Why do users have "points" associated with them?
The point-rating assigned to user profiles is a broad reflection of how active that person is on the site. Points are given automatically according to a fairly arcane set of rules; for example, uploading a file will add points to your profile. If other people really like that file, then still more points will be added, and so on. The point system is not a reward mechanism, it's simply a rough way to identify especially active users (you can say, for example, that someone with 400 points is significantly more active than someone with 100 points, but they may not be four times as active in an absolute sense).
What types of 'ground rules' are there for posting files?
All files that are to be posted in the Resource Library should be accurate and in context, petaining to the design and construction industry. Every 'tool' must have text descriptions stating the exact code/specification and year that was used in the formulation of the tool. The goal of the site is 'ease of use' for the user. It is always important for users to be able to quickly navigate to a file or files of their particular topic of choice. When possible, users should combine tools to make good concise tools, rather than tools that are fragmented and focus on only one or two equations of the specifcation. If at any time you have questions about how to best post various types of 'tools', please Contact Us before you post. We reserve the right at anytime to remove files that hamper the usability and purpose of the site.
What is the maximum file size I can upload?
The maximum file size is 40 MB. If you wish to upload larger video files, you can post them on a video hosting site, such as youtube, and then embed the url location into your file posting. One can also try compressing a file via a .zip file to help get the file below the size limitation.
What do the "stars" and "score" mean, next to a file title?
The stars are a representation of user opinions regarding that item; users can rank individual tools according to how useful they think it is (five stars = very useful; to place your vote, simply click on the star representing your opinion [farther right = higher]). Files also have a "score", listed next to the star rating. Score is slightly different; it's based on a number of factors and is assigned by software (based on a number of factors, like how many people download the file etc.)
Long story short: stars are assigned by users, and score is assigned by machine. More stars = more users think the file is awesome. Higher score = the computer thinks people like the file.