When I started using the message board I didn't think about rank or anything. I didn't care for any title, so I figured out how to remove it. When people had problems that I could help with, I did. Then one day I found that I was an apprentice.
I was really surprised. I thought it was a mistake! But it felt good to get the recognition. Not because I was here long enough, or because I posted X number of posts. It was because someone, somewhere thought my contribution mattered. That really felt good. To this day, I don't think I would appreciate it the same if it were some automatic thing.
BTW, having the rank comes with some extra responsibilities. It isn't about how people look at you, or how you look at yourself. It is about how responsibly you deal with the privileges. I have learned a lot. And there have been times that I wished I didn't have the rank.
I am learning, even now, how to assume the added responsibilities in a fair and just manner.
Getting a rank isn't about looking good on some message board. or some ego boost to yourself, or some status symbol to mark you from someone newer. It's about a whole lot more. For me, it is a whole new level of care and responsibility, commitment to the artists and patrons of the site, thoughtful and erudite application of judgement...
