How about just giving badges to those folks who want them? That would provide a useful social signal. Oh, so you want badges to distinguish you from other fol

How about just giving badges to those folks who want them? That would provide a useful social signal. Oh, so you want badges to distinguish you from other folks? Fine - each interested person gets to define one or more badges and pass them out as she sees fit. Your badges will be recognized as marks of quality and good breeding while "those badges" will be seen as, well, best to not say. I'm reminded of Jerry Rice. When he scored a touchdown, he calmly threw the ball to the ref. When you've really made it, you act like you belong and don't need some token.