Currently, Hey! Nielsen starts each new user off with an entry-level membership level which can progress as the member makes use of the site over time. Since Hey! Nielsen is in its early stages, we will be gradually upgrading active members shortly to higher levels, as well as rewarding select members with specific "badges" to reward their status and/or expertise, such as "Music Blogger," "Sci-Fi Expert," etc.

Progression through the levels is based on a number of criteria and benchmarks, including, but not limited to:

• Total number of posts
• Variety of posts (i.e. posting about multiple topics in multiple categories)
• Number of friends invited and joined to Hey! Nielsen
• Number of "Recommenders"
• Number of Topics rated
• Completeness of profile (adding a photo, megaphones, additional demographic info, etc.)

For example, inviting up to 50 friends to Hey! Nielsen would qualify you to be at the highest level, assuming you've met other levels regarding creating opinions across multiple categories and on multiple topics. This method encourages members to post a variety of topics and opinions. For example, a person who simply creates 100 opinions on one or two topics might not move up the ladder as much as someone who creates 75 opinions spread across 25 different topics.