone, don’t be afraid to post that you need help, and one of us will be able to help you. There is also the chat system, and I am sure there will be individuals who will be able to help you if you need it. likes and reputation points will come, so just feel free to relax and let your hair down, and start interacting – we don’t bite!
Good Luck!
Brian