lost amongst the stars... ?

[krump]

I first discovered the forums approx 6 weeks ago, and being curious I just started reading topics. Ultimately I saved the page to favourites and lost the "map". Now I'm stopping to ask for directions: I know there is a simple explanation but I can't find the link.
1) what do the coloured stars (by user names) mean?
2) why are different colours used?
3) when do I get my first star, and in what colour?
4) what does LOL mean - laugh out loud???
5) NMRA and Canadians - is there a benefit... ?
6) why are the CURRENT month's magazines completely removed from all stores around mid month ( I know that NEXT month's magazine are arriving, but why not return unsold Sept issues on Oct 1)...? I live in small town Canada and buy the MR magazine from the grocery store - there are no "hobby shops" in the immediate area that carry the magazine so I need to go to a bigger centre to get baackorders - May, Aug, Sept... PS- for me due to exchange, it's cheaper to buy the magazine at the store then through a subscription.

[krump]

I first discovered the forums approx 6 weeks ago, and being curious I just started reading topics. Ultimately I saved the page to favourites and lost the "map". Now I'm stopping to ask for directions: I know there is a simple explanation but I can't find the link.
1) what do the coloured stars (by user names) mean?
2) why are different colours used?
3) when do I get my first star, and in what colour?
4) what does LOL mean - laugh out loud???
5) NMRA and Canadians - is there a benefit... ?
6) why are the CURRENT month's magazines completely removed from all stores around mid month ( I know that NEXT month's magazine are arriving, but why not return unsold Sept issues on Oct 1)...? I live in small town Canada and buy the MR magazine from the grocery store - there are no "hobby shops" in the immediate area that carry the magazine so I need to go to a bigger centre to get baackorders - May, Aug, Sept... PS- for me due to exchange, it's cheaper to buy the magazine at the store then through a subscription.

[IRONROOSTER]

I'll answer what I can:
1) represent number of posts, don't know the schedule - first is one purple.
2) probably to avoid too many stars - MR folks seem to have unique colors and numbers
4) means lots of laughter - at least to me.
5) for me the chief benefit of the NMRA is the standards, second the monthly magazine. I've been a member for over 30 years.
6) probably the store's policy with all their magazines. hobby shops around here usually have one or two back issues, but the bookstores, grocers, etc. never do for any magazine.
Enjoy
Paul

[IRONROOSTER]

I'll answer what I can:
1) represent number of posts, don't know the schedule - first is one purple.
2) probably to avoid too many stars - MR folks seem to have unique colors and numbers
4) means lots of laughter - at least to me.
5) for me the chief benefit of the NMRA is the standards, second the monthly magazine. I've been a member for over 30 years.
6) probably the store's policy with all their magazines. hobby shops around here usually have one or two back issues, but the bookstores, grocers, etc. never do for any magazine.
Enjoy
Paul

[krump]

thanks for the reply Paul. I was quite certain that I'd read some of the details earlier, just couldn't find it back - and that bugged me.
cheers

[krump]

thanks for the reply Paul. I was quite certain that I'd read some of the details earlier, just couldn't find it back - and that bugged me.
cheers

[Anonymous]

1) what do the coloured stars (by user names) mean?
It is a ranking system based upon the number of posts a member has made. It's purpose is more fun in nature than to be taken seriously.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6114

2) why are different colours used?
Between the different forums? Like CTT (Classic Toy Trains) is red and MR (Model Railroader) is blue? It's branding. While it's technically the same forums, we wanted to make the different forums unique for each Magazine.

3) when do I get my first star, and in what colour?
50 posts -- the color is purple.

4) what does LOL mean - laugh out loud???
That is correct -- Laughing out loud.

You can find out more here:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5925

#5 & #6 -- I don't have an answer for.

[Anonymous]

1) what do the coloured stars (by user names) mean?
It is a ranking system based upon the number of posts a member has made. It's purpose is more fun in nature than to be taken seriously.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6114

2) why are different colours used?
Between the different forums? Like CTT (Classic Toy Trains) is red and MR (Model Railroader) is blue? It's branding. While it's technically the same forums, we wanted to make the different forums unique for each Magazine.

3) when do I get my first star, and in what colour?
50 posts -- the color is purple.

4) what does LOL mean - laugh out loud???
That is correct -- Laughing out loud.

You can find out more here:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5925

#5 & #6 -- I don't have an answer for.

[krump]

thanks again David,
1) another idea - I think little coloured locomotives and railcars would be appropriately cool
2) ohhh
3) what I thought, almoost there
4) LOL
5-6) thats ok, for me the jury is out on 5, and re 6, I don't mind the trips to the store - gives me something to do (LOL)
thanks

[krump]

thanks again David,
1) another idea - I think little coloured locomotives and railcars would be appropriately cool
2) ohhh
3) what I thought, almoost there
4) LOL
5-6) thats ok, for me the jury is out on 5, and re 6, I don't mind the trips to the store - gives me something to do (LOL)
thanks