Merit Badges are the perfect way to recognize another Writing.Com member for effort and excellence! Whether given out for the member's writing, reviewing, interactions or personality, a Merit Badge will be a lasting reminder of your sincere appreciation.

What is a Merit Badge?
On Writing.Com, Merit Badges are virtual symbols of recognition that are given at will from one member to another. Each badge is custom-designed by Writing.Com to represent a particular trait, specialty skill or theme. Merit Badges received by a member count toward his or her "Community Recognition" , which is the number located after that member's handle.


How can I view Merit Badges?
Clicking on a member's Community Recognition number will launch a window containing a summary of merit badges that he or she has received. Merit Badges also reside on an author's ""Community" Tab"  within a member's portfolio and may be viewed by the public as long as that account exists. As "Awardicons"  are awards for individual items, Merit Badges are awards for the authors themselves!

To whom should I give a Merit Badge?
Merit Badges should be given to any Writing.Com member whom you would like to recognize for any reason. Is there someone you feel has excelled in a certain genre or a type of writing? Has a member supported you through his or her words or actions? Do you see someone participating in the community and want to recognize his or her efforts? No reason is too trivial; all members appreciate positive recognition for whatever reason!

Merit Badges are also a great way to reward members who have excelled in a project or fulfilled their requirements in a group. They are great to use as prizes in a contest; reward the winning authors with Merit Badges and their items with "Awardicons" !

Why should I give a Merit Badge?
Giving a Merit Badge counts toward a member's Community Recognition, which is a summary of his or her presence within the Writing.Com community. Therefore, you are not only handing out a visual badge of recognition for that member to display, you are also helping a member build his or her presence within the community.

How do I give a Merit Badge?
There are a few ways to give someone a Merit Badge. The quickest way is to click the member's handle and choose Send a Merit Badge from the dropdown menu. You can also click the Shop or Gift Points link from within the navigation under the Writing.Com logo and choose Merit Badges. You may also click here: http://www.Writing.Com/main/badges. Simply choose the Merit Badge that best suits your reason for recognition and include a few comments of explanation. After the badge is given, the member will receive a detailed notification email, the badge will be added to the Merit Badge collection within his or her portfolio "Community" tab and also added to his or her Community Recognition.

How much does it cost?
Each Merit Badge costs 10,000 "Gift Points" 1 each time you want to give one to another member.

How many Merit Badges may I give out?
There is no limit on the number of Merit Badges you may give out to other members. However, only one given Merit Badge per member per 14 day period counts toward a member's Community Recognition.

How many Merit Badges can I collect?
There is no limit on the number of Merit Badges you can receive from other members. However, only one received Merit Badge per member per 14 day period counts toward your Community Recognition.

Where will my Merit Badges be stored? How can I find them?
You can quickly access a complete summary of your Merit Badges by clicking the Community Recognition number located next to your handle. Using this method, Merit Badges can be viewed individually by topic or as an entire collection. All of your Merit Badges will also be stored and available from within your portfolio. To view your collection from within your portfolio, just head to your portfolio and click the "Community" tab. Visitors to your community recognition and portfolio will also access your Merit Badges from these same links.

Can I display Merit Badges in my signature?
Yes, by using WritingML, you can quickly and easily add a Merit Badge (or more) to your signature. Please read WritingML Help for badge.

Can I download them to store in my portfolio?
No, you may not download the Merit Badges. Each Merit Badge is owned by Writing.Com and may not be used for personal use. There are many tools provided for displaying them without having to actually download or manipulate them in any way.

How can I view another member's Merit Badge collection?
You can quickly access a complete summary of another member's Merit Badges by clicking the Community Recognition number located next to his or her handle. Using this method, Merit Badges can be viewed individually by topic or as an entire collection. You will also find Merit Badges from within a member's portfolio by clicking his or her "Community" tab.

Where can I view all of the Merit Badges that have been given out within the community?
From the Things To Do & Read link in the navigation under the Writing.Com logo, click on Merit Badges. This will display all of the Merit Badges that have been given within the community. You may also click here: http://www.writing.com/main/badges.php?action=show&show=all

Where can I view all of the Merit Badges that I have given out to other members?
From the Gift Point Tools link in the navigation under the Writing.Com logo, click on Merit Badges: Given. This will display all of the Merit Badges that you have given within the community. You may also click here: http://www.writing.com/main/badges/action/given_badges

Can I give Merit Badges to Groups?
No, groups are items and items must be rewarded with "Awardicons" .

Can I give myself a Merit Badge?
No, Merit Badges may only be given to other members.

Can I request a new Merit Badge design?
Yes, you may request a badge design that is not currently in stock. Please fill out: "Costumicon/Merit Badge Requests" .2