Sorry no one has responded before now holybuckeye (welcome to BuckeyePlanet, BTW). Points are accumulated a number of ways. You can get them by posting, having people view and/or respond to your posts, on birthdays, receiving positive reputation, vbets, donations, theft, begging, etc., etc. There are quite a few ways the software distributes points based on your actions at BP. It all happens in (usually) very small increments, but it happen in so many different ways that it can add up quickly. Additionally, the points you have can earn interest. These points can then be used to do a variety of things. You can go to the bpBook to place bets on any current events. You can also buy certain things or options for yourself or others at the vbPlaza. That's a pretty basic overview, but it should get you started. Good luck.