what do the points stand for and why do you want want them on this site?
91695
Here's a breakdown of the scoring system: http://answers.yahoo.com/info/scoring_system;_ylt=ApsI0C6bJpcrAdnhIvylGJAezKIX\n\nPoints don't really mean a whole lot except to tell you who uses this service the most. For me, it's a challenge. Can I answer enough questions to get to the next level? You lose 2 points when you ask a question, but if you pick a best answer, you get them back.
164786
i dont kno i jus want points
1084049
Just click on the points appearing next to your name and it will provide a full explanation of the points system.  Good luck.
241411
I hope you mean the avatars.. the cartoony looking people? If you click on your own name (up above where it says how many points you have etc...) you can click on "EDIT" where all of your information is and then select what you wish to show.\nHope this helps, if not, add on to your question because I'm not certain what you mean =)
25089
If the site attracts enough users I expect the points system to be radically changed, possibly rewarding only "Best Answers" and "Thumbs Up" ratings.  That would be the way to encourage and reward positive participation and quality.  As it stands now, they are on a mission of getting people here and keeping them for a while, so basically any and all participation is rewarded.
277730
Yep, I'm trying to get points and I don't know what they are for.\n\nWhen I don't see anything that interests me anymore.
43437
It's a policy that Yahoo just implemented to help prevent the abuse of asking stupid questions.  You may have noticed the question spam on the site and Yahoo is trying to get rid of some of this.  You get your points back though after at least 24 hours when you select a best answer or put the questions to a vote.  I personally like it!
139540
Go up near the top of the page. Your points are highlighted.\nClick on the points and it will take you to a page where it is explained.
1155212
Addition, but stop making us vote for your answer. Can't you see points don't matter at all?? Points are just for fun. Why do you try so much to get those 10 points for that question by putting links to it everywhere and you don't try to really answer good, real questions? Only then you would deserve the 10 points!
227253
WERE JUST HERE TO GET POINTS WE ANSWER HOW MANY QUESTIONS WE CAN FOR POINTS TO GET ON THE LEADERBOARD I'AM NEW SO I SHOULD BE THERE SOON MAKE SURE YOU PICK A BEST ANSWER THAT GIVES THE PERSON THAT YOU CHOOSE 10 POINTS IF I'AM ON THERE PLEASE CHOOSE ME I REALLY NEED THOSE THANKS SWEETY
748094
This site is intended for people to ask serious questions and get serious answers. Those of us who know some things would like to get the points we deserve for the time and effort we take to answer instead of seeing yahoos get points for being plain silly. This goes for all categories of the Yahoo Answers site, not just the Baseball category.
1073940
Basically it is something to make it worth your while to be on the site.If you go to the home page,you will find your answers. I personally like the communication factor. We get to exchange  ideas with people all over the world.We get to know what the people think not just what their respective politicians tell us. That is so cool!!! Peace.
507900
can get 2 points from telling that if u ask question u lose points instead of gaining.. so u should be rating stuff and voting ... and answering... to get them back....
259427
b/c they want the points that mean nothing.
937631
We all get them eventually seems it gives some people a thrill you don't say how many you have had and looking at your points you are a frequent user of Q&A so the qouta of violations may work out against the volume of your usage that's not to say that makes it right for small minded people to target you purley because you have a lot of points and use the site regulary Please don't let them get to you they really are not worth worrying about keep on at yahoo for a reply let us know how you get on good luck
2385
I have no idea...the "how it works" section just says "Points and levels help you keep tabs on how active you (and others) are on Yahoo! Answers. You get points for different types of actions, like answering a question. The more points you get, the higher your level."
522195
The points are absolutely, totally pointless (no pun intended!). We thrive to gain more and more points...for absolutely no reason what so ever. Perhaps they can be used for bragging rights? Who knows...\nAs far as changing you smiley face, go into My Q&A (it's in the top right hand side of the screen). From there, click onto "Edit My Profile." In there, you can either upload your Yahoo! Avatar, or the main picture on your 360 page. \nHope this helps!