Merit Badge Info

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 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 them?
Clicking on a member's Community Recognition number will launch a window containing a summary of badges that have been received. Merit Badges also reside on a special page within a member's portfolio and may be viewed by the public as long as that account exists. As awardicons are awards for 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 who 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 their 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, as well; reward the winning Authors as well as their Items!

Why should I give a Merit Badge?
Giving a Merit Badge counts toward a member's Community Recognition, which is a summary of a member's 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 one out?
Just visit your Gift Points pulldown menu and choose Merit Badge Shop. 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 and added to his or her Community Recognition.

How much does it cost?
Each Merit Badge costs 10,000 GPs* 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 public and private portfolio. To view your collection from within your portfolio, just head to your portfolio and click "Merit Badges" from underneath your large portfolio icon. Visitors to your portfolio will also access your Merit Badges from this same link.

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. Head to your Author Tools pulldown menu and choose "WritingML Help". From there, click on "Merit Badges" for complete instructions.

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 touch them.

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 the "Merit Badges" link from underneath the large portfolio image.

Where can I view all of the Merit Badges that have been given out within the community?
Scroll to the top of any page and click "Merit Badges" within the main navigation. 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

Can I give them to Groups?
At this time, that option is not available. In the future, we may make that option available at a greater GP cost per Merit Badge. For now, you may award Groups awardicons.

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

How can I view the Merit Badges that I've given out?
Visit your Gift Point Tools pulldown menu and choose "Given: Badges".

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

http://www.Writing.Com/main/badges

* The price for a new Merit Badge is subject to change without notice.