What is the number on people's pictures mean and what do metals do?(I know its best answer, I will give one) I just started this site but I love it!

Question

timaashorty · Answer

First of all, Hello and welcome to openstudy! The numbers on everyone's picture is presented as their smart score. When you engage in helping people, or even simply by asking questions and getting medals this smart score gets up. Of course, as soon as you get to higher schools, it will take much longer to get up than before. The medals are given to the people that help you.  For example: You asked  question somebody explained it or answered brilliantly, you give them a medal to show them your appreciation.

anonymous · Answer

The number is the users SmartScore(SS). It shows how active the user is on this site. The more you help and ask questions, the more it will raise. Medals will help the user given the medal by increasing their SS. Medals given to you will raise you SS. As your SS raises, it will become harder and harder to raise. 

Additional info:
Users with a small A next to their name are OpenStudy Ambassadors, and users with a purple border on their picture are moderators(mods). 

You will always want to be nice and helpful when you can. You can also fan a user by holding your mouse over their picture. If you feel somebody was awesome, and you want to thank them further, you can write them a testimonial. I hope this answers your question thoroughly.

compassionate · Answer

Ambassador reporting in. 

We're quite nice, and if you have any questions you can ask an Ambassador.