Your "rank" increases with number of posts. I'll defer to one of the moderators as to the breakdown. I did want to comment on your post though. When I joined the site I was not familiar with all the terms and techniques either so I've have learned a lot from the members on here. Everyone I've met has been willing to help and have gone out of their way to show me the ropes.
You don't have to just post "how to" or big catch pictures. Our state guys, as do most, are quick to post a "good job, good trip, good pictures or better luck next time" and they all count as posts so you don't always have to post about a trip or info to boost your post count and increase your "rank".
You can even laugh at someone when they forget the drain plug and still get a post count.