Leveling up is your ticket to swag – here’s how!

When Current:News launched, we snuck in a leveling system for community participation. Since then, our levels have expanded with a fourth track and achievements. Yet people wonder – “What are levels for, how do I level up, and why would I want to?”

Here’s a re-hash of our levels, achievements, and swag details. We want to leave an element of surprise, but it’s enough to get you going:

// How many levels are there? //

We have four leveling tracks, each with four levels. That means there’s a whopping 16 levels to aspire to, and each one has unique attributes.

// How do I know what level I am? //

When you level up on Current, we’ll send you an email with the details. We know emails get lost in junk filters, so you can check your status on your profile page.

There are four tracks are on the levels tab: picked for TV (pink), producer (periwinkle blue), contributor (orange), and commentator (aqua). Each track includes your total points accumulated and color-coded box indicating your level. For each level you earn, another box lights up with the color for that track.

// Picked for TV //

It’s exactly what it sounds like, anytime something you’ve posted makes it to TV you will get closer to leveling up. Get picked for TV 30 times and you’ll make level 2.

// Producer //

Producers work hard on VC2 and VCAM eligible videos, so the number required to level up reflect that. You’ll need one upload for level 1, and more than 15 for level 2. To shoot for level 3 you’ll need over 40 VC2 or VCAM eligible uploads.

// Contributor //

Contributors clip news stories, blog posts, photos and videos from around the web, or upload videos that are not eligible for VCAM or VC2. Level 1 requires only one contribution, but you’ll need over 200 contributions to make level 2. Level 3 entails accumulating over 600 contributions.

// Commentator //

Commentators weigh in with comments and votes. For each day that you comment and/or vote 5 times (in any combination) you earn 1 commentator kudos. You only need one kudos to make it to level 1. Level 2 requires more than 30. If you’re up for the challenge, shoot for level 3 – more than 90 commentator kudos are needed.

// So what is this for, and what do I get? //

One reason for leveling up is to show others in the Current community where you stand. Community members who level up are more likely to be involved on a regular basis. Plus, we’ll continue to build out this system over time.

It’s not just about profile recognition, we want to reward you, too. If you reach level 2 as a contributor, commentator, or producer, you’ll score a unique Current swag kit. Make sure you update your email and mailing address on your profile on Current.

We also have some rewards cooked up for higher levels. These could include access to private betas, or could be something similar to our producer/contributor/commentator level 3 recommendation power: http://current.com/items/88943502_

// You mentioned something about achievements? //

The achievements tab on your profile page is like a trophy case, detailing how many of your pods, commercials, news stories, or comments have made it on air on Current TV.

We also added an activity tab, which lists a total count of your contributions, responses, videos, webcams, and votes on Current.com.

// I got my level 2 email. Where’s my swag? //

We process swag once a month, so if you’ve reached level 2 as a contributor, commentator, or producer sit tight. If you haven’t received a swag pack email, then shoot us a message at feedback [at] current [dot] com.

Still curious? Check out our FAQ: http://current.com/s/faq.htm#What_are_levels_and_why_do_I_need_them

Now go forth and level up!

Mario

Online Community Team